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.
