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Facial

Gua Sha Massage, or IASTM Therapy

"Gua Sha", or IASTM therapy (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization), is a therapy that involves scraping your skin with a smooth-edged massage tool called "Gua". In Chinese, Gua is “scraping” and Sha is “pathogen”.

 

As the name suggests, the therapy removes pathogens or knots (scarring tissues) through gentle to heavy strokes. The therapist uses different shapes of tools with short or long downward motion strokes to recondition the damaged muscles, soft tissues and remove blockages on the meridians (energy pathways).

Revitalizing Damaged Tissues into Better Form

How does Gua Sha Massage help?

 

Scientifically, what we call knots refers to scarring tissues (fibrosis) or nerve pathway blockages. So, you may have been feeling lingering pains, numbness, pins and needles, dull pains and tightness and stiffness that drains your energy throughout the day.

 

By targeting damaged tissues with Gua Sha, the strokes break down the tangled tissues and encourage more blood flow as your body tries to rebuild the muscle tissues in a more aligned way. Many patients ask for Gua Sha back therapy as IASTMA has many benefits for your back.

 

Additionally, Gua Sha stimulates and improves the blood, lymphatic and Qi circulation, which in effect will reduce inflammation - an underlying cause of many conditions associated with chronic pain. Find out more about our 3-step approach.

 

Side effects of IASTMA Therapy

 

Guasha therapy may result in temporary side effects such as soreness and bruising caused by micro-eruption of superficial blood vessels on the skin surface. Most of these symptoms will disappear within a few days.

 

However, it's important to note that guasha therapy is not recommended for individuals taking blood thinners or with clotting disorders. If you are taking medication, be sure to inform your therapist to avoid any adverse effects. Check our FAQs for more information.

Simple 3-step approach that will change your whole health condition!

What can Gua Sha massage treat?

 

Gua Sha massage can be used to treat a variety of health conditions, such as:

 

Skeletalmuscular disorders directly affect the bones, muscles, joints, and ligaments. The most common cause of musculoskeletal pain is an injury to the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, or ligaments.

 

For example,

  • Back pain

  • Neck or Shoulder pain

  • Headache and Migraines

  • Tendonitis 

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Joint stiffness

  • Tennis elbow 

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Soft tissue injuries

  • Sports injuries /Sprains, strains, and tears

  • Unresolved pain from trauma

  • Repetitive stress injuries

  • Work related injuries 

  • Car accident injuries 

 

Neuromuscular disorders is a condition where nerves have been impacted by failing to communicate with voluntary muscles. Related condition and symptoms include:

 

  • Muscular weakness/loss of strength

  • Muscle wastage

  • Muscular cramps

  • Muscle spasticity (stiffness), which later causes joint or skeletal deformities

  • Muscle pain 

  • Difficulty using one or more muscle groups

  • Numbness, tingling, or painful sensations

  • Problems walking, balance and frequent falls

 

Conditioning related issues 

 

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Digestive disorders

  • Stress related tensions

  • Fatigue and sleep disorders

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Rotator cuff tears related issues

  • Degenerative Disc Disease

  • Post operation support/ rehabilitation

Discover the Benefits of IASTMA Therapy today

 

We have over 15 years’ experience in both Western and Chinese medicine, providing holistic treatment that helps you to regain your quality of life.

 

If you’re looking for IASTMA or Gua Sha massage near me, book an appointment with Intertreat Health today. Visit our clinic at 26 Dorian Crescent, Sippy Downs QLD or call us on 0476 062 915.

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