01
Sequence of Gua Sha
Sequence:
First scrape: Da Zhui (Great Vertebra), Da Yu (Great Shuttle), Gao Mang (Gao Blind), Shen Tang (Spirit Hall). (as shown in the figure below)
Scrape along the direction of the skin’s cì lǐ (pores), generally: first the trunk, then the limbs, from top to bottom, and from left to right, (except for the face)
For individuals with hypertension, poor heart and lung function, older age, or a generally weak constitution, it is recommended to first scrape:
Shou Xin Bao Jing (Heart Protector Meridian), Xin Jing (Heart Meridian), Fei Jing (Lung Meridian) (as shown in the figure below), to mobilize the Qi mechanism and stabilize the Qi and blood of the upper jiao, before scraping other areas.
For any symptoms, it is advisable to first scrape the Da Tui (Great Push) point and the Gao Mang, Shen Tang, and Da Yu points of the Zu Tai Yang Pang Guang Jing (Foot Tai Yang Bladder Meridian), and then scrape other meridians and local areas.
Since Da Zhui belongs to the Du Mai (Governing Vessel), it has the meaning of overall governance. The Du Mai runs along the center of the back, where it frequently intersects with the three Yang meridians of the hands and feet and the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel), governing all Yang meridians in the body, allowing the circulation of Yang Qi throughout the body, making it one of the key points for strengthening the body. It is also known as the “Sea of Yang Meridians”. Furthermore, the Du Mai runs along the spine, ascending to the brain, and branches out from the spine to connect with the kidneys, closely relating to the brain marrow and kidneys.
Da Zhu, Gao Yu, and Shen Tang belong to the Zu Tai Yang Pang Guang Jing (Foot Tai Yang Bladder Meridian). “Tai Yang” refers to the great Yang of heaven, encompassing all things. The Bladder Meridian governs the body’s exterior, where the cì lǐ (pores) respond to external pathogens, being the first line of defense.
Moreover, the back acupoints of the five zang and six fu organs are located on the Bladder Meridian, thus scraping the acupoints of the Bladder Meridian can regulate the Qi of the Bladder Meridian and the functions of the five zang and six fu organs. At the same time, Da Yu promotes lung function, Gao Mang nourishes Yin, Shen Tang calms the spirit, and these four points are commonly used in Gua Sha treatment for various diseases based on experience.
02
State of Gua Sha
Scraper:
Enter tranquility: when calm, the body relaxes, and when relaxed, it becomes unobstructed. Only when in tranquility can the Zheng Qi (Upright Qi) be preserved internally, and evil cannot invade;
In tranquility, the whole body relaxes, with a focused mind, not restless, not tense, not hurried,
The practitioner should maintain a distance from the recipient, allowing for arm extension;
Recipient:
The mind should be calm or the eyes closed to nourish the spirit, primarily sitting while receiving Gua Sha, focusing on the changes in one’s body. Avoid distractions such as looking at phones or watching TV, and maintain a focused mind and body to avoid affecting the treatment’s efficacy.
03
Gua Sha Method
1. Scraping Technique
First, apply a layer of oil; the oil should not be too much, as excessive oil makes it slippery and difficult to produce Sha (the red marks). Gently scrape the surface to disperse the Wei Qi (Defensive Qi). The skin surface is where the Wei Qi resides; Gua Sha treats the disease without harming the Wei Qi (Ying Qi flows within the meridians, while Wei Qi flows outside the meridians, using a gentle and harmonious technique to slowly scrape along the skin’s cì lǐ).
The scraping board should be at a 45° angle to the skin, scraping down and lifting up.
Gua Sha for Health
Use one hand or both hands to hold the board, keeping the wrist relaxed, using the elbow to exert force, and letting the shoulder drop (letting the shoulder relax and hang down. If unable to relax, and the shoulders are raised, it will be difficult to exert force; letting the elbow drop means the elbow should relax down. If the elbow is raised, the shoulder cannot drop).
—— Click to watch the method of holding the Gua Sha board
The pressure applied should be even, controlling the board’s pressure at 300-500 grams per centimeter, based on the recipient’s comfort level. The frequency should be stable, neither too fast nor too slow, as the force must reach the body. If too fast, the force remains superficial; if too slow, the force is too soft and does not penetrate. Scrape three times in one breath, with the stroke length not too long, generally 2-3 inches. Avoid excessive force.
2. What to do when encountering painful points?
If encountering particularly blocked painful points, first scrape the surrounding area, and once the Qi and blood are mobilized, return to scrape the painful area, which will be less painful.
Alternatively, use the scraping board to directly circle and polish the painful point, which can also relieve some pain (polishing method as shown below).
3. Polishing Method
The largest flat surface of the scraping board should be pressed against the skin, turning clockwise to polish. If black Sha can be produced, scrape it off with Gua Sha oil and clean it up. (as shown in the figure below)
4. Timely Communication
The scraper and the recipient should maintain communication, asking about the pressure: is it painful? Can it be tolerated? Observe the recipient’s state in real-time to prevent fainting during scraping.—— What is fainting during scraping and how to handle it, click to see the precautions article
5. Scraping thoroughly for better results
What does scraping thoroughly mean: the same pressure and range no longer produce new Sha; individuals who frequently receive Gua Sha do not easily produce Sha, based on the degree of pore opening and skin warmth. (reference image for thorough scraping)
6. Scraping Duration
The time for scraping the back should be controlled within one to one and a half hours, and should not be excessive; the total time for one Gua Sha session should not exceed three hours.
03
Important Gua Sha Direction Diagrams
Shoulders, Neck, and Back
Head
Jawbone and Anterior Neck
Chest Gua Sha
Arms and Fingers
Legs and Shins
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