Needle-Free Therapies

GUA SHA

Release stagnant qi from muscles, halt migraines or expel that early-stage cold.

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Gua Sha is a technique that releases stagnant blood from muscles and also is employed to help expel a cold in its early stages. The no-needle therapy is often used to relieve tension or pain in the muscles. It is particularly helpful for neck and shoulder aches, migraines and stress headaches. Relief is often instantaneous.

We offer Gua Sha treatment at our Chicago-based clinic. Our experienced practitioner Dana is trained as a Master of Oriental Medicine and will ensure you are in safe hands. Come along and visit us – we’re based in the Lincoln Square area, where it meets North Center. Alternatively, contact us to discuss your requirements today.

In addition to acupuncture, Midwest also practice the ancient therapies of cupping and Gua Sha. Book your consultation at our Chicago clinic today and discover how you can benefit from these ancient, natural therapies.

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WHAT IS GUA SHA?

Gua Sha is an East Asian healing technique that is readily used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). “Gua” means to scrape or rub and “Sha” means a red, elevated mark left on the skin. Therefore, Gua Sha is simply the scraping of the skin with the intention of bringing up “Sha”.

HOW DOES GUA SHA WORK?

Gua Sha involves repeated pressured strokes over lubricated skin with a smooth edged instrument – which can be anything from a traditional piece of buffalo horn, to the more modern use of rounded lids, porcelain, Chinese soup spoons, or coins. At Midwest we always use sterile Gua Sha tools. Most people find that the procedure does not cause pain.

The “Sha” that comes up on the skin is diagnostic and prognostic and can very in color from pink to black-red. The marks last anywhere from 1-4 days, but fade in color quite quickly. In most cases, the patient feels an immediate shift in their condition, often describing an instant release of tension and knots.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GUA SHA?

Gua Sha is used when a patient feels tension or pain in the muscles. It is particularly helpful for neck and shoulder aches, migraines and stress headaches. Gua Sha is also implemented as a fast-acting technique to halt the onset of a cold, flu, or virus. Gua Sha, when performed over the upper back can “clear the lungs” for disorders such as asthma or sleep apnea.