Gua Sha:
Removing Tension by the Spoonful
It’s not a meditation chant or even the name of a hot new restaurant in the South Loop. Gua Sha is a 2,000 year-old practice for resolving muscle tension, spasms, and pain. Typically administered on the neck, shoulders, and back, Gua Sha is sometimes referred to as “scraping” and is often used in combination with acupuncture or other bodywork modalities.
Scraping, you say?! Gua means “to rub” or “press stroke,” and Sha describes the red or purple spots on or near the skin surface as a result, clinically known as petechiae (pe-tee-key-ah). It’s been described by some as a more intense version of cupping, but Gua Sha actually has more in common with massage.
“Gua Sha does increase surface blood flow like cupping, but pressure is applied while a blunt-edged tool is used to scrape the surface layers of skin– sort of a 'burnishing' action,” says Jennifer Gaspers, a Licensed Massage Therapist. “Gua sha is great as a stand alone treatment or as part of a bodywork session because it's effective for resolving over-tight muscles or breaking up scar tissue.” Jennifer adds that not as much pressure is applied as with a traditional massage, but because there’s friction on the surface of the skin, some people might be put off by the naturally occurring bruising. “The area we’re working on is first treated with a lubricating oil, but capillaries on the skin’s surface are effected. Redness and any surface bruising clears within two or three days.”
“It’s a safe pain-relieving modality that’s been a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) forever,” says Healing Foundations’ co-owner Rebecca Gemperle. “I’ll often use a medicated oil with menthol, peppermint oil, or camphor to prepare the area and lubricate the skin. It helps to loosen bound-up fascia (connective tissue) to allow the muscles to relax.” Rebecca explains that the treatment isn’t exclusive to clinics offering Chinese Medicine. “Physical therapists and chiropractors have something called the ‘Graston Technique’ that originated in the early 1990s. Plain and simple, it’s myofascial release based on the centuries-old gua sha that we perform here, but it sounds more modern and they rely on high-tech looking stainless steel tools.”
“You can buy a gua sha tool made of buffalo horn online from Walmart,” says Healing Foundations’ other co-owner Lisa Alvarez. “I’m not even kidding. It’s that mainstream.” Indeed, tools used for this type of treatment come in a wide variety of interesting sizes, shapes, and materials. Jade and quartz are common in TCM clinics, but you’ll find them in wood, stone, and metal, too.
“That’s true,” says Revital Peremen, a licensed acupuncturist and certified Asian Bodywork Therapist, “but all of us at Healing Foundations usually first reach for a ceramic Chinese soup spoon. “Using the spoon is traditional, but more than that, it just fits in the hand nicely and creates the desired results. It’s low-tech, but I stick with what works.”
Healing Foundations is no Walmart, and does have those ubiquitous soup spoons available for purchase, but Lisa is quick to add that gua sha is not for everybody. “It looks easy, but we take the time to carefully instruct anyone who wants to practice gua sha on themselves at home. Because you’re rubbing the skin vigorously, injury is possible. It’s imperative to sterilize your gua sha tools, and if you’re on blood thinners or have other issues with blood clotting or skin conditions, there are other effective modalities that are safe for you.” She also adds "Gua is not just for tight muscles. Many people do not realize that trained practitioners of TCM can use gua sha to help alleviate headache pain, stiffness in limbs, resolve nausea and to break up symptoms of a cold such as a cough, congestion, and fever."
Just like cupping, Gua Sha is available at Healing Foundations as a 15-minute, stand-alone treatment ($30), but is often incorporated into longer acupuncture and bodywork sessions. When you’re ready to try this ancient pain relieving treatment, we have a spoon waiting for you.
“From the moment you walk in the door you feel the vibration of healing and tranquility.”
Holiday Closure
Healing Foundations will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th. Have a safe and peaceful holiday
Sunday July 8th | 6pm
Second Sunday Sound Meditation with Venus Sabay | 6-7pm
Allow your mind and body to recharge as we embrace the late summer energies. Experience the healing effects of vibrational tones with crystal bowls, singing bowls, and chimes. Meditation is done lying down, yoga mat provided. Feel free to bring a blanket and pillow. Stay for tea and share your experiences! $30: Pre-registration is required.
Saturday July 21st | 9:30am
Yoga + Meditation Workshop with Jennifer Gaspers | 9:30-11a | Partner Yoga
Jennifer's July workshop focuses on yoga for twosomes, so grab a partner (bring one, or make a new friend when you arrive) and let’s get creative! Learn how partnering up can help you to safely get a better stretch and gently keep you upright in those pesky balance poses. Jennifer will introduce and lead you through a routine that'll keep your yoga practice fun and fresh, then wind down with group meditation. $25: Pre-registration is required. Class is limited to 8 participants.
