Guasha Chinese massage is one of the oldest types of massage. When it is carried out, special plates in the form of a scraper are used, which process certain areas, including reflex points on the head, face and body. It is often referred to as scraping massage.

Under the influence of scrapers, an impulse is created, due to which the microcirculation in the body is restored, tissue regeneration and metabolic processes are improved, immunity is increased, and emotional stress is reduced. But most importantly, according to the Chinese, it is able to open the energy channels of the human body.

How effective this type of massage is, what indications and contraindications there are, and whether it suits everyone, find out in this article.

What is gua sha massage

Literally translated, "guasha" means "gua" - movement (scrape) in one direction, "sha" - bad, which can be interpreted as "scrape (clear) everything bad." This technique is popular and used in many East Asian countries, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Java island.

It's running different methods using special plates (most often made of stone) made of various materials and having different shapes, sizes, depending on the purpose of therapy, the degree of skin sensitivity in a particular treated area.

The stones were used in medicinal purposes since ancient times, as evidenced by numerous archaeological excavations. That is why gouache massage is especially appreciated in the East, as it has stood the test of time for many years.

In modern China, this type of massage is still very popular and it is believed that it can cure many diseases. It does not require great knowledge in medicine and special equipment.

During the massage, you do not need to search for specific areas on the body, as is done during acupuncture sessions and other acupuncture methods. It covers a fairly vast area and almost anyone can master the skill in a few lessons under the guidance of an experienced master.

Guasha can be used to relieve muscle pain, tension and scar tissue. When it is carried out, light bruises remain, which often appear as purple or red spots. According to practitioners, negative energy and toxins come out through them.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, qi is the energy that flows through the body. Many people believe that it must be balanced and move freely to ensure their health and well-being. When this energy is blocked, there is pain, tension, stiffness in the muscles and joints.

The massage is just to move this blocked energy, relieve pain and eliminate stiffness.

Traditional East Asian medicine also sees blood stasis or stagnation as the cause of pain and illness. Another purpose of guasha is to move a pool or stagnant blood to relieve symptoms.

Some physiotherapists and massage therapists consider this type of massage as one of the methods that allows you to apply more pressure than when performing massage with your hands.

What are the benefits of gua sha massage

Most often it is used in diseases musculoskeletal system, back pain, tendon deformities, etc. After completing the course of gua sha, pain, swelling decreases or disappears, joint mobility improves.

Practicing masseurs claim that this type of massage is useful for weakened immune system, various inflammations. Sometimes it is done for fever and problems with the pulmonary system.

It is often prescribed for inflammatory processes in the pelvic area, for circulatory disorders, for some cardiovascular diseases, disorders of the nervous system, to increase overall tone. It is popular with athletes and cosmetologists.

The main benefit is to improve blood circulation and increase lymphatic flow, which leads to a decrease in pain, removal of swelling in the affected area, improve metabolic processes and toxins are removed.

Types of guasha massage

There are three main types of scraping massage:

Prophylactic;

Cosmetic;

Therapeutic.

Each type of massage is performed with a certain type of plates, with different pressure on the body and intensity of movements.

Guasha massage indications

Scraping massage is prescribed for the most various diseases and pathologies. It is used for:

Osteochondrosis;

Inflammation in the muscles and joints;

Spasms and cramps in the muscles;

Diseases of the bronchi and lungs;

Headaches, including migraines;

Pathologies of the digestive system;

cholecystitis;

Gynecological diseases;

Work disruptions of cardio-vascular system;

Imbalance of the endocrine system;

blood pressure fluctuations;

insomnia;

Anxiety;

Weakened immunity;

Frequent infectious diseases.

It occupies a special place in cosmetology, where it is used for:

cellulite;

Decreased tone and elasticity of the skin;

Acne and pimples;

Demodicose.

Gouache massage technique

The massage technique is simple. During the procedure, only three methods of movement and pressure are used:

se-gua - intense, strong and fast pressure;

bu-gua - slow and weak pressure (often used for restorative and tonic massage);

pin-bu pin-se - intense smooth movements.

Each method is designed to massage specific areas. When massaging the body, strong pressure is used. In this case, the plate is held at a slight angle to the surface of the massaged area during the entire procedure.

When performing a facial massage, the plate is also held at a slight angle and with minimal pressure. Especially when massaging in the eyelids, lips and wings of the nose, so as not to damage the sensitive and delicate skin in these areas.

Before starting the procedure, the massage therapist applies a special massage oil to the body, which provides not only a good sliding effect, but also has healing properties.

Before the skin is treated with scrapers, lymphatic drainage is carried out by hand for several minutes. This allows not only to “warm up” the body, but also to better absorb the oil.

The duration of one session, as a rule, lasts from half an hour to an hour. After the procedure, red spots remain on the body, and in some cases even bruises. You shouldn't be afraid of them. They soon pass and practically do not bring inconvenience.

According to Chinese experts, all waste products leave the body through them.

After the end of the session, you need to thoroughly cleanse the skin of oil. In addition, during the next day you need to drink enough water to improve the elimination of toxins and harmful substances from the body.

Since microtraumas remain on the skin after it, you can not wash yourself on the first day. It is advisable to avoid drafts.

One session of this massage is equivalent to running a distance of 20 kilometers. Therefore, after the session, rest is definitely recommended.

What plates are used

Plates can be of different shapes and made of different materials. The best scrapers are considered from buffalo horn or jade. They can also be made from:

Turtle shell;

Animal horns;

Plastic;

Jasper and other stones.

Scrapers differ in shape and thickness. There is:

Square;

triangular;

elongated;

rounded;

with teeth;

With different curvature of the edge.

The main requirement for them is smooth, well polished, without nicks and teeth that can damage the skin.

Depending on the form used:

Thicker square or triangular shapes - for massaging the skin of the body;

Thin triangular, in the form of fish - for the face and sensitive areas of the body;

With teeth - for head massage.

If there are no such scrapers, then at home you can use a spoon or a copper coin.

Massage oil

In Chinese medicine, everything is foreseen and has a certain meaning. This also applies to the choice of oil for scraping massage.

Most often used for this:

Grape seed oil;

Black cumin;

You can replace them with oil:

Sweet almond;

Sea buckthorn;

Olive;

Sunflower;

corn;

coconut;

V vegetable oil essential oils can be added:

juniper;

evening primrose;

magnolias;

orange;

Mandarin;

Ylang Ylang

other.

Gouache massage contraindications

Although this type of massage has incomparable benefits, not everyone can do it. It has a number of contraindications, in which it is forbidden to carry out treatment. These include;

Having a mental illness;

Heart failure in severe form;

Cirrhosis of the liver;

Hemophilia;

certain kidney diseases;

Diagnosed cancer;

Phlebeurysm;

Thrombocytopenia;

Skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema);

Skin hypersensitivity;

Recent stroke or heart attack;

Have a pacemaker or internal difibrillator.

From the massage for a certain time you need to refuse when:

Transferred operation;

pregnancy;

breastfeeding;

bone fractures;

The presence of open wounds and ulcers on the skin;

Injuries and damage to the skin;

During menstruation;

allergic reaction;

high blood pressure;

Intestinal disorders.

Side effects

The massage procedure is practically painless and does not cause discomfort. The only side effect after it is tiny capillary hemorrhages on the skin, which leave red spots and small bruises. They usually go away within one to two days and up to a week.

If the bruising is painful, you can take an ibuprofen tablet or other pain reliever. An ice pack can help reduce pain and swelling.

During healing, special care must be taken not to infect the damaged skin.

How many times can you do gua sha massage

A full course of massage consists of 15-20 procedures twice a year. Do it once or twice a week, waiting for the spots and bruises from the previous session to pass.

Is the procedure painful?

Many are afraid of the presence of red spots and bruises. They really look intimidating. They usually go away within a few days.

But this is precisely the essence of this type of massage. The procedure itself is practically painless. Only in a few patients does it cause discomfort.

Gua sha (gua sha) or scraping Chinese massage is used to treat a number of diseases and health disorders. He has little side effects for patients. Having decided to take a course of such a massage, you need to make sure that it will be done by an experienced specialist with the appropriate education.

How to do gua sha massage technique

Guasha massage is one of the oldest Chinese massages. It got its name from the combination of two hieroglyphs. "Gua" means "scrape" or "moving in one direction". "Sha" translates as "bad". Thus, the name of the massage reflects both the technique of influence and its orientation.

In modern China, such massage occupies an important place in the system of preventing various diseases and maintaining healthy lifestyle life. The result of this preventive approach Chinese medicine on the face: average duration life in China is more than 80 years while maintaining activity until old age.

For the massage, small jade plates are used, which act as a scraper. Sometimes, for the manufacture of such plates, not jade is used, but the horns of Chinese animals. These scrapers are made in different forms, which allows you to have a uniform effect on different parts of the body.

During the massage, certain areas of the human body are treated, including reflexogenic points, that is, points that correspond to systems and organs.

Before starting a massage session, the master applies special oil to the body of the person being massaged.

One procedure lasts 20-25 minutes, and the course usually includes 5-10 sessions, which are supplemented by preventive procedures carried out once a year.

After the procedure, there is a feeling of fatigue, as after a long physical activity. Within 6 hours after the session, it is recommended to avoid taking a shower or bath and drink plenty of warm liquids to ensure a more complete removal of toxins from the body.

The massage itself brings quite unpleasant sensations, and immediately after its completion, there is a slight reddening of the treated areas. Then a specific pattern appears on the surface of the skin, called "shea spots". The color of these spots depends on the nature and extent of the disease and can be almost black. After 2-3 days after the procedure, the spots disappear.

It is believed that substances produced in the body as a result of a pathological process come to the surface of the skin. After each subsequent session, the number and intensity of coloring of the spots becomes less and less, as the congestion gradually disappears.

As a result of exposure, blood circulation improves and lymph flow increases, swelling decreases and the pain caused by them disappears, muscle spasms are relieved, joint mobility improves, inflammatory processes and the functional activity of organs is normalized. In addition, massage promotes the resorption of adhesions and has a beneficial effect on nervous system. And what is important, after the procedures there is an improvement in the condition of the skin, in connection with which this type of massage is widely used in cosmetology.

Indications for Gua Sha massage are:

• swelling;
• muscle spasms;
• lack of joint mobility;
• insufficient blood supply or lymph flow;
• inflammatory processes in tissues;
• decrease in the functional activity of systems and organs;
• fading of the skin.

Guasha massage is contraindicated in:

• the presence of wounds on the skin;
• exacerbation of allergic and infectious skin diseases;
• thrombocytopenia;
• high blood pressure at the time of the massage;
• pregnancy.

Guasha massage and black jade Bianshi video

Guasha massage is an ancient type of Chinese massage. The name translates as "scrape all the bad", i.e. "gua" - scrape; "sha" is bad. In order to "scrape" a special plate is used. With the help of it, certain areas are treated, including various points and reflexogenic zones of the body, face and head. Reflex irritation with a special plate causes a powerful impulse, the microcirculation of skin tissues and organs is restored. Tissues begin to regenerate on their own, metabolic processes improve, natural recovery processes our body, there is lymphatic drainage, purification from toxins and pollution.

Execution technique

Gouache massage ideally combines ease of execution and efficiency, which makes it available for wide use by Russian doctors. The difficult stage of precise localization of points, which is required for acupuncture, is excluded here. The impact is carried out on fairly large treatment areas, and the skill of using the plate is acquired after several lessons next to an experienced mentor.

Guasha massage includes 3 main methods of exposure: se-gua - fast movements, with strong pressure (scattering method); boo-gua - slowly with weak pressure; ping-bu ping-se: slowly with strong pressure. Scrapers of various configurations made of jade or horns of Chinese animals are used. The massage is carried out with a special oil. The session lasts 20-25 minutes. The effect of exposure occurs immediately. At first, the treatment area turns very red, a burning sensation may appear. Then, on the skin in places on which the pathological process is projected, hemorrhages appear - “sha” spots. Thus, the "waste" of this process appears on the skin. The spots can be almost black in color - this is "lifeless" blood. Appearance These hemorrhages can frighten the patient, but the procedure itself is usually not painful. At the site of hemorrhages, bruises subsequently appear, which quickly pass - after 2-3 days. After the session, severe fatigue may appear, as after physical exertion.

The effect of gausha massage often occurs already during the procedure. Therefore, it can be used in the acute phase, to relieve severe symptoms of the disease. The treatment process can go through an exacerbation. For the treatment of diseases, the frequency of the massage procedure is necessary 1-2 times a week after the disappearance of bruises from the previous massage. The course includes from 10 to 20 sessions. It is desirable to conduct such courses 2 times a year.

Scope of gouache massage

The scope of guasha massage is very wide and varied. Here are some examples of its therapeutic effect.

• Improved skin condition. Due to the removal of toxins, pigmentation, acne are removed, and skin rejuvenation occurs.
• Osteochondrosis. Blood circulation in the affected areas improves, lymph flow increases, due to this, edema is removed and the associated pain syndrome relieves muscle spasms.
• Colds. Impact on the projection points of the lungs relieves swelling of the bronchial mucosa, relieves shortness of breath, reduces cough.
• Cholecystitis. The guasha procedure relieves spasm of the gallbladder, normalizes its motility, removes pain, and relieves nausea.

When exposed to certain areas of the body improves the condition of cardio-vascular system: decreasing arterial pressure, is normalized heartbeat. There is a beneficial effect on nervous system: sleep improves, anxiety is relieved, appetite, disturbed due to nervous diseases. Carrying out gouache massage on the reflexogenic zones of the lower back and abdomen improves blood circulation and normalizes lymph flow in the small pelvis, which removes blood stasis in this area, relieves inflammation and normalizes the functional activity of the small pelvic organs, leads to resorption of adhesions.

Contraindications for the use of guasha massage

• infectious skin diseases
• allergy,
• thrombocytopenia,
• injured skin surface
• fractures until the bones grow together,
• decreased kidney function
• high blood pressure,
• pregnancy.

Guasha is one of the most ancient massage techniques of the East. It is believed that this massage is of Chinese origin. This is confirmed by special scrapers found during excavations of ancient burials.

Archaeological exhibits are made of the favorite stone of the Chinese - jade. Such scrapers were supposedly used for gouache procedures several centuries ago.

Gouache massage is rightly called one of the most democratic, since the procedure for such procedures has never been kept in strict confidence. This means that masseurs were in demand both in the imperial palaces and in the poorest Chinese villages.

According to the interpretation of Chinese teachings, a disease develops in a person as a result of the harmful effects of factors such as cold, dampness, wind or heat.

Acting mainly through the skin, they cause the appearance of areas with slow blood and lymph circulation. Therefore, in order to bring the negative received from the outside back, it is also necessary to act through the skin.

The purpose of guasha massage is to restore human health, which is achieved by eliminating congestion in the tissues of the body by the method of special effects on its different zones

Having eliminated these problematic "foci of the origin of the disease", such a massage eliminates the very cause of the appearance of health problems and, of course, its consequences.

Types of gouache

Diagnostic

This type of gua sha procedure is used when it is necessary to determine exactly which organs or systems in the human body need treatment. Massage is performed not only on the back of the patient, but also on the chest, arms, abdomen, legs, head.

Most often, diagnostic gua sha is used already at the first procedure of the course.

After special treatment of the skin with a scraper, by various spots (the so-called “sha” spots) and points, the master determines which system of the body has been disturbed.

Spots and dots appear exactly in the projection zones of the disease processes going on in the body. Such knowledge allows the massage therapist to work further with a specific focus of action.

In addition to diagnostics, guasha massage increases blood flow in the muscles, which relaxes them. This helps to eliminate spasms, regulates the energy balance of the body, in this way providing additional protection from the appearance of many serious illnesses.

Prophylactic

Preventive gua sha massage activates metabolic processes and accelerates withdrawal toxic substances, toxins through the skin and other excretory systems functioning in the human body. This massage is carried out using a specially prepared oil or balm.

The procedure of this type of massage involves the choice of one of 3 techniques for influencing the skin:

1. The tool moves quickly, with fairly strong pressure.
2. The movements of the tool are slow, with light pressure.
3. The scraper moves slowly, but with strong pressure.

The duration of the procedure is 30 minutes.

Healing

The healing effect of gua sha massage is based on the fact that the reflexogenic points located on the surface of the human body have a connection with the internal organs and systems of the body. This makes it possible to influence the entire body through the zone of such a massage in order to heal.

During the procedure, blood circulation and lymph circulation are accelerated, as well as the rate of elimination of toxic substances. Often, healing massage is complemented by vacuum skin treatment (using cans), acupuncture (using needles) and acupressure (point exposure with fingers).

Healing gouache massage is often complemented by vacuum skin treatment techniques (using cans)

Healing guasha increases the elasticity of blood and lymphatic vessels, which accelerates their movement, as well as the movement of Qi energy in the meridians (channels that conduct energy) under the skin of a person.

According to ancient teachings, this allows you to achieve a balance between the energies of Yin and Yang in the body and get the maximum cleansing of the body.

During the course of treatment with guasha massage after 1 or 2 procedures, you may notice that the signs of the disease have slightly increased. May also be present bad smell from the skin.

These features of the human condition indicate the presence of active detoxification processes in the tissues of the body. After a few days, these phenomena disappear, and there is a clear improvement in health.

With the help of healing massage, you can eliminate such diseases:

• osteochondrosis, since such a massage removes swelling well and increases the flexibility of the spinal segments;
• cholecystitis; problems associated with diseases of the gallbladder are resolved gently and painlessly;
• a cold; impact on areas of the body associated with breathing, removes swelling of the bronchi, resulting in a cough;
• diseases of the heart muscle and cardiovascular system; gouache procedures lower blood pressure and normalize the rhythm of heart contractions;
• massage removes neurosis, improves sleep and appetite, improves immunity and restores the shattered nervous system;
• diseases that have developed in the pelvic organs; by increasing blood flow and lymph flow in this area of ​​the body, gouache massage contributes to the disappearance of stagnant and adhesive formations;
• some diseases of the stomach and intestines.

In modern China, regular gua sha procedures are considered an indispensable part of a healthy and fulfilling life for people. This is one of the main differences between Chinese medicine and European medicine.

Cosmetic

This type of massage is used to increase elasticity and rejuvenate the skin of the face. During the procedure, scrapers made of agate or jade are used. These minerals, when in contact with the skin, help to get rid of puffiness.

• active aging processes in facial skin tissues;
• dark spots on the face (pigmented);
• the presence of acne on the face;
• increased activity of glands that secrete sebaceous matter on the face.

Scraping massage increases the elasticity of the mimic muscles of the face, relaxes most of the facial muscles, improves blood and lymph circulation in the facial tissues. The processes of enhanced renewal are activated in the skin cells, which leads to their significant rejuvenation.

Indications for the procedure

Gouache massage helps to solve a wide range of health problems and improve physical condition:

Contraindications and restrictions

Guasha should not be performed if a person has:

During the massage, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence of birthmarks or moles in the patient. Such skin formations should not be touched.

Effect and benefits

The guasha massage procedure is highly effective, as it is based on a dialogue with the human body through the channels of the internal energy of the body - the meridians. A true gouache master knows how to remove blockages along the path of Qi energy in the human body, thus eliminating the cause and consequences of the disease.

The impact on the reflex zones of the human body allows you to accelerate blood flow and metabolic processes in skin tissues, activate endogenous (formed directly by cells and tissues) substances, which leads to healing and rejuvenation of the skin and the whole body.

The results of guasha massage: restoration of facial muscle tone, removal of excess fluid from tissues, reduction of edema and skin flabbiness.

The cosmetic effects of such a massage are: burning of subcutaneous adipose tissue and reduction of cellulite zones; restoration of facial muscle tone; removal of excess fluid from tissues; reduction of edema and flabbiness of the skin.

It is possible to increase the level of efficiency of the gouache procedure by including elements vacuum massage and cauterization techniques with a special wormwood cigar.

Preparing for a massage

Before starting the massage, the human body must be wiped with a damp cloth, and then lubricated with special oil or balm.

The most appropriate when performing such procedures is the use of balms prepared with herbs. It is important that the substances that lubricate the body are hypoallergenic and create a good sliding effect.

Gouache scrapers

Material, scraper shape

Several centuries ago, Taoist monks practiced gouache massage using special stones. Later, massage scrapers made from black buffalo horn appeared. Before use, such tools were boiled in 18 secret Chinese solutions.

To this day, a scraper made using this technology is considered the best tool for guasha massage, as it has the ability to accumulate energy during procedures and release it in the next session.

This is what the scrapers used in gua sha massage look like

Nowadays, scrapers are made from various materials. It can be traditional jade, agate or animal bone.

Scrapers can have a triangular, round or rectangular shape, as well as a comb shape (for head massage). It is very important that the edges of the scrapers are smooth and rounded to avoid injury to the skin during the procedure.

Scraping techniques

During the gouache massage procedure, the scrapers directly affect certain parts of the human body, while the direction is chosen along the energy lines passing under the skin - meridians.

Twelve energy meridians used in guasha massage. Layout plan

In total, there are several dozen such lines on the human body, of which 12 meridians are considered the main ones. The gouache master knows the scheme of the main meridians, and the movements of his scraper pass along such lines.

The technique of performing movements with a scraper depends on the goal and can be selected from 3 options:

• the scraper moves quickly and presses strongly;
• the scraper moves slowly and presses weakly;
• the scraper moves slowly and presses strongly.

Massage oil

When performing the procedure, you should use coconut or olive oil. To achieve the maximum effect of opening the pores of the skin and heating its surface, it is customary to add a few more components to the oil, which serves as the basis.

Such a tool is easy to do on your own.

Recipe 1

When coconut oil (100 g) is taken as the basis, several components will be required for it, taken in equal proportions (1 teaspoon each):

• cocoa powder;
• cocoa oil;
• rosehip oil;
• vitamin E;
• vanilla powder.

All ingredients must be mixed until a homogeneous substance is obtained. This composition must be stored in a clean glass jar, in a cool and dark place.

Recipe 2

Another option for compiling guasha massage oil includes the following ingredients:

• olive oil (this is the base, it will need 100 g);
• 5 drops of tamanu oil;
• 12 drops of vitamin E;
• 5 drops of calendula flower oil;
• cocoa powder (2 teaspoons);
• mumiyo (10 tablets);
• tea extract (preferably green, 2 teaspoons).

Procedure technique

Face and neck

Massage of the face and neck is considered the most time-consuming among the varieties of gouache procedures. The tools for its implementation are 2 special small scrapers.

Before the massage, it is necessary to cleanse the face and neck with cosmetic milk. The procedure can be performed both with and without skin lubrication preparations, on cleansed and dry skin.

The movements of the master should be directed along the lines of a regular massage from the middle of the face down and along the neck in both directions.

Procedures of this kind can be carried out every day, because the skin does not deform or stretch when using guasha practices. Cosmetic massage lasts 1.5 hours.

back massaging

Body massage should be carried out in a ventilated, but not cold room, in the absence of drafts.

• The movements of the master should be directed along the spine (along the meridian of the bladder), from the legs to the head;
• Then the scraper moves along the anteromedial and posterior median meridians, according to the scheme of their location;
• After that comes the turn of working out the meridian of the gallbladder, the meridian of the triple heater and some others, depending on the problem being solved (treatment of a particular disease). The scraper moves most often from the center to the sides, with dashed movements, with varying degrees of pressure on the skin. The force of pressure is selected by the master individually for each patient.

According to Chinese tradition, the number of times the scraper is passed over one treated area of ​​the body depends on the age and gender of the person.

There is the following standard:

• young girls - 6;
• young men - 7;
• adult women - 8;
• adult men - 9.

During the massage, a person feels pressure on the skin, tingling, and sometimes slight discomfort. The patient's body is wiped several times during the massage with a damp cloth to remove toxic substances released on the skin.

The duration of the back massage is about 30 minutes. Sha spots that appear on the back after scraping usually disappear from the surface of the skin after 2 days.

belly massage

Carrying out procedures on the abdomen is indicated if there is excess fat deposits in this area of ​​the body, as well as when stretch marks appear in women after pregnancy and childbirth.

It is forbidden to massage on the stomach if a person has pathologies internal organs abdomen or unhealed stitches after surgery

For women, contraindications are also: monthly cycle, pregnancy or postpartum period less than 5 months.

The massage procedure on the abdomen is carried out with an empty bladder and empty rectum. After the last meal before the start of the massage, 2 hours should pass.

The first 2 days after such a massage, experts recommend drinking slightly warmed water to enhance metabolic processes in skin tissues.

Other parts of the body

On the legs and arms, gouache procedures are carried out along the meridians of the limbs, from top to bottom, without affecting the joints. The pressing force of the scraper is chosen by the master in accordance with the physical data of the patient's health and taking into account the goal.

After the procedure, the patient should drink slightly warm water during the day.

When does the massage effect appear?

When using guasha techniques, the result is visible already during the massage procedure. The skin becomes red, there is a burning sensation. On the surface of the skin of the treated area of ​​the body appear dark spots and dots, sometimes their color can even be black.

When using guasha techniques, the result is visible already during the massage procedure.

It is believed that in order to increase the effectiveness of a guasha massage session, it is necessary to tap parts of the human body along the lines of energy movement, in this way activating the subcutaneous meridians. However, such actions require the master to have special knowledge.

Specialists in manual practices claim, characterizing guasha massage, that it is such an effect on the body that always gives an excellent result.

A noticeable improvement in human health is observed immediately after the first guasha session.

When using the practice of gouache, specific nuances must be taken into account:

According to statistics, the Chinese live much longer than Europeans, while being distinguished by enviable physical activity until old age. Therefore, it is no coincidence that Chinese health practices are now becoming more and more popular in Europe.

Useful video materials about gua sha and some non-traditional massage techniques: what it is, technique, results

Guasha massage technique on the face:

Facial massage with gua sha jade scraper:

Chinese non-traditional massage: what is it:

What is Guaza energy massage:

Among the original methods of treatment used by people were stone needles, massage, hot compresses and Guasha.
The earliest source that mentions Guasha method, is the "Huang Di Nei Jing" (Yellow Emperor's Canon of the Inner), a fundamental treatise of traditional Chinese medicine, which is more than two thousand years old.
Much more mention of Gouache contained in the works on medicine of the Yuan (1271-1368) and Ming (1368-1644) eras.
In writings on Chinese traditional medicine this method is also called "Xia lue" (夏掠).
By the time of the Qing era (1644-1911), the descriptions regarding Guasha become more detailed.
For example, Guo Zhisui in the book “Jasper Balancer for Serious Diseases” (Sha Zhang Yu Heng) / 1674 / writes: “When using Gua Sha, measles rashes all over the spine from the neck bones, on chest, shoulders, are scraped out with a copper coin soaked in fragrant oil, or with the base of a female hair comb; on the forehead and legs, rashes are scraped out with a silk or hemp bundle of threads soaked in fragrant oil.

In addition, more detailed description specific purpose and application of Guasha: "When rashes on the muscles, it is better to scrape them out, on the blood vessels it is better to refrain from this."

The doctor Wu Shiji (1806-1886) in the treatise “Discourses on Purification in a Parallel Style” (Li lun pian wen) / 1853 / also mentions the use of Gua Sha: fragrant oil; strengthening the links between the five organs. If you scrape, the harmful principle decreases, the disease itself weakens.

Thus, it is obvious that since ancient times, treatment with Guasha method widely used and the tradition of its use has been preserved to this day.

Basic concepts of Guasha technique

TGouache technique Since ancient times, it has been widely used by the Asian population in conjunction with massage, acupuncture, vacuum therapy, bloodletting and other methods of treatment.

The term "guasha"(Chinese 刮痧; pinyin: guā shā) consists of two characters.

"Gua"- a verb that has a number of meanings:

1) scrape, scrape, scrape

2) scratch, scrape, scrape off; those. scrape

3) shave; shave off

4) peel off the skin

5) spread

6) to touch, hook (when moving); rub

7) comb your hair

8) blow, winnow (about the wind).

"Sha"- noun meaning

1) Chinese medical terminology - cholera

2) the popular name for a number of infectious diseases.

Literally, the term "guasha" means "fever cleansing", in a looser interpretation - "treatment of diseases by scraping the skin to redness (Sha)".

A "Sha"- this is the substance of the disease, which comes out in the process of treatment on the surface of the skin in the form of specific reddish dots or spots - petechiae.

In Vietnam, this technique is called "gau yo", in a free interpretation - "choose (scrape) the wind."

In the canon "Su wen" (Questions about the simplest) of the treatise "Huangdi nei jing" it says: "The wind is the head of a hundred diseases."

The wind is the main external pathogenic factor, while other pathogenic factors very often penetrate the body along with the wind, causing sha-syndromes.

Sha syndromes caused by wind (风 feng), cold (寒 han), dampness (湿 shi) lead to blockage of the meridians, which manifests itself in the form of chills, elevated temperature, pain and feeling of fullness, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tension and numbness in the limbs, etc.

The Gouache technique is also known in Laos as "hud lam", in Cambodia as "kos khyol", in Indonesia as "kerik" or "kerokan".

What is the oldest method of Guasha from modern views?

At first glance, Guasha is positioned as an instrumental massage.

But in the process of studying and practical application of the method of Gua Sha therapy, new facets of understanding, practical significance and applied effectiveness are opened. this method.

Guasha therapy is a therapeutic and prophylactic method, unique in its effect.

The selection of impact zones is determined according to the etiology of the disease and is determined by the basic concepts of Chinese medicine about the relationship between dense and hollow visceral organs.

The impact zones topographically coincide with the system of channels and collaterals (for more details, see G. Luvsan, 1986; M. Porkert, 1982).

In the process of performing Gua Sha manipulations, a pronounced hyperemia is formed on the patient's skin, or extravasates are formed in the subcutaneous layer - a characteristic cutaneous-vascular reaction to exposure, in areas of pathologically altered tissues, which manifests itself in the form of red, blue-dark, purple-bluish-violet spots with large and small dotted petechiae.

Extractable liquid rich in protein and cells of hematogenous and histogenic nature, which perspires from small blood vessels at the site of inflammation is called exudate.

The biological meaning of exudation is that together with the exudate, immunoglobulins are released into the altered tissue, active ingredients complement, plasma enzymes, etc. biologically active substances that are released by activated blood cells.

Entering the focus of inflammation, they, together with tissue mediators, provide activation of the pathogenic agent, thereby stimulating tissue immunity and providing subsequent tissue repair.

Together with the reflex effect, the processes of autohemotherapy and detoxification of the body are launched.

There is an intensive and effective binding and removal from the body of many toxic compounds of various chemical nature and metabolites.

This stimulates the nonspecific immunological reactivity of the body (G.I. Kostina, 2006)

Often, by people who are not familiar with the technique, extravasation that occurs when exposed to Guasha is mistaken for a hematoma.

Hematoma is an accumulation of blood in the tissue cavity, which occurs as a result of a violation of the integrity of the vascular wall, that is, rupture of blood vessels.

Extravasates also occur on the skin or mucous membranes as a result of the smallest capillary hemorrhages, which are the result of a change in the permeability of the vascular wall, and not a violation of its integrity.

Guasha therapy, in essence, is a complex effect on the body, consisting of non-invasive acupuncture effects on the skin, bloodletting and massage procedures.

The practical significance and therapeutic efficacy of this method is confirmed by a number of articles and publications:

• Positive dynamics in diseases of the musculoskeletal system with various vertebrogenic lesions(Boreichenko, I.V., 2004);
• Positive therapeutic effect in the treatment of cervical spondylosis (Gou X, 1995; Wu FL, 1996);
• Beneficial effects on the spine in herniated disc (Wang ZG, Tao Y, Wu NT, 2004);
• High efficiency applications versus acupuncture (Li J, Li GZ, 1996; Tang SM, Liu EL, LIu ZW, 2008); Analgesic effect in fibromyalgia (Tang SM, Liu EL, LIu ZW, 2008);
• Positive dynamics in chronic neck pain (Braun M, Schwickert M, Nielsen A et al., 2011), etc.

Theoretical aspects of the application of the method of Guasha therapy

The Gouache therapy method involves the use of a special plate made of various materials: Asian water buffalo horns, semi-precious stones, tortoise shell, rattan, shells, porcelain and metal, which is used to treat certain anatomical areas of the body for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.

The surface of the skin is disinfected.

A thin layer of oil is applied to the patient's skin, which has a complex, multicomponent composition (Chinese angelica; cassia; Chinese cinnamon; camphor oil, etc.), which therapeutic effect due to diffusion and manipulations are performed in certain areas using the Guasha plate.

Processing of affected areas by Guasha therapy has a certain specificity.

Guasha therapy includes three main methods of exposure:

Se-gua - fast movements, with strong pressure (scattering method);

Bu-gua - slowly with weak pressure (stimulation method);

Pin-bu, pin-se - slowly with strong pressure (harmonization method).

Orientation of movements: from top to bottom, from the center to the periphery.

First, the head and back are processed, then the abdomen and limbs.

The angle of inclination of the Guasha plate, the applied force, the duration of exposure depends on the syndrome and severity of the disease.

The guasha plate repeatedly covers the area of ​​the used acupuncture point, capturing nearby tissues. Therapeutic effect it does not diminish.

With possible allergic reactions on the components of the oil, it can be replaced with wine, water infusion or water.

One of the main criteria during a Guasha session is the need to keep the body warm, due to the need to prolong the effect of enhancing hemomicrocirculation and drainage of harmful substances of endogenous and other origin.

In this connection, among other things, it is shown to drink plenty of fluids after Guasha therapy.

Scraping plates can be disinfected, washed with soap and water, and then wiped dry with a towel. Their surface can also be wiped with alcohol.

The duration of the Guasha treatment session is 25-30 minutes.

Guasha therapy is prescribed in the amount of five to ten sessions per course, depending on the indications.

Sessions are repeated as petechiae "Sha" disappear.

It can also be performed as a preventive procedure twice a year.

Indications for Gua Sha therapy are:

1. Violation of the trophism and functions of peripheral nerve trunks: sciatica, intercostal neuralgia, neuralgia sciatic nerve, as well as spasm and paralysis of the facial nerve, neurodermatitis, etc.

2. Diseases of the central nervous system: neurosis, neurasthenia, epilepsy, hysteria, etc.

3. Injuries of the musculoskeletal system: bruises of the joints and soft tissues, damage to the ligaments and tendons, tunnel symptoms, desmogenic contractures of the joints, periarthritis of the shoulder, aseptic bursitis and tendovaginitis, contusion of the chest, abdomen, degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine and joints, senile cervical spondylopathy, shoulder periarthritis, etc.

4. Arrhythmias, heart disease, hypertension, vegetovascular dystonia.

5. Thromboangiitis obliterans, atherosclerosis, consequences of a stroke.

6. Colds, rhinitis, tracheitis, asthma, rehabilitation after pneumonia or bronchitis.

7. Acute and chronic nonspecific gastroenteritis, reflux esophagitis, dyspeptic disorders, gastric ulcer and duodenum, cholecystopancreatitis, prolapse of the stomach, adhesive disease bowel, constipation, diarrhea.

8. Urinary tract infections, cystitis, prostatitis, frequent urination, urinary incontinence, enuresis, anuresis, etc.

9. Algomenorrhea, amenorrhea, uterine prolapse, inflammation of the pelvic cavity, climacteric syndrome, mastopathy, etc.

Guasha therapy can be used to improve the patient's condition:

With edema

muscle spasms

Insufficient joint mobility

Insufficient blood supply or lymph flow

Inflammatory processes in tissues

Decreased functional activity of organs and systems of the body

Contraindications for Gua Sha therapy are:

1. Tendency to bleeding caused by diseases of the blood or microvascular bed (thrombocytopenic purpura, leukemia, acute anemia of various origins).

2. Exacerbations of chronic somatic diseases cardiovascular system (stroke, heart attack, thromboembolism).

3. Serious infectious diseases(severe hepatitis, tuberculosis, malaria, etc.; infectious diseases during hyperthermia).

4. Women during pregnancy, lactation, menstruation in the lumbosacral region and in the region of the anterior abdominal wall, as well as in the region of the mammary glands.

5. With pustular skin diseases, eczema, neurodermatitis, psoriasis, herpes in the acute stage.

6. Children in the head, neck, spine.

7. In debilitated chronic patients of elderly and senile age.

8. People with mental illness, alcohol or drug intoxication.

• Avoid scraping birthmarks, tumors, surgical scars, etc.
• Do not scrape the area of ​​​​the eyes, auricles, nostrils, tongue, mouth and lips, the external opening of the urethra and anus, the navel, etc.
• You should refrain from conducting a session when you feel hungry, oversatiated, thirsty, very tired, in order to avoid dizziness or fainting.

In case of fainting, it is necessary to lay the patient on his back with raised legs, unfasten tight clothes, and provide an influx of fresh cool air.

We provide peace and control of the condition of the victim.

Conclusion

At present, the wide geographic distribution of the Guasha treatment and prophylactic method speaks of its popularity and is based on the therapeutic effectiveness of this method.

Guasha therapy compares favorably with other methods of traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture, acupressure, moxo therapy, etc.) by its relative ease of implementation, which makes it accessible for mastering and widespread use by Russian specialists.

Guasha therapy, in essence, is a complex effect on the body, consisting of a non-invasive acupuncture effect on the skin, and it is the result of a variety of effects of acupuncture-zonal exposure (for more details, see Vogralik V. G., 1961; Vogralik V. G. ., Vogralik M. V., 1978; Tykochinskaya E. D., 1979; Tabeeva D. M., 1982; Luvsan G., 1986; Chang H., 1979; Richter K., 1983; Heine H., 1988) and the totality of the effects of the procedure of bloodletting and massage.

The obtained results of the research give grounds to recommend the use of the Guasha therapy method with a therapeutic and prophylactic purpose for use in sports and rehabilitation practices.

At the same time, it should be taken into account that the method of Guasha therapy requires further scientific and practical study.

Boreichenko I.V.

Employee of the Research Laboratory of Biomechanics and Kinesiology

Surgut state university KhMAO-Yugra, rehabilitation specialist.

Saint Petersburg.