How to Understand Sha Marks?
Gua Sha not only treats diseases but also allows the diagnosis of conditions through the sha marks it produces, helping to identify the root cause of ailments. To assess your health, you can follow these three steps:
1. Observe. Bright red sha indicates a milder condition.
The relationship between sha color and severity: Red < Purple < Black < Dull Black
2. Feel. The presence of single or clustered nodules after scraping indicates blocked meridians and a more severe condition.
The relationship between nodules and severity: Yellow bean < Broad bean < Cup rim < Pot lid
3. Press. If pressing on the nodules causes soreness, numbness, or pain, it indicates a more severe condition.
If your body meets the above two conditions, it suggests the presence of illness that requires treatment.
Note: The temperature during Gua Sha should be between 25-26°C. After Gua Sha, avoid air conditioning or fans, as exposure to cold can worsen the condition. You can take a hot shower two hours after Gua Sha. Those who produce sha slowly often have weaker constitutions.
Ranking of Gua Sha Board Materials: Bian stone > Horn > Jade
Bian stone is the best for Gua Sha. It has small crystals, making it gentle and delicate, with good affinity for the skin.
Steps for Gua Sha: First, apply Gua Sha oil to the area to be scraped, then scrape up and down, left and right. Scrape harder on areas with more muscle and lighter on areas with less muscle.
Note: Generally, scrape each area 10-20 times (for 3-5 minutes). A treatment course should consist of at least 5 sessions, with about a week between each session. Sha marks can fade in 3-5 days.
1. Gua Sha Areas for Treating Cervical Spondylosis:
(1) From the back of the head to the seventh cervical vertebra (the prominent bone);
(2) From the neck to both sides of the shoulders; first scrape the midline (Du Mai), from Jianjing (Shoulder Well) to the acromion.
(3) The back of the scapula.
2. Three Steps of Gua Sha for Liver Protection – Helping Your Liver Lighten Its Load
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver is different from the liver described in Western medicine. Western medicine refers to the liver as a detoxifying organ that secretes bile to aid digestion. In TCM, the liver is not only a physical organ but also a functional entity with a broad scope. Therefore, nourishing and protecting the liver is crucial for the body. What troubles can arise if the liver is not functioning well?
Problems caused by poor liver function: (1) Liver Yang rising leading to hypertension and migraines; (Qi and blood share the same source)
(2) Liver Qi stagnation causing breast hyperplasia;
(3) Liver blood deficiency leading to amenorrhea;
(4) Excessive liver Qi causing dysmenorrhea;
(5) Poor liver Qi and blood leading to unhealthy nails (dull and lifeless).
Bad habits harming liver health: (1) Staying up late; (2) Drinking alcohol;
Three Liver Health Acupoints: Gan Shu (Liver Shu), Qi Men (Qi Gate), Tai Chong (Great Surge).
Three Steps of Gua Sha for Liver Protection:
(1) Scrape the “Gan Shu” point. Gan Shu is located 1.5 inches lateral to the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra. Place the palm of your hand against the Gua Sha board and the skin of the back at a 45-90 degree angle, scraping from top to bottom with appropriate force.
(2) Scrape the “Qi Men” point on the chest. Qi Men is located 4 inches lateral to the nipple in the sixth intercostal space. When performing Gua Sha on the chest and abdomen, scrape from the center to the sides, using a horizontal scraping method.
(3) Scrape the “Tai Chong” point on the foot. Tai Chong is located at the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones on the dorsum of the foot. Use a Bian stone acupoint stick (or similar object) to stimulate the point, holding for over 10 seconds and then scraping back 10-20 times.
3. Three Steps of Gua Sha for Spleen Health – The Secret to Strengthening the Foundation of Postnatal Health
In TCM, the spleen is responsible for transformation and transportation. Poor transformation and transportation can affect all parts of the body. Therefore, as the foundation of postnatal health and the source of Qi and blood, careful nurturing of the spleen is particularly important.
Problems caused by spleen deficiency: (1) Muscle atrophy and obesity; (unable to metabolize nutrients and fluids)
(2) Uterine bleeding (menorrhagia), thrombocytopenia (bruising);
(3) Abdominal distension, diarrhea, and loose stools that cannot form a shape;
(4) Dull complexion (sallow skin).
Four common causes of spleen deficiency: (1) Overeating can exhaust the spleen;
(2) Eating too much greasy food can create phlegm-dampness;
(3) Excessive worry and overthinking;
(4) Blind dieting and using harsh laxatives can harm the spleen.
Three Steps of Gua Sha for Spleen Health:
(1) Scrape the “Pi Shu” point on the back. This point is located 1.5 inches lateral to the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra.
(2) Scrape the “Zhang Men” point on the chest and abdomen. This point is located below the free end of the eleventh rib on the side of the body, where the arm bends upward, and the fingers rest on the shoulder.
(3) Scrape the three spleen meridian points on the lower limbs: Xue Hai (Blood Sea), Yin Ling Quan (Yin Mound Spring), and San Yin Jiao (Three Yin Intersection). Xue Hai is located at the knee joint; Yin Ling Quan is located on the inner side of the lower leg, below the knee in the depression next to the tibia; San Yin Jiao is located 3 inches above the inner ankle bone.
Note: 1. If symptoms do not improve significantly, consider combining with cupping or using an acupoint stick to stimulate empty areas for enhanced effect.
2. If some areas have been scraped but do not show sha, continue to follow the procedure.
3. Acupoint pressing technique: Press until a feeling of soreness and distension is felt, then hold for several seconds.
4. Three Steps of Gua Sha for Kidney Health – The Secret to Restoring the Foundation of Innate Health
In TCM, the kidney is considered the foundation of innate health. When kidney Qi is insufficient, it can lead to many serious problems.
Symptoms of kidney deficiency: (1) Weakness in the lower back and knees, coldness in the lower limbs. (For women, coldness in the lower limbs and lower abdomen, irregular menstruation, and infertility due to cold in the uterus)
(2) Fever. Kidney deficiency can lead to low-grade fever. (17:00-19:00 is the time associated with the kidney meridian)
(3) Male sexual dysfunction. (The kidney also governs reproductive functions)
(4) Respiratory issues. (The kidney governs the intake of Qi)
(5) Osteoporosis. (The kidney governs the production of marrow and connects to the brain. Blocked kidney pathways can lead to increased blood calcium, resulting in vascular hardening and urinary stones)
(6) Insomnia. (Restlessness, vivid dreams, and oral ulcers)
(7) Hearing issues and other problems. (The kidney opens to the ears. Frequent urination and increased urination frequency)
Note: (1) If you have the above problems but cannot find a cure, it may be time to consider kidney tonification.
(2) Those who frequently cough or have asthma should appropriately tonify the kidneys.
The condition of your hair reflects kidney health. Many people experience dry, split ends, or even premature graying, which is often due to insufficient kidney Qi. To achieve healthy, dark hair, massage the scalp daily with a Bian stone or a coarse water buffalo horn comb.
Specific methods for nourishing hair:
1. Scrape the “Bai Hui” point. This point is located at the center of the top of the head, where the midline intersects with the tips of both ears. Daily scraping of the Bai Hui point can enhance Yang Qi and invigorate the spirit.
2. Comb the sides of the head from top to bottom (as if drawing a question mark behind the ears). This can evenly massage and stimulate many acupoints on the head, which is beneficial for hair maintenance.
Three Steps of Gua Sha for Kidney Health:
(1) Scrape the “Shen Shu” point from top to bottom. This point is located at a hand’s width above the waist. After scraping, leave a cupping or perform cupping.
(2) Scrape the “Jing Men” point from the inside out. This point is located at the soft rib area. Both sides should be scraped. After scraping, leave a cupping or perform cupping.
(3) Scrape the “Shen Jing” points on the lower limbs. Focus on scraping the inner side of the Fu Liu point (located on the inner side of the lower leg, 2 finger widths above the inner ankle bone, between the tibia and Achilles tendon) and the “Tai Xi” point (located on the inner side of the foot, in the depression between the inner ankle and the heel bone, symmetrical on both sides). Press and knead the Tai Xi point. If cupping is performed and red sweat appears on the skin, do not panic; it indicates that the recipient has kidney deficiency with heat. The red sweat is waste expelled from the body, which can be gently wiped away with a disinfected cotton pad.
Note: For middle-aged and elderly individuals who usually have poor sleep, soaking feet in hot water half an hour before bed and then pressing the “Yong Quan” point for 10-20 minutes can be very effective for tonifying the kidneys.
5. Three Steps of Gua Sha for Lung Health – Essential Techniques for Moisturizing the Lungs in Autumn and Winter
In TCM, Qi is the vital energy of the body, known as Zong Qi. (The essence of food and fluids absorbed by the spleen and stomach is transported to the lungs, where it combines with the fresh air inhaled into the lungs to form Zong Qi.) The lungs play a crucial role in the body, and when lung Qi is insufficient, not only does respiratory function weaken, but other bodily functions can also be affected.
Symptoms of insufficient Zong Qi: Low voice, fatigue, shortness of breath when speaking.
Factors leading to lung Qi deficiency: (1) Autumn dryness; (2) Worry and stress.
Symptoms of lung deficiency:
(1) Colds;
Most colds today are viral, and antibiotics used for IV treatment are not very effective. Antibiotics are only effective for bacterial colds. Viral colds do not necessarily require medication; non-drug treatments like Gua Sha and cupping can be effective.
(2) Nasal congestion and runny nose;
The lungs govern the skin and fluids. If lung Qi cannot deliver nutrients to the surface, functions will weaken, leading to symptoms like colds and runny noses.
(3) Asthma, dark complexion, and many wrinkles;
The lungs have the function of dispersing and descending Qi. If this function is impaired, it can lead to coughing and asthma. Treating asthma requires a combination of lung and kidney support. In summer, “San Fu Tie” (Three Summer Patches) can be used. For winter asthma issues, it is best to perform Gua Sha and cupping in summer.
(4) Acne.
Excess heat that cannot be expelled can rise to the face. Poor lung function often correlates with poor bowel movements, as the lungs and large intestine are interconnected. Therefore, regulating bowel movements is also a way to support lung health.
In autumn and winter, dry weather can lead to colds, asthma, rhinitis, acne, and other diseases due to insufficient lung Qi. To maintain lung health, the three steps of lung moisturizing can be applied.
Three Steps of Gua Sha for Lung Health:
(1) Focus on the “Fei Shu” point on the back, applying oil nearby, and scrape from top to bottom, using cupping (avoid scraping over moles). Fei Shu is located 1.5 inches lateral to the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (about a palm’s width below the cervical vertebra).
(2) Focus on the “Zhong Fu” point, applying oil nearby, and scrape from inside out or from top to bottom. Zhong Fu is located at the triangular area between the collarbone and shoulder (the inner side is where the Yin meridian runs, and sha usually appears less than on the back).
(3) Scrape the Tai Yin lung meridian on the upper limbs. The upper limb is divided into inner and outer sides. The inner side is further divided into three sections: the upper, middle, and lower meridians. The upper meridian is called the lung meridian, the middle is the pericardium meridian, and the lower is the heart meridian. Focus on scraping the section of the lung meridian between the elbow and wrist, from the She Zhe (Cubital) point to the Tai Yuan (Great Abyss) point. (The upper arm has less muscle, so use a lighter scraping force; sometimes, less sha may be due to a weak constitution.)
Note: The cupping time after Gua Sha is generally 10 minutes.
What to do for colds and fevers?
Use the lung moisturizing three steps + scrape and leave a cupping on the Da Zhui point. Da Zhui is located at the lower end of the neck, in the depression below the seventh cervical vertebra. If the prominent bone is not very obvious, have the patient move their neck; the immobile joint is the first thoracic vertebra, approximately level with the shoulder.
Patients with hypertension can scrape and leave a cupping on the Da Zhui point. Cupping at the Da Zhui point can also treat acne and pigmentation.
What to do for nasal congestion and rhinitis?
Use the lung moisturizing three steps + massage the Ying Xiang point. Ying Xiang is located at the midpoint of the outer edge of the nostrils, in the middle of the nasolabial groove.
What to do for asthma?
Use the lung moisturizing three steps + scrape the Xuan Zhong and Zhong Wan points. Xuan Zhong is located between the two breasts. Zhong Wan is located at the midpoint between the navel and the heart. If there is a lot of phlegm, scrape the Zhong Wan point more.
6. Three Steps of Gua Sha for Heart Health – The Life-Saving Pill in Your Body
In TCM, the heart plays the role of the sovereign in the body. The health of the body largely depends on the health of the spirit.
Problems arising from heart injury: (1) Palpitations; (2) Angina; (3) Coronary heart disease; (4) Insomnia and forgetfulness.
To treat cardiovascular diseases, often both the heart and pericardium meridians need to be addressed.
The tongue is the ambassador of the heart. Heart issues can manifest through the tongue:
Heart blood deficiency: pale tongue;
Heart blood stasis: purplish spots on the tongue, with prominent veins underneath;
Heart fire excess: red tip of the tongue, with prickles and ulcers.
Note: The nose reflects the lungs; the eyes reflect the liver; the ears reflect the kidneys; the lips reflect the spleen; the tongue reflects the heart.
Factors that harm the heart:
(1) Greasy diet;
(2) Constipation.
The heart and small intestine are interrelated. If constipation occurs, heat in the intestines can rise, affecting the heart and causing a feeling of pressure and discomfort in the chest.
Three Steps of Gua Sha for Heart Health:
(1) Focus on the heart Shu point on the back, scraping and cupping nearby. The heart Shu point is located 1.5 inches lateral to the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra (counting from the prominent bone of the Da Zhui).
(2) Scrape from the Xuan Zhong point to the Ju Que point across the entire chest. Xuan Zhong is located at the midpoint of the line connecting the two nipples. Ju Que is located in the middle of the abdomen, where the left and right ribs intersect, and two finger widths below that point. Xuan Zhong and Ju Que are the gathering points for the heart and pericardium Qi in the chest (the pericardium serves as a protective barrier for the heart).
(3) Scrape the heart meridian along the inner side of both hands and the back edge of the pericardium meridian. Focus on scraping and pressing the Nei Guan point. For the heart meridian, focus on scraping the Ling Dao, Tong Li, Yin Xi, and Shen Men points.
Note: 1. During episodes of palpitations or angina, if you do not have medication on hand, Gua Sha can alleviate symptoms. However, for those with severe cardiovascular disease or who have had heart stents placed, the scraping force should be gentle.
2. Individuals with severe cardiovascular disease should avoid Gua Sha.
What to do for chest tightness and discomfort? Scrape from the Xuan Zhong point to the Ju Que point.
What to do for angina?
Press the Nei Guan point. (The Nei Guan point is located between the two tendons on the wrist, about 2 inches above the wrist crease.)
Pressing technique: Apply firm pressure for 10 seconds, then release.
What to do for insomnia caused by heart issues?
Press the Shen Men point. (The Shen Men point is located on the wrist, on the palm side, in the depression next to the ulnar flexor tendon.)
The Xuan Zhong point (the happiness point)
The Xuan Zhong point is located in the chest and has effects such as regulating Qi, invigorating blood circulation, and adjusting nervous and digestive functions. Regularly massaging the Xuan Zhong point has excellent health benefits and can prevent and treat diseases.
(1) Apply Gua Sha oil before scraping;
(2) Wait until the sha has faded before scraping again. (Generally, Gua Sha is performed once a week. It can also be done through clothing.)
On the inner side of the arms (from the elbow down) are the lung and heart meridians.
On the outer side of the arms (from the shoulder down) are the large intestine, triple warmer, and small intestine meridians.
On the inner side of the legs (from the groin down) are the spleen, liver, and kidney meridians.
On the outer side of the legs are the stomach meridian, the gallbladder meridian (below the knee), and the bladder meridian (behind the knee).
Gua Sha can help eliminate toxins from the body and open up the meridians. However, there are certain situations where Gua Sha should be avoided. Otherwise, it may not only fail to provide health benefits but also harm the body.
Situations where Gua Sha is not advisable:
1. Severe cardiovascular disease.
During the acute phase of cardiovascular disease, Gua Sha can promote bleeding and worsen the condition. It should be performed only after the condition stabilizes.
2. Liver and kidney dysfunction.
Individuals with liver and kidney dysfunction have weaker metabolism, and Gua Sha can increase the burden on the body, which is detrimental to health.
3. Generalized edema.
4. Bleeding tendencies.
Especially if there are visible wounds on the body, Gua Sha should be avoided.
5. Extreme hunger or fullness and excessive fatigue.
Hunger and fatigue can weaken the body, and Gua Sha requires mobilizing blood flow, which can further weaken the body.
6. Severe patients, pregnant women, and children under three years old. Additionally, avoid scraping on the navel, eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and other sensitive areas.