Gua Sha Technique to Move Chi

A common treatment practice within acupuncture is the use of “Gua Sha” to free up stagnant blood flow within the muscles. “Gua Sha” uses a massage tool with a blunt edge to scrape the skin. It feels like a deep massage: relaxing and loosening muscle tension. The skin reacts to “Gua Sha” in a dramatic way. The stagnant blood within the muscle will come to the surface as a red, purple or blue “bruise.” The bruise can look bright and dark depending on the amount of blood stasis in the area. The “bruise” does not hurt however. Instead, there is a feeling of looseness that is relieving.