Gua sha, pronounced “gwa shaw,” is a common healing modality used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. “Gua” means scrape and “sha” means sand. Depending on the condition being treated, the skin is scraped using a blunt-edged tool, traditionally an ox bone. Jade gua sha tools, mason jar lids, and even coins are commonly used for gua sha. The scraping on the skin creates red marks similar to the appearance of sand. Gua sha is used to increase circulation, decrease inflammation and toxicity, and can be used for muscular tension such as neck pain, shoulder pain, mid and low back pain, as well as for tendonitis, headaches, migraines, colds, flu, asthma, bronchitis, and emotional stress. Gua sha helps unblock stuck energy, promoting circulation, and helping to clear internal heat and inflammation that can lead to a multitude of health problems. Proper circulation can be a key component in good health.
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Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.