How to Perform Gua Sha on the Hands?
Gua Sha is guided by the theory of meridians and acupoints in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves the use of specialized Gua Sha tools and corresponding techniques, applying a certain medium to repeatedly scrape and rub the skin surface, resulting in red, grain-like spots or dark red bleeding points known as “sha”. This process promotes blood circulation and the expulsion of “sha”. Due to its simplicity, convenience, low cost, and effectiveness, it is widely used in clinical practice and suitable for both medical and home care.
The human body has a total of twelve primary meridians (zheng jing), six of which pass through our hands: the thumb corresponds to the Lung Meridian (Fei Jing), the index finger to the Large Intestine Meridian (Da Chang Jing), the middle finger to the Pericardium Meridian (Xin Bao Jing), the ring finger to the San Jiao Meridian (San Jiao Jing), and the little finger to the Heart Meridian (Xin Jing) and Small Intestine Meridian (Xiao Chang Jing). Regularly performing Gua Sha on the fingers can effectively regulate bodily functions.
01
Common Gua Sha Tools
Common Gua Sha tools include Gua Sha boards and Gua Sha oils.
— Gua Sha Boards
● Horn Type
Horn-type Gua Sha boards are commonly made from water buffalo horn in clinical practice. Water buffalo horn is pungent, salty, and cold; the pungent quality disperses and moves qi, invigorates blood, and reduces swelling; the salty quality softens and moistens; the cold quality clears heat, detoxifies, and cools the blood to calm the spirit. Its texture is tough, smooth, durable, and easy to process.
● Jade Type
Jade has properties that nourish the skin, promote tissue regeneration, clear heat and detoxify, calm the spirit, and dispel evil. Its texture is warm and smooth, making it easy to hold.
● Bian Stone Type
Bian stone is made from Sihbin floating stone, which contains various trace elements and has a wide infrared radiation spectrum. It can unblock meridians, clear heat and detoxify, soften and disperse masses, and warm the skin locally. The thickness of the Bian stone Gua Sha board used for scraping should be less than 3mm.
— Gua Sha Oil
● Liquid Type
Mainly includes boiled water, vegetable oils (such as sesame oil, tea seed oil, rapeseed oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, olive oil), and medicinal oils (such as safflower oil, trauma oil, rheumatism oil), which not only prevent the Gua Sha board from scratching the skin but also moisturize the skin and open the pores.
● Cream Type
Choose fine-textured pastes such as petroleum jelly, moisturizing cream, or snake oil.
02
Gua Sha Techniques for the Fingers
● Gua Sha on the Thumb
The thumb corresponds to the Lung Meridian (Fei Jing), primarily targeting the lungs and respiratory tract. Regularly scraping the thumb can alleviate symptoms such as chest tightness, cough, and sore throat.
Gua Sha Method: Apply essential oil to the scraping area, use the Gua Sha board to scrape along the outer side of the thumb towards the fingertip for 3 minutes.
● Gua Sha on the Index Finger
The index finger corresponds to the Large Intestine Meridian (Da Chang Jing), primarily targeting the large intestine and stomach. Regularly scraping the index finger can alleviate symptoms such as diarrhea, indigestion, and constipation.
Gua Sha Method: Apply essential oil to the scraping area, use the Gua Sha board to scrape along the outer side of the index finger towards the fingertip for 3 minutes.
● Gua Sha on the Middle Finger
The middle finger corresponds to the Pericardium Meridian (Xin Bao Jing), primarily targeting the mental state. Regularly scraping the middle finger can calm the mind and improve sleep.
Gua Sha Method: Apply essential oil to the scraping area, use the Gua Sha board to scrape towards the fingertip from the palm side for 3 minutes.
● Gua Sha on the Ring Finger
The ring finger corresponds to the San Jiao Meridian (San Jiao Jing), primarily targeting the circulation of qi and blood. Regularly scraping the ring finger can alleviate fatigue and boost energy.
Gua Sha Method: Apply essential oil to the scraping area, use the Gua Sha board to scrape along the back of the ring finger for 3 minutes.
● Gua Sha on the Little Finger
The little finger corresponds to the Heart Meridian (Xin Jing) and Small Intestine Meridian (Xiao Chang Jing), primarily targeting the kidneys. Regularly scraping the little finger can enhance nutrient absorption and regulate metabolism.
Gua Sha Method: Apply essential oil to the scraping area, use the Gua Sha board to scrape along the outer side of the little finger for 3 minutes.
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