Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a form of manual therapy in East Asian medicine that involves using specialized instruments to apply gentle sustained pressure along the skin to illicit a therapeutic effect. The translation for Gua Sha is scraping and is thus referred to as a scraping technique. It is used to reduce inflammation, boost the immune, and helps to alleviate pain and stiffness to promote circulation of lymph, blood, and Qi, which when stagnant result in pain and stiffness. Qi is the basically the energy which flows throughout the body and along channels. Gua Sha is so gentle that it is often used when treating young children.
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
Gua Sha FAQ
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha involves using a tool to scrape along the skin to illicit a therapeutic effect. Often oil or lotion is applied to the skin first to reduce friction and protect the skin. Pressure is then applied using a Gua Sha tool in specific directions along the skin. A Gua Sha tool can be made of jade, bone, or horns, or other objects can be used as a Gua Sha tool such as a blunt end of a jar lid, coin, or ceramic spoon.
What does Gua Sha treat?
Gua Sha is effective at treating pain and soreness of muscles as it promotes circulation of blood and Qi which have become stagnant. In addition, it helps to break up scar tissue and connective tissue that attribute to stiffness and tightness. Other uses for Gua Sha include reducing inflammation and improving range of motion. It is great for releasing pathogens and boosting the immune system, making it a great therapy to use in young children as well as adults.
Does Gua Sha hurt?
Gua Sha can feel like a gentle massage, which is why children often enjoy it and benefit from its therapeutic effects. When more pressure is applied or scar tissue is being broken up, it can feel more intense. The level of pressure can be adjusted for each patient’s comfort level throughout the treatment.
What are the marks left by Gua Sha?
The marks left my Gua Sha are another form of what is known as Sha. The color can vary from light pink to red to purple to brown depending on the patient’s underlying pattern. Just like cupping marks, the Sha marks fade on average from three to seven days, though in rare instances can last weeks.
How can I learn more about how Gua Sha can help me?
You can contact us at info@karmazenacupuncture.com or 512-766-3049. You can also go to our online scheduler to book a FREE consultation and learn how Gua Sha can benefit you and help with your current problem. Dr. Katrina Giangarra, D.A.C.M., L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., can assess your condition and formulate a treatment plan specific to your needs. She can answer any questions and go over any concerns that you may have.
Your initial consultation is free. Come meet us in person and learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
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Your initial consultation is free. Come meet us in person and learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
Your initial consultation is free. Talk with our Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
THIS STUFF WORKS.
Our unique blend of holistic medical therapies gets ALL your body's healing resources going in the same direction...
Acupuncture
Calms stress, clears neuroendocrine pathways, affects neurotransmitters, and promotes circulation.
Cupping
Promotes microcirculation, relieves tension, and helps release toxins.
Herbal Therapy
Transmits nature’s intelligence to heal damaged cells and tissues.
Gua Sha
Breaks up scar tissue and connective tissue, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation.
Moxibustion
Promotes circulation, alleviates tension, and helps reduce inflammation and swelling.
Relaxation & Stress Reduction Focus on calming the mind and emotions to maximize your body’s healing resources.
Your initial consultation is free. Talk with our Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF IS PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT WE DO
You'll always feel welcome and cared for here.
Dr. Katrina Giangarra, DACM, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
Licensed Acupuncturist, Founder, & Clinic Director
Isabella (aka Izzy, aka Fluff Nugget) Giangarra
3rd Unofficial Mascot
Calliope (aka Callie) Giangarra
Unofficial Mascot
Esme (aka Ezzy or Ezzers) Giangarra
2nd Unofficial Mascot
Your initial consultation is free. Talk with our Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
Located in Spicewood
Karma Zen Acupuncture is located in a serene spot off of Highway-71 in the Bee Creek Business Park as part of the Bee Creek Clinic. Whether you live locally in Spicewood or in the surrounding areas of Briarcliff, Marble Falls, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Austin, or Dripping Springs, we are happy to provide a peaceful and relaxing environment as we help you on your path to better health. The location is a hidden gem as it’s great for those locally, not wanting to travel far, and for those wanting to escape from the more chaotic and busier areas.
Your initial consultation is free. Talk with our Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).