From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, body gua sha offers several benefits. Gua sha is a technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to stimulate blood flow and promote healing.
It is important to understand that body gua sha and facial gua sha are very different. Gua sha practiced on the body usually leaves red marks and is done with more pressure on the skin if used as a treatment when you fall ill or catch a cold. The literal translation of the word ‘Gua sha 刮痧 ’ is "to scrape petechia" which refers to the sand-like bruising after the treatment.
Here are some benefits of body gua sha:
1. Improved circulation: Gua sha helps to increase blood circulation in the treated area. This can help to relieve muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and promote the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.
2. Detoxification: Gua sha is believed to help remove toxins from the body by promoting lymphatic drainage. By stimulating the lymphatic system, gua sha can assist in eliminating waste products and enhancing the body's natural detoxification processes.
3. Pain relief: Body gua sha is often used to alleviate pain and discomfort. By promoting blood flow and releasing muscle tension, it can help to reduce pain caused by conditions such as muscle strains, headaches, and chronic pain disorders.
4. Immune system support: According to TCM principles, gua sha can help strengthen the immune system. By improving circulation and removing stagnation, it is believed to enhance the body's ability to fight off illnesses and maintain overall health. Usually if someone is falling ill with a cold, someone in your family would take a gua sha and scrape from the top of your spine and down the back and on both sides of the spine (where the ‘lungs’ are located.)
In Chinese households and culture, gua sha is considered a natural remedy that has been passed down through generations. It is commonly used for self-care and to address various health concerns. Chinese families often incorporate gua sha into their daily routines as a preventive measure or as a way to alleviate minor ailments.
Gua sha tools, such as jade or horn scrapers, are commonly found in Chinese households. Family members may use gua sha on themselves or offer it to each other as a form of care and support. It is seen as a gentle and non-invasive approach to promoting well-being and maintaining health (eventhough it might look like a harsh treatment).
It is important to note that while body gua sha has been used for centuries in Chinese culture, it is always advisable to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before trying it, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns or new to it.