Gua Sha or Skin Scraping originated in the Paleolithic Age and has been an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine used to prevent or treat disease in many Asian Cultures. In Eastern Medicine it is believed that stagnation causes disease, so movement is key to healing and health. Health Scraping (self Gua Sha) is a daily ritual for individuals in most Asian countries. Just as we use a loofa in the shower, Scraping is used over clothing or before or after bathing with oil or lotion to stimulate circulation and prevent disease.
Increasing blood flow to an area that is in pain, irritated, or restricted helps healing to occur by allowing blood and nutrients into the interstitial space where you are experiencing your pain. This also helps to take away toxins that may be stuck in the tissue thus, allowing a waste exchange cycle to reengage. In addition to increased blood flow, Gua Sha is a phenomenal way to break up scar tissue which is limiting joint movement, binding to underlying muscle tissue, blocking interstitial fluid movement, and causing diffuse achy pain.
