Gua Sha

Literally means “sand scrape” and involves using a blunt instrument (ceramic spoon) to scrape the surface of the skin.  The scraping is continued until the sha or sand reaches the surface of the body this manifests as dark, mottled spots. If the sand is not present, no matter how hard the body is scraped, it will not manifest with sha. This process enhances circulation and draws out blood impurities, releases muscle tension and knots and can be very effective in relieving pain.In the West, acupuncture is most commonly associated with the treatment of pain, allergies, addictions, and infertility. However, the World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, including:

Digestive disorders: gastritis and acid reflux, spastic colon, constipation, and diarrhea.
Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, and recurrent chest infections.
Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis.

Reproductive, menstrual, and urinary imbalances.
Emotional and Mental Imbalances: chronic stress, insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

An acupuncture treatment may include adjunct therapies such as cupping, gua sha, and/or moxibustion.