If you regularly suffer from migraines or cluster headaches, then you’ll also know that finding a medication that works can be challenging. Not only are you dealing with the unpleasantness of throbbing headaches, but you’re also exposing your body to the side effects of excessive medication.
Finding a safe and effective balance between the medication you’re using for a specific ailment can often be as exhausting as having to deal with the condition itself. With this in mind, many Australians are resorting to the acupuncture Brighton locals believe in. Another Traditional Chinese Medicine that’s often applied with acupuncture is Gua Sha.
What is Gua Sha
More commonly referred to as skin scraping, Gua Sha (pronounced gwa-sha) is a Chinese healing technique that involves using a smooth-edged tool to firmly stroke the skin in a specific direction. The Gua Sha practitioner will also apply an oil or specially formulated serum to the skin to make it easier for the tool to glide over the affected area.
The practice is believed to break up any blocked or stagnant energy which is usually referred to as Chi. Since stroking the skin helps improve blood flow, it is believed that inflammation is reduced and circulation improved.
Gua Sha can be performed using one of a variety of tools, which can include the following:
- Rose quartz: As one of the more popular Gua Sha materials, rose quartz is known for boosting soothing properties, which are more commonly associated with healing.
- Bian stone: This is an ancient stone widely associated with therapeutic healing properties and can either be black or dark green and will always have a slightly rough texture.
- Stainless steel: Many Gua Sha practitioners prefer using stainless steel because it’s an amazing antibacterial material that can easily sterilised and cleaned. Stainless steel Gua Sha tools also don’t break as some stones can.
- Jade: Another common tool you may see during your Gua Sha session is a jade stone. Well-known for its ability to balance the body’s energies and with its cooling properties, it can keep your skin cool during the treatment.
Gua Sha can be performed on various parts of the body, and this will then also affect the shape and size of the tool used. Here’s a simple breakdown of the factors your practitioner will consider when selecting the right tool for the ailment you’re dealing with:
- Shape: Gua Sha tools used on the neck and face are usually curved in shape to glide over the contours of your skin.
- Size: Small Gua Sha tools are typically used for the eye and surrounding areas.
- Edge thickness: Larger skin areas, such as the back, arms, and legs, will require a bigger tool with thicker edges to be effective. Your face and neck area will require a gentler approach, which means opting for a tool with a thinner edge.
A Few Good Reasons to Consider a Gua Sha Treatment
The main focus of a Gua Sha treatment is to scrape the surface of the skin to improve the flow of your Chi. When this happens, the chemicals released in your body will activate your immune and nervous system which will have several benefits such as those listed below.
1. Reduce the Effects of Chronic or Localised Pain
Several different Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments are commonly used to treat chronic and localised pain. Performing a Gua Sha treatment on your back, arms, and legs is an effective way to release muscle swelling and pain.
Migraines, tension and cluster headaches are often treated with a massage to the face and neck area. When this is done, an increase in blood flow can help to reduce blood vessel blockages. Increasing blood supply to the tissues in your head goes a long way toward easing the symptoms commonly associated with migraines and other headache types.
2. Boosts Blood Circulation
When Gua Sha massages are performed on the body, blood circulation is improved. This, in turn, allows oxygen, nutrients and hormones to flow more freely through the body. The benefits of this include:
- Organs functioning more effectively
- Promotes heart health
- Enables wounds to heal faster
3. Encourages Lymphatic Drainage
People who suffer from gut issues such as bloating or other issues such as blocked sinuses and brain fog, it could be as a result of underlying issues with blocked lymph nodes. A few Gua Sha sessions will help to drain the lymph node fluid, which reduces swelling and trapped inflammation. By removing toxins and waste from your organs, you will instantly start feeling better.
Final Thoughts
By opting for a Gua Sha treatment, you will be able to promote your overall circulation, which helps to relieve localised or general pain. Other benefits of this age-old treatment will see you having your sinuses unblocked, a reduction in headaches, and even helping to improve sleeping patterns. Combining your Gua Sha with treatments such as acupuncture will go a long way toward improving your overall well-being.
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