Gua Sha: Why You Should Consider a Scraping Treatment for Muscle Soreness
A new fitness trend called gua sha could be the answer you are looking for regarding muscle and joint soreness. However, unless you have already had the treatment or know someone who has, you likely have a lot of questions about this therapy. Let's take a closer look at this treatment and how it could help you.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua sha, also known as scraping, is a Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy that involves using a tool to "scrape" the skin to improve circulation. The therapist will apply massage oil and pressure to the body in long strokes with a smooth tool he or she holds in their hand.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the therapy is meant to address stagnant energy or chi in the body and improve its flow through the body. The idea is that when you improve the flow of energy, you reduce inflammation and increase the body's ability to recover and heal.
From a western standpoint, gua sha is thought to split up scar tissue and smooth out connective tissues. This effect encourages blood flow throughout the body and improves how joints and muscles move. Some physiotherapists in the west call it instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and use it alongside stretching and strengthening exercises.
At K2 CrossFit, Coach Kevin Kim performs gua sha therapy along with Cannabidiol (CBD) cream. Studies have shown that CBD can decrease chronic pain by interacting with your body's neurotransmitters. The combination of the natural stimulation of Gua Sha with the effects of CBD oil can lead to pain relief that you haven't experienced before.
Conditions Gua Sha Can Address
As a natural therapy, gua sha is considered safe. The most common conditions that gua sha treats include:
• Muscle and joint pain, e.g., back pain, strained tendons, carpal tunnel syndrome
• Minor colds and fevers
• Lung conditions or problems
• Breaking up scar tissue
• Repetitive strain injuries
Are There Side Effects?
It is natural to wonder if gua sha will hurt, but experts say it isn't painful. However, because it involves scraping the skin with a little tool and a lot of pressure, the tiny capillaries just under the surface of your skin can break during the treatment, which can result in bruising. The bruises will fade after a few days to a week.
Fitness trends come and go. However, gua sha has been around for thousands of years. If you feel like you have some issues that gua sha might address, find a licensed therapist, and give it a try.