ALL ABOUT: Gua-Sha

What is gua sha?
Gua sha is a traditional technique that uses a smooth-edged tool to gently glide across the skin and underlying tissues. It can be used on the body or face and is often incorporated into massage to help promote circulation, relaxation, and tissue mobility.

What does gua sha feel like?
It should feel good, not too painful. Think of it as a more focused, gliding technique that can create a little extra stimulation to the tissues. Pressure can always be adjusted to your comfort level.

Is gua sha the same as IASTM?
Not quite! They have some similarities because both use tools to work with the tissues. IASTM tends to be more focused and therapeutic, while gua sha can be a gentler, more flowing technique and can be used for both relaxation and therapeutic purposes. Basically: same family, different personalities.

Is gua sha limited to my face?
Definitely not.

Why would I want gua sha during my massage?
Gua sha can be a nice addition when you want some extra attention to a particular area. It may help with relaxation, circulation and the feeling of tight or restricted tissues.

Will it hurt?
It shouldn't. Some areas may feel more sensitive than others, but it is important to remember your treatment should remain within your comfort level.

Will I bruise?
Gua sha can sometimes cause temporary redness or discoloration, particularly when more pressure is used.

How long does the gua sha add-on take?
The amount of time will depend on your treatment and the area we're working on.

Can gua sha be used on my face?
Yes! Facial gua sha uses a gentler approach and a tool designed for the face. It's different from the body technique and can be incorporated into facial massage.

Can everyone receive gua sha?
Not necessarily. Certain health conditions, medications, skin conditions, recent injuries or other circumstances may mean gua sha isn't appropriate for you but that is something we will discuss.

Do I have to have gua sha during my massage?
Absolutely not!

What are the benefits of gua sha?
Gua sha may help increase local circulation, promote relaxation, improve the feeling of tissue mobility and reduce the sensation of muscle tightness. It can be a great way to add a little something extra to your massage without changing the entire treatment.

Does gua sha increase circulation?
Gua sha can temporarily increase local blood flow to the area being treated, which is one reason you may notice warmth or redness afterward.

Why does the skin sometimes turn red?
The stimulation of the tissues and increased local blood flow can cause temporary redness. The amount of redness varies from person to person and depends on the technique, pressure and area being treated.

How long does the redness last?
If you experience redness, it is generally temporary and should fade. Everyone responds differently, though, so I can't promise you'll have zero visible redness afterward.

Can gua sha leave marks?
It can. More traditional or vigorous gua sha techniques can intentionally create petechiae or bruising-like markings called sha. That's not the goal of my complimentary add-on. I'll use an appropriate pressure for your treatment and comfort level.

Can I request lighter pressure?
Absolutely. In fact, please do! Your feedback helps me tailor the technique to you.

Can I request a specific area for gua sha?
Yes! If there's an area you'd particularly like me to incorporate it into, let me know. I'll determine whether it's appropriate for that area and your treatment.

Can gua sha replace massage?
No. Think of it as another tool in the toolbox, literally and figuratively, not a replacement for hands-on massage.

Do I need to prepare for a gua sha treatment?
Not really! Just show up for your appointment. Depending on where we're working, I'll need access to the skin and will make sure you're properly draped throughout your treatment.

Can I get gua sha at every massage?
Potentially! It depends on your individual circumstances, the condition of the tissues and whether there are any reasons to avoid the technique that day.

What if I don't like it?
Tell me! There's absolutely no obligation to continue. Massage should be collaborative, and if a technique isn't your thing, we simply move on to something else.

Do I have to ask for it when booking?
Nope! You don't need to book a special service. Just mention it when you arrive, or I may suggest it if I think it could complement your treatment.

Is gua sha safe during pregnancy?
Some forms and areas of gua sha may be appropriate during pregnancy, but technique and treatment areas need to be modified. Your pregnancy and health history will be taken into consideration before using it.

What if I take blood thinners?
This is something you should tell me about before treatment. Medications that affect blood clotting can increase the likelihood of bruising, so gua sha may need to be modified or avoided.

Can I receive gua sha if I have sensitive skin?
Possibly, but we'll take a gentler approach and consider the condition of your skin. If the skin is irritated, broken, inflamed or otherwise unsuitable for the technique, we'll skip that area.

Can gua sha be used over tattoos?
It depends on the tattoo and how healed the skin is. Fresh or healing tattoos should not be treated with gua sha.

Can gua sha be used over scars?
Sometimes! The technique may be incorporated around or, when appropriate, over fully healed scar tissue. This depends on the type, age and condition of the scar.