What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is an ancient form of manual therapy
Gua sha is a soft tissue therapy which involves scraping an area of the body with a smooth tool to improve circulation, lymphatic drainage, and promote tissue healing. This ancient Chinese healing technique is great for addressing issues like chronic pain and muscle tension, as well as sports injuries and repetitive strain. A similar technique is used by physiotherapists and manual therapists, and is referred to as the Graston Technique or IASTM, instrument-assisted soft-tissue manipulation.
What does Gua Sha do?
The goal is to release stagnation and break the adhesions formed in and around the muscles to bring inflammation to the area. The small amount of inflammation brought to the area is the body’s healing process being stimulated, which not only repairs the new micro-traumas caused by this technique; but will heal the original damaged tissue that caused the adhesions to form initially.
What conditions does Gua Sha treat?
Gua sha focuses on mobility and function of the body and removing the restrictions preventing the body from working optimally. It’s often used to treat ailments that cause functional limitations and chronic pain, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, repetitive strain, and is very effective for joint injuries and tendonosis (commonly called tendonitis).
Registered Acupuncturist Annette Lambert graduated with High Honors from the Shiatsu School of Canada’s Acupuncture Institute in 2014. Annette incorporates acupuncture needling, cupping, Gua Sha (scraping), Tui Na massage, Reiki,and Zen Shiatsu into her treatments, tailored to the individual needs and treatment goals.
How is Gua Sha performed?
When performing gua sha, a small amount of oil or lotion is applied to your skin, and then the tissue is scraped using a specialized, smooth-edged gua sha stone. The therapist scrapes using short or long strokes, with varying pressure to stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, and relax the soft tissues. Gua Sha is offered by our Registered Acupuncturist, Annette Lambert and may be included as part of your TCM Manual Therapy or Acupuncture session.
Is Gua Sha covered by benefits?
All treatments with our Registered Acupuncturists are eligible to be claimed to your benefits plan with Acupuncture coverage, including when gua sha is performed as part of a TCM Manual Therapy session without the use of needles!
Direct Billing for Gua Sha Treatment
Direct billing for Gua Sha treatment and TCM Manual Therapy is available on most major plans with coverage for Acupuncture. Consult your plan for details and see our billing page for more details.
