What is Gua sha?

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing method in which a trained professional uses a smooth-edged tool to stroke your skin while they press on it. It is very useful for musculoskeletal problems, especially major ones like tightness in the shoulders, legs and back. It can also help alleviate tension headaches, migraines, neck pain or swelling in your body.

This motion raises small, red, rash-like dots that show under your skin.

People use Gua sha to treat chronic pain all over their body.  Gua sha is promoting that flow of qi (energy) through the body.

What can Gua sha do for me?

With Gua sha, acupuncture and TCM, we look at a host of illnesses. If you don’t have that smooth flow of blood and energy throughout your body, it can manifest as muscle knots, soreness, weakness or pain.

What can I expect during a Gua sha treatment?

Oil will be applied to the area of the body that is being treated, which allows the Gua sha tool to move across the skin more smoothly.

The gua sha tool will be pressed into the body with smooth, firm strokes in one direction. If Gua sha is being carried out on the back, or back of the legs, a person may need to lie face down on a massage table. 

Is Gua sha painful?

Treatment is not supposed to be painful, but Gua sha deliberately cause redness and bruise like markings on the treated area, which may cause discomfort for some people. These should heal within a few days.

How long is the session?

We carry out this treatment in one hour sessions. Your first session will involve a full consultation to find out about your main concerns, and to assess your overall past health history. Your practitioner will work out a treatment plan using this information and tailor the process to your individual needs. Information about any medication/supplements you are taking will be useful to us at this stage, as well as any recent test results. After the consultation, there will be time for a short treatment.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies depending on the severity of your symptoms and the nature of your condition, we will take time in your initial consultation to work out a timescale which bests suits your individual needs. However, we do usually see clients around one or two times per week for first four weeks.

What do I need to wear?

It is best to wear loose clothing for your therapy sessions, and we do not recommend that you eat a large meal, drink strong coffee or alcohol just prior to a treatment.

What happens if I fall asleep during the session?

Falling asleep during Gua Sha is actually very common and is nothing to be embarrassed about, in fact a large proportion of our client's do fall into a deep sleep during the process due to its relaxing nature.

Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?

Nothing - just bring yourself and we will do the rest!

How will I feel after an Gua sha session?

We would expect you to feel very calm and relaxed both during and after your session.

Is Gua sha suitable if I am pregnant? 

Yes, the beauty of Gua Sha is that it is tailored. we are able to change the treatment accordingly. However, it is important to inform therapist if you think you may be pregnant. Please seek guidance form your GP/midwife if any concerns arise prior to your session.