Gua Sha or Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM) is an ancient tool used in traditional chinese medicine that means “scraping”. don’t worry - we aren’t actually scraping layers of skin off, but rather firmly gliding the tool over your skin, deep enough to engage your muscles and fascia. You may recognize these tools from online, often used on the face to promote skin elasticity and drainage. While this works in a similar manner, this is a different treatment with much firmer pressure and more benefits. Gua means “to scrape” and sha means “sand”, which refers to the red and purplish marks that appear on the skin during and after the treatment. Don’t worry, just like cupping therapy, these marks are painless and will go away in 2 days-2 weeks. These marks show the blood flow increasing, bringing toxins and inflammation to the surface to be carried out of your body by your lymphatic system. This also helps to move stagnant or blocked energy in your energetic body. This treatment is not painful, but it can be uncomfortable in areas with stagnation, tension or pain, and some client even experience a release of emotion as old trauma is moved out of the body. Many clients report this treatment to feel almost hypnotic and incredibly relaxing. Benefits include:

decreased inflammation, pain, and tension

increased range of motion

improved posture

Improved Respiration (breathing)

release of illness and stagnant energy

improved mood and function

healing old emotional and spiritual wounds

This modality is wonderful on its own, but can also be combined with Registered Massage Therapy for an added fee when focused on treating the soft tissues and joints of the body. Please note that this treatment is not recommended for those with heart disease or those on blood thinning medication. It may also need to be modified for those pregnant or breastfeeding. Please always check with your doctor about any treatment if you have any underlying health conditions.

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