Gua Sha and cupping have been around for thousands of years and are known as forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine. These techniques can be combined with reflexology, and have many positive benefits. It seems like Gua Sha may be the new trend that will make cupping take a back seat. However, what similarities and differences do Gua Sha and cupping possess?
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that scrapes the skin to remove and break down scar tissue. This helps to regenerate new tissue, which causes people to experience decreased muscle pain and tension.
Benefits of Gua Sha
If you perform Gua Sha on the body, you will experience the benefits as previously stated. If you perform a facial Gua Sha, benefits include increased blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, and relief from migraine/tension pain. Using a Gua Sha on the neck can relieve tension, and for some women it can reduce symptoms of perimenopause. Additionally, if you store the Gua Sha in the fridge before using, it can reduce puffiness on the face.
What is Cupping Therapy?
In addition to Gua Sha, cupping therapy is a technique that has been practiced in traditional Chinese medicine for millenniums. Cupping therapy works by firstly placing a glass, silicone, or plastic cup on your body. Then, yourself or a practitioner will apply suction to the cups on the desired areas. Many professional Olympic athletes have made this technique very popular. For example, Michael Phelps was photographed in the 2016 Olympics with cupping marks on his back, and for good reason. Although cupping therapy may sound more painful than the Gua Sha technique, it also has many benefits.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy can treat pain such as back, neck, and even tension headaches. It can help with inflammation in the body, increase blood flow, and even treat things such as anxiety and stress.
Why Gua Sha over Cupping?
Gua Sha is preferred by individuals because it’s easier to manipulate and seems less intimidating because of its size. Fire cupping can also seem daunting to many, which is why Gua Sha may be something they would approach first. However, each reflexology technique has their benefits and side effects. Scraping too hard with a Gua Sha tool can cause pain and leave red marks or bruises. Not having proper knowledge on how to use it can also be harmful. Moreover, many people who are beginners to traditional Chinese medicine may prefer Gua Sha because it seems simpler to manipulate.
Key Takeaways
Both Gua Sha and cupping have amazing benefits to those that wish to practice it. However, with any type of treatment, there will always be side effects associated with it. This is why it is important to speak to your medical professional before trying anything for the first time.
Whether you choose Gua Sha or Cupping therapy, Lierre.ca has everything supply you with the best tools and equipment. Choose from the highest quality of medical grade silicone cupping sets, glass cupping sets, or even plastic cupping sets. Lierre.ca also has a wide range of 100% natural Thera Crystal Gua Sha tools in different stones. You can purchase a Jade or Rose Quartz Gua Sha to help the inner healing process as well. Read more about what Gua Sha tools are best for you and how to choose them to further your knowledge.
Don’t forget, Lierre.ca is having a blowout Black Friday Sale with up to 80% OFF on all the products online. You can save on acupuncture needles, Gua Sha tools, cupping sets, massage supplies, skincare, and more.
0
0
