Cupping therapy is an ancient technique dating back as far as 1,550 B.C in which cups are placed on the skin to create suction. The suction of the cups mobilizes blood flow to promote the healing of a broad range of medical ailments. These cups are generally left in place for 5 to 10 minutes. When combined with massage oils, the cups can be slid around the back, offering a soothing form of “reverse-pressure massage.”
Gua Sha involves abrading the skin with pieces of smooth jade, bone, or stone until red spots and/or bruising cover the area to which it is done. The red spots and bruising take a few days to heal, and there is often some soreness in the area that has been treated. However, much like cupping, gua sha helps to bring the blood to the surface of the skin and stimulate healthy qi flow. Modern research shows that the abrasions made by gua sha produce an anti inflammatory and immune protective effect that persists for days following a single treatment. In some cases, patients have felt immediate relief from pain, stiffness, fever, chill, cough, wheeze, nausea, and even vomiting.
Gua Sha
“Investigate by manipulation…But do not violate and injure the body. To obtain a return to smoothness, one must defeat the rebellious.”