Chinese Guasha massage is little known in our country, but interest in the original oriental technique and the number of followers is growing every year. In the article you will become familiar with the intricacies of performing Chinese massage, learn about indications and contraindications for use.
Chinese traditional medicine is unique and original. Its main principle is not only in treatment, but also in the desire to use a unique technique to activate the reserve forces of the human body itself.
Guasha massage is one of a kind, translated as “scraping off the bad.” Initially, a coin was used as a scraping tool, and any person without special training or skills could do the massage.
The entire technique consists of directed movements of the plates along reflex points. If we rub two solid bodies against each other, heat is released - this is known from a physics textbook. When rubbing the upper layers of the epidermis, blood and lymph circulation increases and metabolic processes in the body are launched.
The method was loved for its accessibility and simplicity. In China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, Gua Sha massage has become a common procedure for colds, but its capabilities are much wider, it all depends on the goal.
Guasha massage comes in three types:
- Prophylactic, to prevent diseases such as the common cold. It is good to do a massage in the autumn-winter period before an epidemic of influenza and ARVI.
- Cosmetic massage to improve skin health, get rid of wrinkles, age spots and excess weight.
- Therapeutic massage is the fight against diseases and their diagnosis based on “sha” spots that appear after the session.
For a home Guasha massage you need: a scraper, hands, desire and ability to perform the exercises correctly. In beauty salons, depending on the time spent on gua sha massage, the price starts from 1000 rubles.
Scraper for Guasha massage
Initially, massage was done with the edge of a coin; now a wide variety of scrapers are used for this procedure. The shape, degree of curvature and number of teeth of the scraper have no certain limits, the main thing is that it exerts the necessary pressure on the body, does not have sharp edges and does not scratch the skin.
The scraper (plate) - an indispensable assistant for massage - is selected carefully. It should be comfortable, beautiful, and working with it should bring pleasure to the master and the client. A tool for performing Guasha massage is made from various materials:
- stone (most often used is jade, agate, shungite)
- buffalo horn or bone
- turtle shell, shell
- sandalwood
- metal (copper, silver)
Professional massage therapists often order handmade scrapers, selecting the material taking into account the personal horoscope, zodiac signs and spiritual kinship.
The shape of the plate can be very diverse:
- rectangular - for the body
- fish and drops - for face and neck
- combs - for head massage
- triangular legs - for limbs
- spoons - for the final stage of the session.
You can buy a scraper for Guasha massage in specialized salons and online stores that sell a variety of tools and oils necessary for massage sessions. Most often, lovers of oriental traditional medicine perform a massage with Guasha stone (byanishi) - a type of jade. The price of a jade scraper starts from 800 rubles, if you choose a tool made from buffalo horn, then around 400 rubles.
Guasha massage oil
Initially, coconut or olive oil was used to make the scraper glide better over the body; now various components with a disinfectant and aromatic effect are added to it. Guasha oil helps open skin pores, prevents the penetration of bacteria and infections, and has an analgesic effect. Online stores offer:
- aromatic oil for body massage
- Facial massage oil, moisture retaining, anti-wrinkle
- oil that moisturizes the skin after the session
The composition of cosmetics includes a combination of oils and natural ingredients that have undergone purification and processing.
Exotic Guasha massage: technique
It is advisable to undergo Guasha massage 1-2 times a year, 5-6 sessions with a break of several days are enough.
The main rule of performing Guasha massage:
- the lines of movement of the scraper should go from the center to the sides and from top to bottom
- When massaging the limbs, we direct the movement vector of the scraper to the toes
- back massage - with the direction of the scraper from the spine to the periphery
- We start the abdominal massage from the visual line - the meridian with the center where the navel is located - to the sides
The scraper is placed at different angles to the surface of the body:
- The first scraping method is called “gua”, we place the plate at an angle of 30-45°
- The second “tui” method is to push; we make intermittent pushing movements with a scraper, gradually moving it along the surface of the body. In one place we repeat the movements 5-7 times, holding the scraper almost parallel to the body.
- The third “mo” method is ironing. Gentle movements without strong pressure are used for cosmetic Guasha massage of the neck and face. In some cases, such a massage lasts one and a half hours.
- The fourth method is “tribute” - point pressure on a certain place at a scraper angle of 90°
- The fifth method “sha” is knocking out the disease by tapping the movement of a scraper.
There are many Guasha massage training schools. There are conservative ones, where teachers adhere to the classical canons of the direction of movement of the plate from top to bottom. Modern centers and individual followers often offer individual treatment and diagnostic regimens.
Sha spots: what do they indicate?
After a Guasha massage session, patterns of hemorrhages appear on the body; they are called “Sha” spots. Each client's bruises vary in color intensity and area.
They resemble spots that appear during vacuum therapy; these two methods are often combined to achieve greater results. Experts examined what microhemorrhages are and established the presence of:
- blood cells
- blood plasma
- biologically active substances, enzymes, hormones
All of them have a stimulating effect and the body itself begins to fight ailments, this process is called autohemotherapy. While spots are visible on the body, the self-healing process continues using the body’s internal resources. After a few days, the “sha” spots practically disappear, and you can continue your wellness massage sessions again.
In addition to beneficial substances with a stimulating effect, harmful compounds leave the body through “sha” spots. Where bruises appear, there is a diseased organ. After 5-7 sessions, bloody spots stop appearing on the body after the next massage, or they become almost invisible.
Even after the first sessions of Guasha massage, people's reviews are positive. At the end of the course, they feel a surge of energy, their mood and well-being improve.
Back Guasha massage
The duration of a Guasha massage for the whole body is more than an hour, and for the back it depends on the area of the treated area, on average 20-30 minutes. Massage on the reflex zones of the spine improves blood circulation in the affected area, relieves pain symptoms, and relieves muscle spasms.
Technique for back Guasha massage:
- Distribute the oil evenly over the entire back area with smoothing movements.
- We feel the cervical vertebra and with the angle of the scraper begin processing the spine in small segments (7-10 cm) up to the tailbone.
- We choose the pressure and speed of the scraper ourselves.
- We repeat the movements on each segment an average of 8 times.
- We step back from the spine and use the edge of the scraper to draw two strips parallel to it on each side and begin movements from them to the sides. We do not change the speed and pressure.
- We feel the areas between the ribs and the acute angle of the scraper and carry it from the spine along all intercostal spaces 5-6 times.
- The final exercise is to run the wide edge of the scraper from the spine to the sides along the entire back, along the shoulder blades, passing through the armpits.
Anyone who has mastered the wisdom of Guasha massage well can use two scrapers at once and massage two zones at the same time.
Guasha massage for the abdomen
We know how quickly extra pounds are deposited on the stomach; this is facilitated by the “office worker syndrome” that is widespread in modern society, when you sit at a desk all day without movement or physical activity. Guasha massage will help remove wrinkles on the stomach and waist. It is also recommended for women who have stretch marks after childbirth and whose abdominal muscles have not regained their previous shape.
- It is better to do a Guasha massage in the morning, after drinking a cup of tea and eating a light breakfast. If you decide to have a session after lunch, then wait a couple of hours after eating.
- The bladder and rectum should be empty before the start of the session; abdominal massage improves the functioning of the intestines and bladder.
- We start the session from the central meridian, which divides the body into left and right sides
- First, scraping movements are made with the plate below the navel from top to bottom, affecting areas associated with the genitourinary system.
- Then - above the navel from top to bottom, touching the areas of the digestive system, without touching the navel.
- Stepping back slightly from the meridian, we make scraping movements from top to bottom to the sides above and below the navel.
After the session, weakness and fatigue may occur, so it is better to carry out the procedure in your free time so that you can rest. For two days after the session, you need to drink only warm water in large quantities to enhance metabolic processes and the release of toxins from the body.
Avoid sessions during menstruation, pregnancy and 5 months after birth.
Guasha facial massage
Our face, like a mirror, reflects health problems, lack of sleep, fatigue, stress and age-related changes in the form of a network of wrinkles, sagging facial contours and dry skin. Guasha facial massage is carried out for cosmetic purposes; it is called rejuvenating.
- The movements are of low intensity, gentle, without strong pressure.
- Apply nourishing Guasha oil or moisturizing cream or milk to your face. Some masters prefer to massage a clean face without any cosmetics.
- We divide the forehead into two parts and begin smoothing movements from the center to the temples 7-10 times along lines parallel to the eyebrows.
- We lower the scraper lower and begin to scrape from the wings of the nose to the temples - 1-2 times on each side of the face.
- From the corners of the lips and chin, we move the scraper towards the temple 20 times, on one side and the other. Can be repeated 2-3 times.
- Use the edge of the scraper to move from the nose to the upper lip several times.
- From the lower lip - to the chin, and down - to the clavicular fossa.
At the end of the session, you can apply nourishing cream to your face. Guasha massage increases elasticity and improves skin color, removes pigmentation and acne.
Benefits of Guasha massage and contraindications
Guasha massage is used to treat diseases associated with dysfunction of muscle tissue, skeleton and internal organs.
Application of Guasha massage:
- headache relief for chronic migraine
- for joint diseases, reduces swelling and improves their movement in the joint capsule
- for colds and respiratory diseases: temperature decreases, cough, wheezing and shortness of breath decrease
- with cholecystitis, spasm is relieved, pain is reduced
- massage of the lower abdomen normalizes the functioning of the ovaries, removes adhesions, treats female diseases and restores reproductive function
- improves the functioning of the digestive system and intestinal motility
- blood pressure normalizes, heart rhythm is restored, shortness of breath disappears
- after the session, a person sleeps better, his appetite is restored, and his mood improves
- The skin is cleared of acne, age spots and age spots, wrinkles are smoothed out, and skin color improves.
Contraindications for Guasha massage:
- wounds, injuries, allergies and skin infections
- non-healed bone fractures
- hypertension and blood clotting problems
- large varicose veins
- postoperative period
- women during pregnancy and lactation
- oncology
- mental illness during exacerbation
You can do massage yourself at home, without seeking help from specialists. Guasha massage: photos and training videos can be found on the Internet.
If you are tired, your body is exposed to physical and emotional stress, you need rest, Guasha massage will come to the rescue. Those who take care of their health should head to the East, because the average active life expectancy of the Chinese is 80 years. To treat illnesses and relieve nervous tension, they turn to traditional medicine, choosing Chinese Guasha massage, proven by many generations.
Video: “Chinese Guasha massage”
Guasha is one of the most ancient massage techniques of the East. This type of massage is believed to be of Chinese origin. This is confirmed by special scrapers found during excavations of ancient burials.
The archaeological exhibits are made from the Chinese’s favorite stone, jade. Gua sha procedures were presumably performed with such scrapers several centuries ago.
Guasha massage is rightly called one of the most democratic, since the procedure for carrying out such procedures has never been kept strictly secret. This means that massage therapists were in demand both in imperial palaces and in the poorest Chinese villages.
According to the interpretation of Chinese teachings, a disease develops in a person as a result of the harmful influence of factors such as cold, dampness, wind or heat.
Acting mainly through the skin, they cause the appearance of areas with slow blood and lymph circulation. Therefore, in order to bring back the negativity received from the outside, you also need to act through the skin.
The goal of gua sha massage is to restore human health, which is achieved by eliminating stagnation in the tissues of the body using the method of special effects on its different zones.
By eliminating these problematic “foci of disease”, such a massage eliminates the very cause of health problems and, of course, its consequences.
Types of gouache
Diagnostic
This type of gua sha procedures is used when it is necessary to determine exactly which organs or systems in the human body need treatment. The massage is performed not only on the patient’s back, but also on the chest, arms, abdomen, legs, and head.
Most often, diagnostic gua sha is used already in the first procedure of the course.
After special treatment of the skin with a scraper, the master determines from various spots (the so-called “sha” spots) and points in which system of the body the disturbances have occurred.
Spots and dots appear exactly in the projection zones of painful processes occurring in the body. Such knowledge allows the massage therapist to work further with a specific direction of action.
In addition to diagnostics, gua sha massage increases blood flow in the muscles, which relaxes them. This helps eliminate spasms, regulates the body’s energy balance, thus providing additional protection against the occurrence of many serious diseases.
Prophylactic
Preventive gua sha massage activates metabolic processes and accelerates the removal of toxic substances, toxins through the skin and other excretory systems functioning in the human body. This massage is performed using specially prepared oil or balm.
The procedure for this type of massage involves choosing one of 3 techniques for influencing the skin:
- The tool moves quickly, with fairly strong pressure.
- Movements with the tool are slow, with light pressure.
- The scraper moves slowly, but with strong pressure.
The duration of the procedure is 30 minutes.
Healing
The healing effect of gua sha massage is based on the fact that reflexogenic points located on the surface of the human body are connected with the internal organs and systems of the body. This makes it possible through the zone of such a massage to influence the entire body for the purpose of healing.
During the procedure, blood and lymph circulation accelerates, and the rate of elimination of toxic substances increases. Often, healing massage is complemented by vacuum skin treatment techniques (using cups), acupuncture (using needles) and acupressure (point pressure with fingers).
Healing gua sha massage is often complemented by vacuum skin treatment techniques (using cups) Healing gua sha increases the elasticity of blood and lymphatic vessels, which accelerates their movement, as well as the movement of Qi energy in the meridians (channels that conduct energy) under the human skin.
According to ancient teachings, this allows you to achieve a balance between the energies of Yin and Yang in the body and obtain maximum cleansing of the body.
During a course of treatment with gua sha massage, after 1 or 2 procedures, you may notice that the signs of the disease have intensified slightly. There may also be an unpleasant odor from the skin.
These features of the human condition indicate the presence of active detoxification processes in the tissues of the body. After a few days, these phenomena disappear, and a clear improvement in health occurs.
With the help of healing massage you can eliminate the following diseases:
- osteochondrosis, since such a massage effectively removes swelling and increases the flexibility of spinal segments;
- cholecystitis; problems associated with gallbladder diseases are solved gently and painlessly;
- cold; the effect on areas of the body associated with breathing removes swelling of the bronchi, as a result of which the cough goes away;
- diseases of the heart muscle and cardiovascular system; gua sha procedures lower blood pressure and normalize heart rate;
- massage removes neuroses, improves sleep and appetite, improves immunity and restores a weakened nervous system;
- diseases that have developed in the pelvic organs; by increasing blood flow and lymph flow in this area of the body, gua sha massage helps to eliminate stagnant and adhesive formations;
- some diseases of the stomach and intestines.
In modern China, regular gua sha procedures are considered an essential part of a healthy and fulfilling life for people. This is one of the main differences between Chinese medicine and European medicine.
Cosmetic
This type of massage is used to increase elasticity and rejuvenate facial skin. During the procedure, scrapers made of agate or jade are used. These minerals, when in contact with the skin, help relieve puffiness.
- actively occurring aging processes in facial skin tissues;
- dark spots on the face (pigmented);
- presence of acne on the face;
- increased activity of the glands that secrete sebaceous substance on the face.
Scraping massage increases the elasticity of the facial muscles, relaxes most of the facial muscles, improves blood and lymph circulation in the facial tissues. The processes of enhanced renewal are activated in skin cells, which leads to their significant rejuvenation.
Indications for the procedure
Guasha massage helps solve a wide range of health problems and improve physical condition:
Contraindications and restrictions
Guasha should not be performed if a person has:
During the massage, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence of birthmarks or moles on the patient. Such skin formations should not be touched.
Effect and benefits
The gua sha massage procedure is highly effective, as it is based on a dialogue with the human body through the channels of the body’s internal energy - meridians. A true gua sha master knows how to remove blockages along the path of Qi energy in the human body, thus eliminating the cause and consequences of the disease.
Impact on the reflex zones of the human body allows you to accelerate blood flow and metabolic processes in skin tissues, activate endogenous (formed directly by cells and tissues) substances, which leads to healing and rejuvenation of the skin and the entire body.
The results of gua sha massage: restoration of facial muscle tone, removal of excess fluid from tissues, reduction of swelling and sagging skin. The cosmetic effects of this massage are: burning subcutaneous fat tissue and reducing cellulite areas; restoration of facial muscle tone; removal of excess fluid from tissues; reduction of swelling and sagging skin.
You can increase the level of effectiveness of the gua sha procedure by including elements of vacuum massage and cauterization techniques with a special wormwood cigar in the techniques used.
Preparing for a massage
Before starting the massage, the person’s body must be wiped with a damp cloth and then lubricated with special oil or balm.
The most appropriate when performing such procedures is the use of balms prepared with herbs. It is important that the substances that lubricate the body are hypoallergenic and create a good sliding effect.
Guasha scrapers
Material, scraper shape
Several centuries ago, Taoist monks practiced gua sha massage using special stones. Later, massage scrapers made from black buffalo horn appeared. Before use, such instruments were boiled in 18 secret Chinese solutions.
To this day, a scraper made using this technology is considered the best tool for gua sha massage, as it has the ability to accumulate energy during procedures and release it in the next session.
This is what the scrapers used for gua sha massage look like Nowadays, scrapers are made from various materials. This could be traditional jade, agate or animal bone.
Scrapers can have a triangular, round or rectangular shape, as well as a comb shape (for head massage). It is very important that the edges of the scrapers are smooth and rounded to avoid injury to the skin during the procedure.
Scraper techniques
During the gua sha massage procedure, the scrapers directly impact certain areas of the human body, and the direction is chosen along the energy lines running under the skin - meridians.
Twelve energy meridians used in gua sha massage. Layout diagram There are several dozen such lines on the human body, of which 12 meridians are considered the main ones. The gua sha master knows the diagram of the main meridians, and the movements of his scraper pass along such lines.
The technique for performing movements with a scraper depends on the goal and can be chosen from 3 options:
- the scraper moves quickly and presses hard;
- the scraper moves slowly and presses weakly;
- The scraper moves slowly and presses hard.
Massage oil
When performing the procedure, you should use coconut or olive oil. To achieve the maximum effect of opening the pores of the skin and warming its surface, it is customary to add several more components to the oil that serves as the base.
This product is easy to make yourself.
Recipe 1
When coconut oil (100 g) is taken as a basis, you will need several components for it, taken in equal proportions (1 teaspoon each):
- cocoa powder;
- cocoa butter;
- rosehip oil;
- vitamin E;
- vanilla powder.
All ingredients must be mixed until a homogeneous substance is obtained. This composition must be stored in a clean glass jar in a cool and dark place.
Recipe 2
Another option for composing oil for gua sha massage includes the following ingredients:
- olive oil (this is the base, you will need 100 g);
- 5 drops of tamanu oil;
- 12 drops of vitamin E;
- 5 drops of calendula flower oil;
- cocoa powder (2 teaspoons);
- mumiyo (10 tablets);
- tea extract (preferably green, 2 teaspoons).
Technique of the procedure
Face and neck
Face and neck massage is considered the most labor-intensive among the types of gua sha procedures. The tools for doing this are 2 special small scrapers.
Before the massage, you need to cleanse your face and neck with cosmetic milk. The procedure can be carried out either with or without the use of skin lubricants, on cleansed and dry skin.
The master’s movements should be directed along the lines of a regular massage from the middle of the face down and along the neck in both directions. 
Procedures of this kind can be carried out every day, because the skin does not deform or stretch when using gua sha practices. The cosmetic massage lasts 1.5 hours.
Back massage
Body massage should be carried out in a ventilated, but not cold, room, in the absence of drafts.
- The master’s movements should be directed along the spine (along the bladder meridian), from the legs to the head;
- Then the scraper moves along the anteromedian and posteromedian meridians, according to their location pattern;
- After this, it’s time to work on the gallbladder meridian, the triple heater meridian and some others, depending on the problem being solved (treatment of a particular disease). The scraper most often moves from the center to the sides, in line movements, with varying degrees of pressure on the skin. The pressure force is selected by the master individually for each patient.
According to Chinese tradition, the number of times the scraper is passed over one treated area of the body depends on the age and gender of the person.
The following standard exists:
- young girls - 6;
- young men - 7;
- adult women - 8;
- adult men - 9.
During the massage, a person feels pressure on the skin, tingling, and sometimes mild discomfort. The patient's body is wiped several times during the massage with a damp cloth to remove toxic substances released on the skin.
The duration of the back massage is about 30 minutes. Sha spots that appear on the back after scraping usually disappear from the surface of the skin after 2 days.
Abdominal massage
Procedures on the abdomen are indicated if there are excess fat deposits in this area of the body, as well as if stretch marks appear in women after pregnancy and childbirth.
It is forbidden to massage the stomach if a person has pathologies of the internal organs of the abdomen or unhealed sutures after surgery
For women, contraindications are also: monthly cycle, pregnancy or postpartum period of less than 5 months.
The abdominal massage procedure is performed with an empty bladder and an empty rectum. After the last meal, 2 hours should pass before the massage begins.
For the first 2 days after such a massage, experts recommend drinking slightly warmed water to enhance metabolic processes in skin tissues.
Other areas of the body
On the legs and arms, gua sha procedures are carried out along the meridians of the limbs, from top to bottom, without affecting the joint areas. The pressing force of the scraper is selected by the master in accordance with the physical health of the patient and taking into account the goal.
After the procedure, the patient should drink slightly warmed water during the day.
When does the massage effect occur?
When using gua sha techniques, the result is visible already during the massage procedure. The skin becomes red and a burning sensation appears. Dark spots and dots appear on the surface of the skin of the treated area of the body, sometimes their color can even be black.
When using gua sha techniques, the result is visible already during the massage procedure. It is believed that to increase the effectiveness of a gua sha massage session, areas of the human body should be tapped along the lines of energy movement, thus activating the subcutaneous meridians. However, such actions require the master to have special knowledge.
Experts in manual practices claim, characterizing gua sha massage, that it is an effect on the body that always gives excellent results.
A noticeable improvement in a person’s health is observed immediately after the first gua sha session
When using gua sha practice, it is necessary to take into account specific nuances:
According to statistics, the Chinese live much longer than Europeans, while being distinguished by enviable physical activity into old age. Therefore, it is no coincidence that Chinese health practices are currently becoming increasingly popular in Europe.
Useful video materials about gua sha and some unconventional massage techniques: what it is, technique, results
Technique for performing gua sha massage on the face:
Guasha facial massage with jade scraper:
Chinese unconventional massage: what is it:
What is Guaz energy massage:
The first diagnostic method is based on the number of small hemorrhages per 1 square centimeter of surface subject to friction with a scraper
Guasha massage: DIAGNOSTICS OF “SLAGGED” BODY
Before starting gua sha massage, specialists in this type of treatment first diagnose the level of “filling” of the body with toxins and wastes. The results of “slagging” can be assessed in two ways: by the number of petechiae (hemorrhages) and by their color.
Diagnosis of “slagging” of the body by rubbing a scraper on the skin is carried out by Chinese massage therapists as follows:
1. The first diagnostic method is based on the number of small hemorrhages per 1 square centimeter of surface subject to friction with a scraper. On any part of the back, the massage therapist begins to rub the skin with a scraper, applying slight pressure. If, after several movements of the scraper, a thick pinpoint rash appears (small hemorrhages, petechiae), this will mean that the “slagging” of toxins and decay products of this person is excessively strong. Logically, this conclusion is completely correct. The greater the amount of waste contained inside the skin capillaries, the more capillary ruptures will occur with a slight impact of the scraper on the skin.
If several frictions of the scraper cause abundant small-point hemorrhages, then the body is diagnosed with “slagging” of the highest or first degree. Such a high level of slagging in the body can be eliminated only in 10 – 15 sessions of gua sha massage.
If a rash in the form of small pinpoint hemorrhages occurs only after rubbing the scraper for 1 minute, then medium or second degree slagging of the body is diagnosed. Moderate levels of slagging in the body can be eliminated in 6 sessions of gua sha massage.
If a rash in the form of small pinpoint hemorrhages occurs after rubbing the scraper for 3 minutes, then the body is diagnosed with slagging of the lowest or third degree. A low degree of slagging in the body does not require treatment with gua sha massage, so the massage therapist advises such a person not to carry out the procedure due to the lack of toxins in the skin of the back, so the treatment is no longer advisable.
2. The second diagnostic method is by coloring small hemorrhages. In a diagnostic test, “sha” spots, consisting of small pinpoint hemorrhages, can be of different colors:
pale pink “sha” spots indicate hypochromic anemia or a large loss of blood (emptiness of blood and Chi energy), or the absence of toxins in the body, then the “slagging” of the body of the lowest or third degree is diagnosed.
Bright red “sha” spots confirm the presence of a small amount of toxins in the body, then a medium or second degree “slagging” of the body is diagnosed.
The violet tint of the red “sha” spots indicates that the amount of toxins in the blood is high, and most often these toxins are of infectious origin, then the “slagging” of the body of the highest or first degree is diagnosed.
The black tint of the red “sha” spots indicates an extremely high amount of toxins in the blood, which can even threaten the patient’s life, then the highest degree of “slag contamination” of the body is diagnosed.
3. Determining the required number of sessions for complete detoxification of a given person. During the course, the patient must undergo (on average) 10 sessions of gua sha massage. The Chinese massage therapist determines the number of sessions that each individual patient needs to undergo immediately after diagnosis.
If the impact of the scraper indicates a slight slagging of the body (medium or second degree “slagging” of the body is diagnosed), then it will be enough for the patient to undergo 6 sessions. If a study of the intensity of the color of the “sha” zone during diagnosis indicates a strong slagging of the body (the “slagging” of the body of the highest or first degree is diagnosed), then the patient will have to attend a gua sha massage 10 – 15 times.
4. Vietnamese doctors proposed diagnosing the “degree of slagging in the body” by rubbing a scraper on the skin of the palm. Then, not petechiae, but hyperemia appear on the skin of the palm. However, the quality of such diagnostics turned out to be much worse than diagnostics using rubbing with a scraper on the skin of the back.
The palm has rougher and thicker skin. In addition, toxins from the skin of the palm are constantly squeezed out during human work. For example, after pressing the handle of a screwdriver onto the palm, all toxins from the skin of the palm will be expelled. Therefore, diagnosing the degree of slagging of the body in the palm of the hand is not accurate and indicative. In addition, after diagnostics on the skin of the palm, the patient will not be able to work with this hand for 2 days, as he will experience pain in the palm. published
©Valery Molostov, “Chinese scraping massage GUA-SHA”
Chinese gua sha massage is one of the oldest types of massage. When it is carried out, special plates in the form of a scraper are used, which are used to process certain areas, including reflex points on the head, face and body. It is often called scraping massage.
Under the influence of scrapers, an impulse is created, thanks to which microcirculation in the body is restored, tissue regeneration and metabolic processes are improved, immunity is increased, and emotional stress is reduced. But most importantly, according to the Chinese, it is able to open the energy channels of the human body.
How effective is this type of massage, what indications and contraindications are there, and whether it is suitable for everyone, find out in this article.
What is gua sha massage
Literally translated, "gua sha" means "gua" - movement (scrape) in one direction, "sha" - bad, which can be interpreted as "scrape (clean) all the bad." This technique is popular and used in many East Asian countries, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Java.
It is performed using different methods using special plates (most often made of stone), made of various materials and having different shapes and sizes depending on the purpose of therapy and the degree of skin sensitivity in the specific treated area.
Stones have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times, as evidenced by numerous archaeological excavations. This is why gua sha massage is especially valued in the East as it has stood the test of time for many years.
In modern China, this type of massage is still very popular and it is believed that it can relieve many diseases. It does not require much knowledge in medicine or special equipment.
During a massage, you do not need to search for specific areas on the body, as is done during acupuncture sessions and other acupuncture methods. It covers a fairly wide area and almost anyone can master the skill in a few lessons under the guidance of an experienced master.
Gua Sha can be used to relieve muscle pain, tension, and scar tissue. This procedure leaves slight bruising, which often appears as purple or red spots. According to practitioners, negative energy and toxins come out through them.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi is the energy that flows through the body. Many people believe that it should be balanced and move freely to ensure their health and well-being. When this energy is blocked, pain, tension, and stiffness occur in the muscles and joints.
Massage is aimed at moving this blocked energy, relieving pain and eliminating stiffness.
Traditional East Asian medicine also views blood congestion or stagnation as a cause of pain and disease. Another purpose of gua sha is to move pooled or stagnant blood to relieve symptoms.
Some physiotherapists and massage therapists consider this type of massage as one of the methods that allows you to apply more pressure than with manual massage.
What are the benefits of gua sha massage?
Most often it is used for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, back pain, tendon strain, etc. After completing a gua sha course, pain and swelling decrease or disappear, and joint mobility improves.
Practicing massage therapists claim that this type of massage is useful for a weakened immune system and various inflammations. Sometimes it is done for fever and problems with the pulmonary system.
It is often prescribed for inflammatory processes in the pelvic area, circulatory disorders, certain cardiovascular diseases, disorders of the nervous system, and to increase overall tone. It is popular among athletes and cosmetologists.
The main benefits are improved blood circulation and increased lymphatic flow, which leads to a decrease in pain, relief of swelling in the affected area, improved metabolic processes and the removal of toxins.
Types of gua sha massage
There are three main types of scraping massage:
Prophylactic;
Cosmetic;
Medicinal.
Each type of massage is performed with a specific type of plate, with different pressure on the body and intensity of movement. 
Guasha massage indications
Scraping massage is prescribed for a wide variety of diseases and pathologies. It is used for:
Osteochondrosis;
Inflammation in muscles and joints;
Spasms and cramps in the muscles;
Diseases of the bronchi and lungs;
Headaches, including migraines;
Pathologies of the digestive system;
Cholecystitis;
Gynecological diseases;
Disorders of the cardiovascular system;
Imbalance of the endocrine system;
Fluctuations in blood pressure;
Insomnia;
Anxiety;
Weakened immunity;
Frequent infectious diseases.
It occupies a special place in cosmetology, where it is used for:
Cellulite;
Decreased skin tone and elasticity;
Acne and pimples;
Demodecosis.
Guasha massage technique
The massage technique is simple. During the procedure, only three methods of movement and pressure are used:
se-gua – intense, strong and rapid pressure;
bu-gua – slow and weak pressure (more often used for restorative and tonic massage);
pin-bu pin-se – intense smooth movements.
Each method is designed to massage specific areas. When massaging the body, use strong pressure. In this case, the plate is held at a slight angle to the surface of the massaged area during the entire procedure.
When performing a facial massage, the plate is also held at a slight angle and with minimal pressure. Especially when massaging in the area of the eyelids, lips and wings of the nose, so as not to damage the sensitive and delicate skin in these areas.
Before starting the procedure, the massage therapist applies a special massage oil to the body, which not only provides a good gliding effect, but also has healing properties.
Before starting to treat the skin with scrapers, lymphatic drainage is performed by hand for several minutes. This allows not only to “warm up” the body, but also to better absorb the oil.
The duration of one session usually lasts from half an hour to an hour. After the procedure, red spots and, in some cases, even bruises remain on the body. There is no need to be afraid of them. They soon pass and cause virtually no inconvenience.
According to Chinese experts, all waste leaves the body through them.
After the end of the session, you need to thoroughly cleanse the skin of oil. In addition, over the next 24 hours, you need to drink enough water to improve the elimination of toxins and harmful substances from the body.
Since it leaves microtraumas on the skin, you should not wash on the first day. It is advisable to avoid drafts.
One session of this massage is equivalent to running 20 kilometers. Therefore, rest is definitely recommended after the session.
What plates are used
The plates can be of different shapes and made of different materials. The best scrapers are considered to be made from buffalo horn or jade. They can also be made from:
Tortoise shell;
Animal horns;
Plastic;
Jasper and other stones.
Scrapers differ in shape and thickness. Eat:
Square;
Triangular;
Elongated;
Rounded;
With teeth;
With different edge curvature.
The main requirement for them is that they are smooth, well polished, without nicks or teeth that can damage the skin.
Depending on the form, use:
Thicker square or triangular shapes - for massaging the body skin;
Thin triangular, fish-shaped - for the face and sensitive areas of the body;
With teeth - for head massage.
If you don’t have such scrapers, you can use a spoon or a copper coin at home. 
Massage oil
In Chinese medicine, everything is provided for and has a certain meaning. This also applies to the choice of oil for scraping massage.
Most often used for this:
Grape seed oil;
Black cumin;
You can replace them with oil:
Sweet almonds;
Oblepikhov;
Olive;
Sunflower;
Corn;
Kokosov;
Essential oils can be added to vegetable oil:
Juniper;
Evening primrose;
Magnolias;
Orange;
Mandarin;
Ylang-Ylang
and others.
Guasha massage contraindications
Although this type of massage has incomparable benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. It has a number of contraindications for which treatment is prohibited. These include;
Presence of mental illness;
Severe heart failure;
Cirrhosis of the liver;
Hemophilia;
Some kidney diseases;
Diagnosed cancer;
Phlebeurysm;
Thrombocytopenia;
Skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema);
Skin hypersensitivity;
Recent stroke or heart attack;
Having a pacemaker or internal defibrillator.
You should refuse massage for a certain time if:
Postponed surgery;
Pregnancy;
Breastfeeding;
Bone fractures;
The presence of open wounds and ulcers on the skin;
Injuries and skin damage;
During menstruation;
Allergic reaction;
High blood pressure;
Intestinal disorders.
Side effects
The massage procedure is practically painless and does not cause discomfort. The only side effect after it is tiny capillary hemorrhages on the skin, which leaves red spots and small bruises. They usually go away within one to two days and up to a week.
If the bruising is painful, you can take ibuprofen or another pain reliever. An ice pack can help reduce pain and swelling.
During healing, special care must be taken to avoid introducing infection into the damaged skin.
How many times can you do a gua sha massage?
A full massage course consists of 15-20 procedures twice a year. Do it once or twice a week, waiting until the spots and bruises from the previous session go away.
Is the procedure painful?
Many people are scared by the presence of red spots and bruises. They really look scary. They usually go away within a few days.
But this is precisely the essence of this type of massage. The procedure itself is practically painless. Only in a few patients does it cause discomfort.
Guasha (gua sha) or Chinese scraping massage is used to treat a number of diseases and health disorders. It has few side effects for patients. Having decided to undergo a course of such a massage, you need to make sure that it will be done by an experienced specialist with the appropriate education.
How to do a gua sha massage technique
Guasha massage is one of the oldest types of Chinese massage. The name translates as “scraping off all the bad things.” To carry out the procedure, special scrapers made of natural material are used. With the help of these plates, certain areas of the body associated with internal organs are treated. Reflex irritation promotes regeneration of skin tissue, restoration of organs and cleansing of toxins from the body. Mastery of the gua sha technique opens up new possibilities for healing and strengthening the immune system.
Indications for massage
Massage has a healing effect when:
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system (joints, spine, bones);
- impaired blood circulation and lymph flow (swelling of the extremities, constantly freezing hands and feet);
- muscle spasms;
- osteochondrosis of the back and neck;
- excessive deposition of fat cells (anti-cellulite massage);
- inflammatory processes in muscles and some internal organs;
- age-related decline of certain body functions.
The gua sha technique has proven effective in treating children with cerebral palsy. After massage sessions with scrapers in patients with cerebral palsy, the spastic state is alleviated and motor activity improves. Autistic children and children with delayed psycho-speech development are treated using this technique.
- In the field of sports medicine, gua sha is used for the speedy recovery of athletes after injuries and heavy loads (competitions).
- Chinese gua sha massage masters claim that this technique treats infertility, both female and male.
- Therapeutic gua sha massage is also used in beauty salons to improve skin condition.
Weight loss– another indication for Chinese massage. This technique, due to its combined effect on the tissues of the human body, has a fat-burning effect and helps to resolve even visceral fat, which is deposited on the internal organs and inhibits their functionality.
The cosmetic effect after gouache is visible after two to three days: the skin is rejuvenated, wrinkles are smoothed out, and complexion improves.
Impact on the body
The effectiveness of the gouache technique is predetermined by the instrument itself. The masseur operates with two scrapers. The raw materials for production are jade or natural horn plates. Each scraper is used for a wide variety of movements and effects on the human body. It influences the bioactive points of the human body, activating certain processes.
With these scrapers, a massage therapist can:
- smooth the body;
- scrape it;
- press the handle on active points, etc.
The easy sliding of scrapers over the surface of the body is due to the use of oil (these can be either massage or aromatic oils, depending on the purpose of the massage). This method is useful for metabolic disorders.
Contraindications
You cannot do gua sha massage if there are any violations of the integrity of the skin:
- microtraumas (abrasions, scratches, etc.);
- burns, including sunburns.
Such massage is harmful for chronic inflammatory diseases and in cases where doctors diagnose the presence of a tumor. For example, you should not massage your stomach if a woman has uterine fibroids. An absolute taboo for gouache is the mammary gland. You can massage only the sternum line with scrapers.
- Moles, especially raised ones, warts and other convex formations on the skin are an obstacle to massage.
- Guasha sessions are extremely undesirable during pregnancy and on menstrual periods in women. The consequence may be excessive, painful bleeding.
- Skin diseases and allergic dermatitis also prevent massage.
What you need to know
- Each session can be called stressful, it is so unusual. Water procedures immediately after a gua sha session are contraindicated. A bath or shower can only be taken six hours after the massage. Until this time, you need to drink non-carbonated mineral water, the more, the better. After the procedure, you will experience profuse sweating and the urge to urinate. This fluid removes waste from the body.
- The best time for a massage is the second half of the day. It is advisable to do gua sha the night before the weekend to give your body a rest.
- It is not recommended to sunbathe on the beach or in a solarium before or after the procedure.
- After performing the massage, the body becomes covered with stripes or spots, they are also called shea spots. The color of these spots can range from bright red to black. These are not just bruises, they are evidence that the body is cleansing itself. You cannot proceed to the next session until the marks on the skin disappear. This will take no more than 3 days.
- A gua sha massage session should not last more than 25 minutes.
Video lessons
In this video, the massage master shows all the possibilities of using the gouache technique on the facial area. She treats the skin with the flat and side surface of the scraper, presses the bioactive points with the handle, and alternates stroking and kneading movements. When the head is treated, the technique is more gentle than that used for other areas of the body.
The effect on the body using the gouache technique in this video should not be scary: bright red stripes appearing on the skin of the back are a completely natural phenomenon. Most patients do not experience pain. Treatment of the body with scrapers made of natural materials allows you to activate the points responsible for the functioning of organs. Intense movements are replaced by lighter ones. After a massage session, a person experiences relief bordering on euphoria.