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Ancient wellness techniques from the past are now embraced in modern wellness. One such example is gua sha, a practice used for centuries across East and Southeast Asia. The method is believed to have potential therapeutic benefits.
Gua sha has been a traditional Chinese medicine tool for more than 2,000 years, WebMD reports. Today, it is often used as an alternative therapy by licensed acupuncturists. Gua Sha may also help with a variety of health issues.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua sha literally means “scrape sand” according to Healthline. The technique involves gliding a tool – sometimes made of rose quartz, jade, or amethyst – along the skin with a scraping motion. This technique may support detoxification, muscle relaxation, and healing.
WebMD explains the scraping may activate both the immune system and nervous system. The method could help with migraine headaches, swelling, anxiety, and more.
How to Do Gua Sha
While many people choose to see a certified professional for a gua sha massage, it’s also possible to do it yourself.
“Always work in the direction of lymphatic flow and finish with deep breathing or light massage to enhance results,” Dr. Barbara Kubicka, a dermatologist and director of London’s Clinicbe, tells the Rituals blog.
Kubicka suggests starting with clean and dry skin. Apply a skin-friendly oil, such as jojoba or rosehip oil. To boost circulation in the legs, use the tool to make sweeping upward strokes from the ankles to the thighs to support lymphatic flow and ease heavy legs.
To reduce hip and thigh tension, use long, firm strokes from the thighs upward to relieve puffiness and tightness. Stimulate the arms by gliding from the wrists to the shoulders, finishing each stroke at the armpits to support drainage. To aid digestion, circle gently around the belly button, then sweep upward toward the ribs to ease bloating. Release shoulder tension by sweeping the tool across the lower back and out from the shoulders to help ease muscle tension.
The Importance of Aftercare
Wrap up the treatment with deep breaths, a light massage, or a lymph-supporting drink such as warm water with lemon.
While gua sha is generally considered safe, practitioners recommend that people who take blood thinners, have diabetes, and are pregnant avoid the treatment, according to WebMD. It is generally wise to consult a physician before trying gua sha.
But for those looking for relief from aches and pains, the ancient practice of gua sha may provide a gentle path to comfort and relief.
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