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Gua Sha is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) external treatment technique guided by the theory of meridians and acupoints. It involves the use of various materials and shapes of Gua Sha tools and mediums to scrape the skin surface with corresponding techniques to prevent and treat diseases. This method has effects such as unblocking meridians, improving blood circulation, and adjusting joint structure and function.
As a long-standing therapeutic method, Gua Sha has advantages such as high safety and broad indications. It is widely used in modern TCM clinical practice for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, dermatology, and for the health maintenance of sub-healthy populations.
1. Types and Characteristics of Tools
Classification by Material
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Water Buffalo Horn Gua Sha Board has effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, resolving stasis, and reducing swelling.
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Bian Stone Gua Sha Board has calming, tranquilizing, and dispelling cold effects.
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Ceramic Gua Sha Board is heat-resistant and anti-static.
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Jade Gua Sha Board has effects of clearing heat, moisturizing the skin, and beautifying.
Classification by Shape
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Oval Gua Sha Board is suitable for scraping the sides of the spine, abdomen, and fuller muscle areas of the limbs.
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Square Gua Sha Board is suitable for scraping the trunk and limbs.
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Notched Gua Sha Board is suitable for scraping fingers, toes, and the spine.
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Triangular Gua Sha Board is suitable for scraping the intercostal spaces of the chest and back, and the ends of the limbs.
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Comb-shaped Gua Sha Board is suitable for scraping the head.
2. Indications and ContraindicationsIndications
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Internal Medicine diseases include headache, dizziness, insomnia, stomach pain, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, asthma, arthralgia, hiccups, etc.
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Surgical diseases include stiff neck, neck and shoulder pain, back pain, low back pain, leg pain, knee pain, heel pain, varicose veins, etc.
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Gynecological diseases include dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, amenorrhea, etc.
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Dermatological diseases include chloasma, acne, urticaria, etc.
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Otorhinolaryngological diseases include tinnitus, deafness, toothache, sore throat, acute rhinitis, etc.
Contraindications
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Severe cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, liver and kidney dysfunction with edema.
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Diseases with bleeding tendencies, such as severe anemia, thrombocytopenic purpura, leukemia, hemophilia, etc.
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Infectious diseases, such as acute osteomyelitis, tuberculous arthritis, infectious skin diseases, skin abscesses, etc.
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Acute sprains and strains, or skin that is swollen and ulcerated.
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Patients who do not cooperate with Gua Sha, such as those who are intoxicated, have schizophrenia, or convulsions.
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Special areas, such as the eyes, lips, tongue, ear holes, nostrils, nipples, navel, and areas with large blood vessels, as well as the abdomen and lower back of pregnant women.
References:
Tang Ling, Shen Qian, Chen Hong. TCM Nursing Techniques Comprehensive Explanation [M]. Beijing: China Medical Science and Technology Press, 2021:66-69.
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Written by丨Comprehensive Internal Medicine, TCM Classic Ward Zhang Lina
Produced by丨Comprehensive Internal Medicine, TCM Classic Ward Xie Jin
Reviewed by丨Comprehensive Internal Medicine, TCM Classic Ward Kang Hua, Zhang Chang
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