Studies reveal the effect of gua sha has a therapeutic impact in inflammatory conditions and in the last ten years research has begun to clarify exactly how the treatment works. The therapeutic petechiae (painless red marks/red spots resulting from a treatment) represents blood cells that have extravasated in the capillary bed and indicate an increase in surface micro-perfusion and microcirculation.

Gua sha involves applying oil as a lubricating medium to the area of the body being treated and then scraping the surface of the skin using a specialised smooth-edged tool. If there is no blood stasis affecting the tissues, stagnation or fever, petechiae will not form and the skin will only turn pink.

The most common areas for treatment are the back, neck, shoulders, buttocks, and limbs.  Facial gua sha can be used to augment cosmetic acupuncture treatments, helping to increase circulation, elasticity and firmness of the skin.

Petechiae is painless and usually fades within a few days, and according to TCM theory, the intensity of the petechiae is an indication of the severity of the toxicity, stagnation or fever inside the body.

Treatments people seek help for include:

• Acute and Chronic inflammatory conditions
• Sports and repetitive strain injuries
• Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions affecting fascia, muscles, tendons or ligaments
• Fibrotic tissues - including scar tissue
• Migraines and headaches