Gua Sha and Cupping
Scraping (Gua Sha) is a traditional Chinese medical treatment in which a smooth edged tool is used to apply short or long strokes on the lubricated skin, typically in the area of pain or on the back parallel to the spine.
The stroking motion creates redness (petechiae) or Bruising (ecchymosis) which comes from the blood stagnation in the subcutaneous tissues. Bruising caused by Gua Sha usually fades in 2-4 days. The intensity of the bruising is an indication of the severity of the toxicity, stagnation inside the body. Gua Sha is used to treat common cold, flu, bronchitis, asthma, and pain both acute and chronic. It is also used to detoxify the body by bringing the toxins to the surface of the body to be released.
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin; this mobilizes blood flow in order to promote healing. Suction is created using heat (fire) or mechanical devices (pump). Through suction, the skin is gently drawn upwards by creating a vacuum in a cup over the target area of the skin. The cup stays in place for 5 to 15 mins. It treats pain, deep scar tissues in the muscles and connective tissue, muscle knots, and swelling.
Dr. Mei Li performing fire cupping to a patient
