The past couple of years has seen a steady increase in popularity of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). You’ve probably know Chinese acupuncture and reflexology, but one recovery practice you might never know of is known as”gua sha.”
What is Gua Sha?
Sometimes known as”coining” or”spooning” by Westerners, that the method involves scraping the surface of the epidermis to be able to detoxify and refresh the body. Although still relatively unknown in the West, gua sha is very well known in Asia since it is so simple, and the results are so fast and amazing.
Traditional Chinese Medicine considers that muscle soreness and other harms are basically blockages of both blood and qi. Whether you believe in the idea of qi or not, it is no mystery that if you suffer from muscle soreness, massaging the area to increase blood circulation will help alleviate the pain.
That’s the basic idea. Gua sha begins with a warm tub or sauna, then, after employing massage oils, your masseuse will run a particular scratching tool within the affected area (or, for house, use a simple spoon).
The Chinese say this unblocks qi, and medical science explains this as an expulsion of metabolic waste built up in congested muscles and tissue. The scratching functions like an extreme form of exfoliation, and will leave behind redness and marks – but do not worry, these will fade within a couple of days of this treatment.
What can Chinese Gua Sha help you with?
Tired Muscles
Anyone who has had a tough workout understands the dreaded feeling that sets in another day – DOMS – or Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. Especially when attempting to get back into shape after a lengthy break, the dreaded DOMS is a nearly inevitable byproduct of exercise.
To counteract this intense muscle soreness, follow a challenging work out with loads of stretching, water, and a session of gua sha – rid your body of that lactic acid, and make room for new muscle to build! Gua sha is terrific for any sort of muscle soreness, stiffness, or tiredness.
PMS
Since gua sha is such an ideal treatment for sore muscles, it’s also great for those monthly menstrual aches and pains. By after the principles of reflexology, your masseuse will scrape unique areas of the body to alleviate soreness in your lower abdomen.
To attempt the practice on your own, contact the community acupuncturist, or, purchase a straightforward gua sha instrument or use a spoon and try it for yourself at home.
Head colds
Upper respiratory disorders afflict us all at one time or another – usually in the cold of winter – so what better way to deal with a cold than with a spa or sauna followed by gua sha? Your masseuse will operate the scratching tool on your upper back, shoulders and neck to ease congestion and expel fluids built up on your chest – and you will have the relief almost immediately after!
