Gua Sha Services Edmonton
Red Leaf Wellness offers Gua Sha as one of our many services in Edmonton, Alberta. Our clinic provides whole health and alternative medicine strategies by combining the best of ancient Eastern healing and modern Western medicine.
In addition to Gua Sha therapy, we offer highly specialized treatment to address many conditions that can affect your physical and mental health.
Gua Sha dates as far back as the Paleolithic Age when people used their hands and stones to massage parts of the body to reduce the side effects and symptoms of many illnesses.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a treatment that is used primarily for early cold symptoms or tightness in large muscle groups. This traditional technique involves using a dull-edged device, like a soup spoon or polished stone, to gently massage the skin – usually in the upper back and neck areas.
Gua Sha addresses stagnant energy known as chi in the body which many believe is responsible for inflammation, which is the underlying cause of many conditions associated with chronic pain.
Rubbing the skin with the Gua Sha technique helps break up this energy, reduce inflammation, and promote healing, but don’t worry, this technique is not at all painful and does not cause bleeding or scabbing. You may, however, experience some slight bruising or redness for 1 to 3 days after the treatment.
Another Gua sha technique is used in facial acupuncture for improved blood circulation, reduced puffiness, the appearance of wrinkles, dark eye circles and dull-looking skin. It also helps the skin naturally purge blemish-causing dirt and oils, but unlike the traditional technique used on the body, this facial treatment will not leave any bruising. Ask your practitioner or any Red Leaf Wellness team member about our facial acupuncture package deals for the best savings.
The Benefits of Gua Sha
Gua Sha moves lymphatic fluids, detoxifies the body, and breaks down tension in your muscles, which leads to improved blood flow and less pain inducing inflammation.
This can help relieve a number of health conditions, including musculoskeletal problems such as tightness in the shoulders, legs, and back as well as tension headaches, migraines, neck pain, joint pain, and swelling of the body.
Gua Sha can also help with anxiety, fatigue, chronic pain, insomnia, and perimenopausal symptoms – especially when done integratively with acupuncture.
Apart from these benefits, you may also notice an improvement in your circulation, immune system, and allergic inflammation.
Getting the Most Out of Gua Sha Therapy
When you schedule an appointment with one of our practitioners, it’s important to be prepared so you can get the most out of this therapy.
Before booking an appointment, make a list of the areas of your body in which you experience aches and pains as well as any prior injuries or health issues. This will allow the practitioner to customize your treatment to address your unique needs.
Be sure to try and come to your appointment relaxed. Make sure you are not rushed and take a moment or two before the treatment to calm your mind and body.
You should also avoid strenuous activities after your treatment. Gua Sha is used to reach deep tissues and push inflammation from your muscles so engaging in a workout can cause discomfort.
We also sell gua sha tools in our clinic for your own use and practice at home.
Specialists on our Team:
Dr.Ac Winton 🇬🇧
Helping people comes naturally to Michelle! As a highly skilled Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist, and Advanced Care Paramedic she is widely recognized for developing unique care plans which draw on her knowledge and therapeutic touch gained across each of these specialized disciplines. Having over twenty years of combined expertise in caring for her patients, Michelle has had a front row seat to observe how stress and emotion affect the mind and body. Complementing her acupuncture services at Red Leaf Wellness, Michelle offers a variety of therapeutic and relaxation massage therapies, including pregnancy massage, myofascial release and myofascial cupping.
Michelle began her health career as a massage therapist, graduating the 2200hr Massage Program at Macewan University in 2001. Being active in competitive sport in her youth, Michelle understood the benefits of massage on sport performance, recovery and injury prevention. She subsequently branched into emergency care and became an Advanced Care Paramedic where she was able to offer a calming presence in stressful, emergent situations. Michelle has always believed that soft skills, an extra moment spent with family, or a hand to hold on the way to the hospital, can be as healing as the specific medical interventions themselves. Working as a Paramedic Michelle saw, and began to question, how it is that people differ in disease and the aging process and why the same drug benefited one person, but not the other. Her lifelong learning journey had her begin to look for these answers in the time-tested practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture, thus kicking off another quest for knowledge at MacEwan University’s Acupuncture Program.
Education:
- Diploma – Acupuncture, Macewan University
- Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University
- Honors standings
- Certificate – Massage Therapy Grant MacEwan College
Licensure:
- RAc, College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
- RMT, National Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC)
- ACP, Alberta College of Paramedics
Dr.Ac Winton 🇬🇧
Acupuncture, Massage
Helping people comes naturally to Michelle! As a highly skilled...
Dr.Ac Wiebe 🇬🇧
Olivia Wiebe is a dedicated practitioner of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering a compassionate and holistic approach to wellness. Graduating from MacEwan University in 2017 with a diploma in Acupuncture, Olivia’s journey into this ancient healing practice began during her high school years, where she first experienced its transformative effects. This initial exposure led her to a profound understanding of the body’s complex interplay with lifestyle and environment, shaping her therapeutic approach.
Equipped with deep knowledge in yin/yang theory, 5-element theory, meridian channels, and organ diagnosis, Olivia views health as a harmonious balance between physical, emotional, and environmental factors. Her commitment to expanding her expertise led her to pursue an additional 2.5 years of study in Chinese Herbology at Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC. This rigorous training, coupled with her experience in Western Herbology, has enabled her to integrate a rich tapestry of herbal wisdom into her practice.
Olivia’s therapeutic focus includes alleviating aches and pains, addressing insomnia, stress, and anxiety, and enhancing women’s health, among other areas. She is passionate about assisting her patients in every step of their healing journey, regardless of their familiarity with Acupuncture or Chinese Medicine.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Olivia is an avid nature enthusiast, often found embracing the tranquility of the river valley or indulging in forest bathing with her beloved dog. She is also a skilled pianist, classically trained through the Royal Conservatory, and has shared her love for music by teaching piano lessons for over a decade.
At our clinic, Olivia Wiebe stands as a testament to the power of integrative care, combining her rich knowledge of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with a deep-rooted passion for natural healing. Whether you are new to Acupuncture or seeking advanced care, Olivia welcomes all questions and looks forward to guiding you on your path to wellness.
Education
- Diploma of Acupuncture, MacEwan University
Certifications/Licensure
- Registered Acupuncturist – College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
Dr.Ac Wiebe 🇬🇧
Acupuncture, Herbalism
Olivia Wiebe is a dedicated practitioner of Acupuncture and Traditional...
Dr.Ac Kossowan 🇬🇧 🇫🇷
Dr. Jason Kossowan is a dedicated and licensed Doctor of Acupuncture with the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta, and a distinguished graduate of the Acupuncture program at MacEwan University. Jason’s path to healthcare began with his passion for Chinese martial arts, especially tai chi, which he has practiced since 2005. His journey in martial arts led to a profound appreciation for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and a desire to integrate these classical techniques into solutions for modern health challenges.
Jason is particularly drawn to the treatment of cardiovascular and neurological conditions, as well as sports medicine, where he combines precision with a deep respect for the body’s natural healing processes. His approach is integrative and patient-centered, focusing on meaningful outcomes and a collaborative model of care that bridges Eastern and Western perspectives.
At Red Leaf Wellness, Jason is committed to creating a therapeutic experience that respects the body’s innate wisdom and adaptability. He actively engages patients through tailored treatment plans that address their unique needs, while also exploring the broader health benefits of TCM practices.
Outside the clinic, you can find Jason refining his tai chi practice or enjoying a board game—especially the cooperative ones that bring people together.
Education
- Diploma of Acupuncture, MacEwan University
Certifications/Licensure
- Registered Acupuncturist – College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
Dr.Ac Kossowan 🇬🇧 🇫🇷
Acupuncture
Dr. Jason Kossowan is a dedicated and licensed Doctor of...
