Introduction:

At the Macquarie St. Clinic of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine (SYDNEYTCM) we use an array of Traditional procedures to assist our patients in their recovery, from acupuncture both traditional and laser, Chinese herbal medicine (granulated and patent), cupping, massage and Gua Sha - Scraping.

Below is a short introduction in to the skill, method and art know as Gua Sha

 

Gua Sha or scraping has had a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. Unlike acupuncture it is a non-invasive procedure that can be performed in the clinical setting or at home. It is the art and practise of rubbing the skin with an implement that will increase blood circulation at that localised area. It can be used for pain relief and expelling Wind evils (a.k.a-colds and flues).

 

The procedure it self: the Practice of Gua Sha

 

Firstly, we apply a few drops of Gua Sha oil on to the skin surface. This oil is specifically designed for the Gua Sha treatment; it contains medical herbs with properties which will enhance the blood moving (circulating) or toxin eliminating function of Gua Sha treatment.

 

Then, we take our Gua Sha tool (there are many to choose from), or a coin, soup spoon, or metal cap (some of these are used by other practitioner, but not used at our clinic) and slowly and continuously making long strokes, rub down from the neck down the posterior aspect of the back (which is the most common area, but not the only area - other areas are also treated).

 

Initially one will be able to start to see a few red spots that will guide you where to concentrate on. We would continue for approx 5 - 10 min depending on the condition and severity. You may find that some purple marks could also appear in some patients. These marks are not sought out when dealing with infants, only a pink glow is sufficient.

Gua Sha is safe, simple and effective traditional procedure to do. The marks (if any) will only be viable for a few days, before disappearing as will the condition which the patient presented with.

 

Gua Sha can be used to alleviate the following:

Chronic degenerative diseases,

Migraines

Chronic neck pain

Chronic shoulder pain

Back pain

Bone spurs

Strains and sprains

Menstrual disorders

Insomnia

Heart disease

Hypertension

Vertigo

Sinusitis

Ear and eye disorders

Chronic infections

Sciatica

Osteo arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Bursitis,

Neuralgia

Asthma

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Stress,

Digestive disorders,

Muscle aches

Skin disorders

And much more

 

About the author:

Rodd Sanchez is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine) and clinic director at the Macquarie St. Clinic of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine. In the past he has been a nurse working in the field of psychiatrics, paediatrics and age care for over 12 years. At present he is a lecture, guest speaker and student clinic supervisor for the Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine-

His interest are traditional therapeutic methods and therapeutic Chinese dietary therapy

 

If you would like to learn more about Gua Sha / Scaping or would like to purchase a hand crafted marble Gua Sha - please feel free to contact Rodd Sanchez on (02) 9221 0699 or email Rodd at info@sydneytcm.com . Alternatively you may visit the clinic website at www.sydneytcm.com