Gua Sha Therapy

Gua Sha therapy is a traditional healing technique from East Asia, which involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged instrument to improve circulation. This practice is believed to facilitate the flow of "qi," or life force, which according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, is essential for maintaining health and vitality.

Gua Sha is typically performed on the back, neck, arms, and legs, with the aim of releasing muscle tension, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. The treatment often results in distinctive red or purple bruises, known as "sha," which are considered a sign of toxins and stagnation being removed from the body. Gua Sha is used to treat a variety of ailments, from chronic pain to respiratory issues, and is appreciated for its simplicity and the profound sense of relaxation it offers.

Protocols Studied in Research

Gua Sha Therapy for Perimenopausal Syndrome [1]

• Protocol: Eighty women with perimenopausal syndrome were randomized into two groups. The intervention group received a 15-minute Gua sha treatment session once a week in addition to conventional treatment, while the control group received conventional treatment alone, over an 8‑week period.
• Outcome: Improvements were measured using the modified Kupperman Index (KI) and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life scale. After eight sessions, the intervention group showed a significantly greater reduction in the total KI score (16.32 ± 4.38) compared to the control group (11.46 ± 5.96), with a mean difference of 4.86 ± 6.15 (P < 0.01). Reductions in individual symptoms—including hot flashes/sweating, paresthesia, insomnia, nervousness, melancholia, fatigue, and headache—were also significantly greater in the intervention group. Similarly, the reduction in the total quality of life score was significantly higher in the Gua sha group (17.87 ± 3.84 vs. 13.62 ± 7.40; P < 0.01), with notable improvements in vasomotor, psychosocial, and physical domains.

Research Interpretation: Summary and Conclusion

In a study of 80 women with perimenopausal syndrome, those who received a 15-minute weekly Gua Sha session alongside conventional treatment experienced significantly greater symptom relief than those on conventional treatment alone. Improvements were observed in key areas such as hot flashes, insomnia, and fatigue, leading to better overall quality of life.

In simple terms, adding Gua Sha therapy to standard care appears to offer additional benefits for reducing perimenopausal symptoms and enhancing well-being.

Publications

[1] Meng F, Duan PB, Zhu J, Lou QQ, Fang ZH, An HL, Liu LY, Hu Y, Hu Q. Effect of Gua sha therapy on perimenopausal syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Menopause. 2017 Mar;24(3):299-307. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000752. PMID: 27760084.