Midtown NYC Acupuncture

Gua sha

Work with the best acupuncturist in NYC. We provide facial and body Gua Sha treatments of the highest professional quality. Visit our Midtown NYC acupuncture clinic on 5th Avenue and 31st Street to see how Gua Sha can help you get rid of your ailments.

Call us today to get a Gua Sha consultation. Learn about Gua Sha costs in NYC. See the difference between an amateur and professional Gua Sha therapy from a top NYC acupuncturist.

Gua Sha tools
Gua Sha tools are used for the scraping technique to release the toxins from the body, promote blood circulation and lifting facial skin.

What is gua sha

Gua sha is a term used to refer to a collection of techniques that use a scraping tool made of bone or polished stone to scrape along the skin to relieve pain and discomfort. The Chinese guā shā, meaning “to scrape away a latent disease.”
There are two distinct forms of Gua Sha: body and face gua sha.

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Body gua sha

The primary purpose of body gua sha is to release a latent pathogenic factor that resides in the muscles and soft tissue, which manifests as pain and stiffness. A therapist uses a polished stone or bone gua sha tool to perform the treatment by stroking the skin along the length of the muscle or acupuncture meridian. This action releases toxins stimulates blood circulation and breaks up any adhesions or scar tissue built up in the muscle. The result is a reduction in pain, inflammation, and an improved range of motion. Body gua sha leaves purple marks on the skin that will fade within a few days.

Body gua sha. A practitioner is using a stone tool to scrape patient's back
Create instant pain relief, reduce cellulite and look years younger with a gua sha session

Face gua sha

Facial gua sha is a type of gua sha used on the face for cosmetic purposes. It focuses on improving complexion and reducing wrinkles. Face gua sha does not leave marks. The therapist uses a light touch and moves the tool along the massage lines. Face gua sha exfoliates the skin, stimulates blood circulation and lymph drainage, which helps to rejuvenate skin complexion and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
It is also effective in treating acne and reducing the severity of scars.

face gua sha. A practitioner is using a gua sha tool to gently scrape a woman's fave
Facial gua sha smoothes and firms your skin with cosmetic benefits.

How gua sha works

During the gua sha treatment, we will stroke your skin with jade or bone tool along the acupuncture meridians and around the joints. This action stimulates the tissues and the lymphatic system and boosts circulation. The increase in blood flow helps to remove toxins and metabolic waste products from the tissues while at the same time delivering fresh oxygen and nutrients. Gua sha helps heal any damaged cells and improve the skin’s overall health.

The benefits of gua sha

Gua Sha treatments are best suited to relieve muscle tension, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain associated with muscle or tendon injuries and trigger points. Gua Sha is also suitable for people who suffer from inflammation due to arthritis or rheumatism. Other conditions gua sha may help include post-concussion syndrome, muscle tension headaches, and mental fatigue. Another exciting application of gua sha is the treatment of the common cold and flu in the early stages. It can also be helpful after an acute attack of bronchitis or flu as it will help the body expel mucous.

Popular FAQ for gua sha

Q: What can gua sha treat?

Gua Sha treatments are best suited to relieve muscle tension, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain associated with muscle or tendon injuries, trigger points, scar tissue formation, or contusions. It can also be helpful after an acute attack of bronchitis or flu as it will help the body expel mucous, commonly referred to as a gua sha cough.
Gua Sha is also suitable for people who suffer from inflammation due to arthritis or rheumatism. Other conditions gua sha may help include post-concussion syndrome, muscle tension headaches, and mental fatigue.

Q: Does gua sha hurt?

No. The gua sha instrument glides over the skin lightly, so you should not feel any sudden or sharp pains during gua sha. It may tingle a little, similar to how your hand feels after it’s fallen asleep and starts waking up again. However, this should not be uncomfortable either.

Q: What are gua sha side effects?

Gua sha has no severe side effects. If you notice anything unusual, let us know immediately. It is common to see slight bruising (sha) or red marks on the skin that go away within a few days to a week.

Q: How long does gua sha last?

For the best results, we recommend regular gua sha treatments. We recommend one gua sha treatment weekly or every other week for chronic conditions. In most acute conditions, one gua sha treatment is sufficient.

Why choose Acupuncture NYC

Gua sha in NYC

When it comes to gua sha therapy, you can rest assured that a top NYC acupuncture clinic will give you the most thorough and professional treatment available. At Acupuncture NYC clinic, we have a consistent commitment to excellence. Our greatest reward is providing our valued patients with the comfort and best possible therapeutic results. Since our inception in 2009, our acupuncture practice has maintained a long history of meeting patient satisfaction. We are passionate about meeting all of our client’s health and wellness needs, gua sha therapy included.
If you wonder whether gua sha therapy can make you feel better, get in touch with us at our Midtown NYC acupuncture office today to find out more!

Andre Yershov, L.Ac. Full body portrait