Have you ever watched the Olympic competition ? Michael Phelps had used cupping therapy for his muscle tension. Cupping therapy is the use of glass or plastic cup to suck on skin to promote circulation by bringing fresh blood to the cupping area and relieve sore muscles.

Gua in Chinese means scratching and Sha in Chinese means red rash. Gua Sha therapy is a form of  Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment (TCM) to raise some red rash on the skin. It involves scratching the skin surface over an injured area with a massage tool. ​According to TCM theory, this unique technique can tease the congestion that lies beneath out and bring it to the surface. Biomedically, we improve the circulation and bring more blood flow in Gua Sha area to relieve muscle stiffness.

Gua sha is generally performed on a person’s neck, back, buttocks, arms, and legs. The acupuncturist may apply mild pressure, and gradually increase intensity which you can still handle and feel comfortable. After Gua Sha, dark markings like bruising can occur, but usually clear up within a week.