@Dr. Eileen | Acupuncture shares WHAT IS GUA SHA: In Chinese, “gua” means to scrape, and “sha” refers to the tiny red and purple speckles that appear on the skin when micro capillaries break beneath the surface. By applying pressure with a tool and a little oil, we create warmth and these “sand” speckles on the skin. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this means that we’re moving qi and blood, boosting circulation in areas of pain or stagnation. This increased flow brings fresh blood and oxygen to the site, supporting healing and promoting faster recovery. ORIGINS Traditionally and historically, body gua sha was used in rural China to relieve fever and chronic pain when basic painkillers weren’t available. For over 3,000 years, people have been scraping the skin with smooth tools—anything from a spoon to stone to a piece of metal. For me, I love using recycled pickle jar lid, and in this video, you see Sangay use a buffalo horn. 🦬 🔬 RESEARCH A 2007 pilot study utilized laser Doppler imaging to assess gua sha's impact on microcirculation. The results indicated a 400% increase in surface microperfusion for the first 7.5 minutes post-treatment, with significant effects lasting up to 25 minutes. Participants also reported reduced pain and a sense of wellbeing. What started as folk medicine, research is now validating what TCM knew all along… It works!❤️ #guasha #neckpain #StressRelief #DIY #chinesemedicine #SelfCare #chronicpain #bodyguasha