In March, this is called “Fa Chen”; the heavens and earth are both alive, and all things flourish.
The sky is clear and the air is fresh; spring has finally arrived, a great time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. However, some friends are experiencing troubles that come with spring.
Some people feel a heaviness in their heads, experiencing dizziness; others have headaches, feeling a throbbing at the top of their heads; some feel faint, walking unsteadily, always wanting to lean against a wall.
Many people also have sleep issues; some can’t fall asleep, others can’t wake up, and some feel like they haven’t slept at all despite dreaming a lot. There are also those who wake up naturally at three or four in the morning, which is natural but not at the right time, leading to long-term effects on energy and vitality.
The spring breeze warms the earth, but it also brings various skin issues. Some people experience itching all over, while others suffer from hives. With the blooming flowers, pollen allergies also arrive, causing many to suffer with runny noses and tears. Some break out in acne, others have nosebleeds, and some become irritable and easily angered. Do you find yourself or someone around you relating to any of these symptoms?
“In March, this is called ‘Fa Chen.'” Fa refers to the growth and awakening in spring, the power of renewal. After a winter of dormancy, all things awaken, and life transitions from stillness to movement, full of vitality. Chen refers to accumulated things. There are two meanings here: one is the energy that the body has accumulated during winter, which is necessary for the “Fa” to occur. The other meaning is that old ailments may resurface in spring. Just like clear water, when stirred, the sediment rises, making the water murky.
With these springtime troubles, we can certainly seek help from doctors at clinics. But as the saying goes, everyone is the first responsible person for their own health; we must take action ourselves, and Gua Sha is a good choice.
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We know that Gua Sha involves scraping the surface of the skin to guide the flow of Qi and blood within the body, from the surface to the interior, addressing both superficial and deep issues. Gua Sha is used to promote circulation; in spring, Gua Sha is like opening a window for the body to breathe, clearing out internal waste, aligning with the meaning of “Fa Chen,” regulating the body, and working in harmony with the season for maximum effect.
Where to Gua Sha in Spring?
The east wind arises in spring, with diseases in the liver, and the corresponding points are in the neck. ——《Huang Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine)》
A few days ago, a friend asked for help with a headache, and I suggested scraping his neck. He questioned, “My right side of the head is throbbing; won’t you scrape my head?” Patience is key; we won’t know until we try.
After scraping a few times, his skin turned red, and after a few more strokes, red marks appeared as if waiting for the Gua Sha tool’s call. After about half an hour of scraping, he felt warmth and comfort in the back of his head and neck, and even his shoulders and back felt relaxed. Gua Sha can make one very sleepy; by eight o’clock, he fell asleep and woke up refreshed in the morning, with no headache and a good mood to start the day.
Gua Sha Procedure
1. Preparation: Prepare a Gua Sha tool, such as a horn scraper, ceramic scraper, or jade scraper, along with some lubricant, such as olive oil or petroleum jelly.
2. Apply Oil: Apply lubricant to the area to be scraped, such as the back, neck, or shoulders, to reduce skin irritation during scraping.
3. Gua Sha: Use the Gua Sha tool on the area to be scraped, moving from top to bottom, applying light to moderate pressure, and from superficial to deep, paying attention to the force and direction to avoid skin damage. The typical scraping time is 10-30 minutes, adjusted according to individual constitution and needs.
4. Recovery: After Gua Sha, drink plenty of water to promote metabolism and waste elimination, while ensuring adequate rest and appropriate exercise.
Post-Gua Sha Precautions
After Gua Sha, pay attention to the following points:
1. After Gua Sha, the sweat pores will be open, so be careful not to catch a chill; generally, you can shower after 24 hours, but avoid cold water and direct cold wind, and keep the scraped area warm.
2. It is best to drink plenty of water after Gua Sha, preferably warm water, to accelerate metabolism and promote the expulsion of pathogenic factors through sweat, which is beneficial for recovery.
3. Gua Sha should also be chosen carefully; those with diabetes or severe skin conditions should use it with caution.
If you also experience these discomforts, try Gua Sha!
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If you have any physical discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly.
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