The Microcirculation Effects of Gua Sha Helps Relieve Neck Pain

Studies have shown that Gua Sha increases microcirculation in the skin and muscles, and that increase in circulation may play a role in a local and distal decrease in pain. Results from a study published on PubMed (Nielsen, et al 2007) concluded Gua Sha caused a fourfold increase in microcirculation at the treated area during the first few minutes and a significant increase in surface microcirculation during the entire 25 minutes. Women showed significantly higher rates of response than men. Subjects experienced an immediate decrease in pain in both the site treated, in the related distal control site, and in some cases, other distal sites.

Another randomized pilot study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine in 2012, showed that subjects citing a pain threshold of 10 experienced pain reduction and reduced pain sensitivity after one treatment of Gua Sha on their neck and back.

The press and stroke technique of using Gua Sha on the tissue and muscles to stimulate circulation has shown to provide significant short-term effects. Used as a regular treatment to treat pain, it can restore functional status of pain and shows value as a modality in pain management. Practitioners of Chinese medicine often incorporate Gua Sha into a treatment that may include Acupuncture or electro-stimulation. An increasing number of pain management clinics staffed by physical therapists have adopted Gua Sha as part of their treatment program.