When combined with acupuncture, gua sha therapy can be a good treatment and mode of prevention for the flu, common cold, asthma, bronchitis and acute and chronic pain. To apply Gua Sha, a massage oil is applied on the skin for lubrication, then a smooth edged tool is utilized to rub or scrape the areas of treatment. Administering this frees the toxins that have been building up in the body, bringing them up toward the skin surface. However, the scraping process produces bruise like marks that dissipate within a few days. The harshness of the bruising will indicate the amount of toxins that were released, as well as the stuck or stagnated energy in the energy channels, meridians muscles in the body.
Gua Sha relieves pain, eliminates stagnation, alleviates stress, regulates metabolism, normalizes organ function, detoxifies the body and strengthens the immune system. At the first indication of a sore throat or cold symptoms, we highly recommend a session of Gua Sha. Early treatment can reinforce the immune system and stop a flu or cold in its tracks. It can also help stave off sickness in advance of the cold season and all year-round.
Three Great Suggestions for a Healthy Winter
- Chinese Herbs – Strengthen your immune system by using Chinese Herbs that shorten the duration of a cold and relieve its symptoms.
- Hot Water with lemon – Detoxify your body by drinking hot water with lemon every morning. Besides keeping you healthy, hot water with lemon can also help you lose weight and improve your digestion.
- Cover the Feng Men (Wind Gate) or Bl 12 acupoint – This acupoint is found in your upper back and according to traditional Chinese medicine wind gate external pathogenic elements infiltrate the body via this point. To keep you healthy and protected during the colder months, keep this part of the body covered with a hood or scarf.