Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a 2,000 year old traditional Chinese medicine therapy that involves using a specific smooth edged tool to gently rub or scrap the skin in long strokes, applying enough pressure to help break down scar tissue and connective tissue, improving movement in the joints, relieving muscle tension, flushing out toxins, reducing inflammation and improve circulation by releasing stagnant energy (Qi) and drain lymph nodes.

This technique is incorporated within Remedial Massage Therapy, Relaxation Massage Therapy and Lymphatic Drainage Massage Treatments. It is focused on the back, legs, and arms to treat chronic pain. During the treatment light to dark red markings known as "sha," will appear in the affected areas that are being worked on, this is considered a sign of healing, as it increases blood flow throughout the body. 

Gua sha impacts the nervous system by stimulating the vagus nerve, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system ("rest and digest" mode) to lower stress and induce deep relaxation.