'Sometimes called coining, spooning or scraping, Gua sha is defined as instrument-assisted
unidirectional press-stroking of a lubricated area of the body surface that intentionally creates
'transitory therapeutic petechiae' representing extravasation of blood in the subcutis.'
Gua sha has been used for centuries in Asia, in Asian immigrant communities and by
acupuncturists and practitioners of traditional East Asian medicine worldwide. With the
expansion of traditional East Asian medicine, Gua sha has been used over broad geographic
areas and by millions of people. It is valuable in the treatment of pain and for functional
problems with impaired movement, the prevention and treatment of acute infectious illness,
upper respiratory and digestive problems, and many acute or chronic disorders. Research has
demonstrated Gua sha radically increases surface microperfusion that stimulates immune and
anti-inflammatory responses that persist for days after treatment.
The second edition expands on the history of Gua sha and similar techniques used in early
Western Medicine, detailing traditional theory, purpose and application and illuminated by
science that focuses its relevance to modern clinical practice as well as scholarly inquiry.
This book brings the technique alive for practitioners, with clear discussion of how to do it -
including correct technique, appropriate application, individualization of treatment - and when
to use it, with over 50 case examples, and superb color photographs and line drawings that
demonstrate the technique.
NEW TO THIS EDITION
• New chapter on immediate and significant Tongue changes as a direct result of Gua sha
• Research and biomechanisms
• Literature review from Chinese language as well as English language medical journal database
• New case studies
• Over 30 color photographs
New chapter on immediate and significant Tongue changes as a direct result of Gua sha
Research and biomechanisms
Literature review from Chinese language as well as English language medical journal database
New case studies
Fully updated and revised throughout
Over 30 colour photographs
