Introduction:

Coining or Gua sha is a technique used in traditional East Asian medicine. It is often used to treat muscle pain and tension, but there has been limited study into how well it works. Gua sha aims to move energy, known as qi or chi, around the body. The treatment involves using a tool to rub the skin in long strokes, applying enough pressure to create minor bruising.

In Gua sha a tool is used to apply pressure and scrape the skin to relieve pain and tension. This action causes light bruising, which often appears as purple or red spots known as petechiae or sha.

Uses:

Gua sha is most often used to relieve muscle and joint pain. Conditions of the muscles and bones are known as musculoskeletal disorders. Some examples of these include back pain, tendon strain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.  Practitioners claim that gua sha can also benefit the immune system and modify the adverse inflammatory reactions in the body. . Sometimes, gua sha is used to treat a cold, fevers, or problems with the lungs.

Benefits:

• women near menopause with perimenopausal symptoms
• people with neck and shoulder pain from computer use
• male weightlifters, to help with recovery after training
• older adults with back pain

Side effects:

Gua sha is not suitable for everybody. People who should not have gua sha include those:

• who have medical conditions affecting the skin or veins
• who bleed easily
• who take medication to thin their blood
• who have deep vein thrombosis
• who have an infection, tumors, or wound that has not healed fully
• who have an implant, such as a pacemaker or internal defibrillator

Is Gua sha painful?

Treatment is not supposed to be painful, but gua sha deliberately causes bruising, which may cause discomfort for some people. These bruises should heal within a few days.

Conclusion:

Gua sha is used to treat a range of illnesses and disorders, but research has only been carried out on a small number of specific medical conditions. More evidence is needed to confirm whether gua sha is an effective treatment. Gua sha is unlikely to have any serious side effects, but it can be painful for some people. A person who plans to have gua sha should make sure that they go to an experienced practitioner.