Hannah Wang Acupuncture & Herbs

Guasha (scraping)

Guasha is a natural, alternative therapy that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve circulation.

This ancient Chinese healing technique helps to break up stagnant energy, called chi, in the body that can cause inflammation, which is the underlying cause of several conditions associated with chronic pain. 

In guasha, a technician "scrapes" your skin using a smooth-edged gua massage tool. The strokes stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which increases blood flow.

The technician applies massage oil to your skin, and then uses the tool to repeatedly scrape your skin in a downward motion. It's generally performed on the back, buttocks, neck, arms, and legs. A gentle version of can also be used on the face. Your technician may apply mild pressure, and gradually increase intensity to determine how much force you can handle.

Scraping is guided by the theory of meridian acupoints in traditional Chinese medicine. It can also be used with acupuncture, cupping, bloodletting, and other therapies to enhance the effects of activating blood circulation, removing blood stasis, and detoxifying.