How gua sha can help relieve chronic pain

According to the CDC, chronic pain affects 50 million Americans every day. It has been tied to anxiety and depression as well as opioid dependency. It can also decrease mobility and daily activities, and it is one of the most common reasons that adults seek medical attention.

Why do we have pain? When muscles become tight, toxins get trapped in the tissue. The body is unable to remove them because the circulation to the area is compromised. In addition, fascia can become more sticky and form adhesions with the muscles and surrounding tissues further compromising circulation. This lack of circulation and buildup of toxins is also problematic for the nerves in the area. The end result is pain.  Even in cases of arthritis, which is an inflammation and dysfunction of the joint; tendons, ligaments, fascia and muscles are still involved.


Some of the material described as toxins are actually dead muscle cells. Cell death is a healthy and natural event in the body. As cells regenerate, others die. This happens to all the cells in the body. However, when they are stuck in tight muscles, it creates a situation similar to having a rock in your shoe. Until you remove the rock, the discomfort or pain will return.

Chronic pain can be complicated and often involves a multifaceted approach which may include exercise, stretching, improving both posture and ergonomics. Acupuncture can help by decreasing inflammation, stimulating new cell growth and improving circulation to the area. However, sometimes it is not enough. It is important to address the toxins in the tissue and assist the body in removing them – basically to get the rock out of the shoe.
This is where the technique known as gua sha (Goo-ah Shaw) can be extremely effective.

Gua sha involves applying an oil or lotion to the affected area and using a smooth tool to scrape the area until it turns red. The technique is not painful or invasive. The red marks or sha indicate that the fascia (connective tissue) in the area is loosening and the blood and other fluids which have been stuck in the tissues is rising to the surface of the skin. This fluid carries the toxins. Once they are closer to the surface, the lymphatic system can take care of the toxins and they are eventually removed from the body. These red marks usually disappear in 3 to 5 days. The more often the area is treated with gua sha, the lighter these marks will become as the tissue becomes more pliable and circulation improves. The end result is pain relief. To watch a video about gua sha, click here.
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If you suffer from chronic pain and would like to discuss how acupuncture and gua sha can help you with your pain management, please contact me at Balance Studio in Denver    720-297-2622 or jamie@balancedenver.com.