Gua sha is the scraping of the skin in a unilateral direction with specific tools to produce light “bruising”. This effect up regulates the enzyme heme oxygenase-1 which is highly anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory at a systemic level. With musculoskeletal pain and restriction, the pressure causes microtraumas to the fine capillaries in the skin, causing increased blood flow to the problem areas and helps to improve the pliability of the underlying fascia, causing it to soften and release. With internal disharmonies, it improves immunity and produces anti-inflammatory responses which can persist for days.
It is helpful in the treatment of pain and for functional problems with impaired motion, infectious diseases, upper respiratory and digestive ailments, and many acute and chronic disorders involving inflammation.
Although the application doesn’t break the skin, it’s results can be dramatic. Looking similar to a scrape or bruise, the area should begin to clear immediately and rarely lasts more than a few days to a week.