Gua Sha Therapy
Release pain, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and more
In traditional Chinese medicine, Gua Sha is a healing technique that involves using a smooth-edged tool to gently “scrape” oil-lubricated areas of the body. Gua means ‘scrape’ and Sha means ‘petechiae’ — reddish, purple bruises. The scraping motion releases existing blockages in the body’s internal energy system or Qi.
The superficial, broken blood vessels activate an anti-inflammatory and immune response, which improves blood and lymphatic circulation, release pain, and reduce tension, and can also enrich the skin’s appearance.
Gua Sha Therapy is an available add-on treatment to acupuncture. Learn more about acupuncture here.
We also offer Acupuncture for Facial Rejuvenation with Gua Sha. Facial gua sha is gentle and does not create any markings. Learn more about this treatment here.
What to Expect
Gua Sha consists of balanced, gentle strokes performed in a single direction. Our Gua Sha treatments are painless. During and following a Gua Sha treatment, our patients may feel an energetic change and/or begin to perspire.
Gua Sha treatments performed during a facial rejuvenation treatment are gentle and do not create any markings. Gua Sha treatments performed as an add-on to an acupuncture may create reddish markings depending on your diagnosis and treatment. Typically, the redness will disappear within 2 to 4 days.
Your practitioner will provide you with additional information and after-care instructions based on your treatment.
Our Practitioners Offering Gua Sha Therapy
Sonya Schwartz, LAC, MS
Founder, Acupuncture, Fire Cupping Therapy, Herbal Medicine, Holistic Skincare, and Gua Sha Therapy
“I've been going here for a month and I really feel heard and understood. The atmosphere is calming and all the girls who work there are great at what they do. I use my time there to meditate and relax.”
— Sherrie A.
