What is Guasha?

Guasha is an ancient healing technique used by many TCM practitioners. In this procedure, a lubricating medium, such as massage oil, is applied to the skin of the area to be treated. A smooth-edged instrument is used to apply short or long strokes on the skin, typically in the area of pain or on the back parallel to the spine. This stroking motion creates raised redness or bruising which normal disappears within a week.

What it does?

In the TCM tradition, pain is often caused by the stagnation of Qi and blood in the local area of discomfort. The guiding principle behind Guasha is that this technique has the ability to break up stagnation, to promote the smooth flow of blood in the area, thereby relieving pain.

While Guasha is most commonly used to treat pain, this method is also effective to address conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, colds, flu, fever, heatstroke, fibromyalgia, strains, sprains, and muscle spasms.

When I was a child and had high fever, my grand mother did the Guasha on me. Then she asked me to play or run around to promote sweating. After that, my fever has gone without the need to see the GP.

How it is done?

Skin surface is lubricated first and then scrapped by a Chinese ceramic spoon (sanitized). The scraping last for about 10 minutes or until there is no colour change on the skin. It is slightly painful but this is a quick way to release the "heat toxin" from the body.