 Do you like massage? Then you would also like gua sha
Gua Sha or Cao Gio, Vietnamese coin rubbing is a asian therapy form.
This forces out blood and metabolic waste which congests the surface
tissues and muscles. Gua Sha promotes normal circulation and metabolic processes. In Gua Sha, the skin is pressured, in strokes, by a round edged instrument. Sha
rash has a texture like fine sand on the skin. The tiny raised bumps
are most often red but can be blue, purple or black. The technique of
Gua Sha intentionally brings the Sha rash to the surface. It acts as a
counterirritant therapy.
1. Where does the practice of Gua Sha originate from?
In 1980, the Journal of the American Medical Association carried an article about Cao Gio, Vietnamese coin rubbing. Cao Gio is the Vietnamese practice of rubbing the skin with a coin to alleviate various common symptoms of illness, The back, neck, head, shoulder and chest are common sites of application. Although mimicking the lesions of trauma, it is not harmful procedure, and no complications are known. A survey of 50 Vietnamese living in the United States since 1975 and 1976 has shown marked distrust of American physicians, owing largely to actual or perceived criticism of cao gio. Acceptance of cao gio as a valid cultural practice will facilitate compliance and adequate medical follow up. (Yeatman 1980)
In China, the therapeutic practice of rubbing the skin is known as Gua Sha. The Vietnamese reported that Cao Gio has come from China and was used for colds, flu, headache, neck and back pain, muscle strain, cough, nausea, abdominal pain, chill and symptoms related to changes in the weather. Gua Sha or Cao Gio is a technique commonly used in Asia by practitioners of Traditional Medicine, in both clinical setting and in homes, but it little known in the West.
2. When is appropriate to use Gua-Sha?
You should not use Gua Sha in an area which has just been injured, or where there is bruising or abrasion. If an injury has begun to heal, but with lingering, unresolved pain, then Gua Sha may help. When there is a rash or a break in the skin, or the skin is sun burnt, Gua Sha is contraindicated. Gua Sha should not be done over pimples or moles. It is not appropriate to apply Gua Sha to the abdomen of a pregnant women. Gua Sha should be applied with care to very weak persons. It is not necessary to apply Gua Sha if it has just been done. The redness should have completely disappeared before considering another Gua Sha treatment.
3. How long should a Sha-Rash last?
Most of the Sha will fade in 2-3 days. If it fades sooner, the patient's circulation is good. If it takes longer to clear it may indicate a lack of circulation to that area.
4. What condition can be treated with Gua Sha?
Gua Sha treats many acute and chronic disorders. It also commonly used for the treatment of pain. In some cases it is used in the prevention and treatment of acute infectious illnesses. It has also been used for upper respiratory and digestive problems.
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Suggested Links:
Coin Rubbing
Gua Sha - Wikipedia
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