Ancient jade and horn scraping — releasing chronic tension, supporting post-viral recovery and brightening the complexion. A remarkably versatile therapy with a growing body of research.
Book Gua Sha Explore All TherapiesGua sha (pronounced "gwa sha") is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique in which a smooth-edged tool — traditionally made from jade, bian stone, horn or bone, and now often from rose quartz or stainless steel — is used to apply repeated, firm strokes across oiled skin. The technique creates a controlled form of extravasation: the controlled release of blood from superficial capillaries to the surface, producing a redness (petechiae) known as "sha" in Chinese.
The sha is not considered a bruise or damage. In TCM, it is regarded as stagnant Blood and metabolic waste being released from the tissues and brought to the surface where it can be resolved by the body's immune and lymphatic systems. Clinically, sha is used as a diagnostic indicator: dark or purple sha indicates significant Blood stagnation; light pink sha suggests relatively healthy tissue; the rapidity with which the sha fades reflects the health of the local circulation.
At Health Therapies Clinics in Lane Cove, gua sha is offered as part of acupuncture sessions or as a standalone treatment. We perform both body gua sha (for pain, tension and post-viral conditions) and gentler facial gua sha (for skin health and lifting). Clients travel from Artarmon, Chatswood, Willoughby and North Sydney to access this distinctive therapy.
Gua sha (add-on with acupuncture): Included within acupuncture sessions when clinically indicated
Gua sha standalone / facial: From $135 / 30–45 minutes
Initial Consultation + Gua Sha: $200 / 90 minutes
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9am – 9pm
Private Health: HICAPS available with applicable funds
Book OnlineOne of the most compelling pieces of research on gua sha comes from work examining the enzyme haeme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Studies conducted at Harvard Medical School demonstrated that gua sha significantly upregulates HO-1 — a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory enzyme — in the treated tissues. HO-1 activity is associated with protection against oxidative stress, inflammation reduction, and immunomodulation.
The HO-1 findings provide a biochemical explanation for gua sha's traditionally observed ability to reduce pain, inflammation and fever — effects that have been used clinically for millennia but previously lacked a Western mechanistic explanation. The research has been particularly significant for understanding gua sha's application in post-viral conditions, where systemic inflammation and oxidative stress are key drivers of ongoing symptoms.
Long COVID and other post-viral syndromes are characterised by persistent inflammation, immune dysregulation, and what TCM describes as "lingering pathogen" and Qi and Yin depletion. Gua sha's ability to upregulate HO-1, improve local and systemic circulation, and activate the lymphatic clearance of metabolic waste makes it a physiologically rationale treatment for these conditions — one that practitioners and patients are increasingly finding beneficial.
Applied to the back, shoulders, neck, limbs and chest, body gua sha uses firm, sustained strokes across oiled skin to release fascial adhesions, move Blood stagnation and stimulate deep circulation. The pressure is moderate to firm and produces sha (the characteristic redness) that typically fades within three to seven days.
Body gua sha is particularly effective when applied to the upper back and neck for tension headaches, to the thoracic spine for respiratory congestion and post-viral recovery, and to frozen shoulders where gentle but persistent release of fascial restriction is needed. Sessions are typically combined with acupuncture for enhanced effect.
Facial gua sha is a much gentler variant performed with a smooth jade or rose quartz tool over the delicate skin of the face and décolletage. The pressure is light, the strokes follow anatomical lymphatic drainage pathways, and the technique does not typically produce sha on the face.
Facial gua sha has gained considerable popular attention in recent years for its cosmetic benefits — reducing puffiness, improving colour and texture, relaxing facial muscles holding habitual tension, and supporting lymphatic drainage. At our Lane Cove clinic, it is offered as both a cosmetic treatment and as a therapeutic tool for sinus congestion, jaw tension and facial TMJ pain.
Body gua sha involves firm pressure that can feel intense, particularly in areas of significant tension or stagnation. Most clients describe it as a "good hurt" — uncomfortable in the moment but immediately releasing. The practitioner will always work within your tolerance. Facial gua sha is gentle and most clients find it very relaxing.
Body gua sha sha typically fades within three to seven days. The darker and more prominent the sha, the more stagnation was present — and often the more dramatic the relief following treatment. With regular sessions, the sha becomes progressively lighter as circulation improves. Facial gua sha does not typically produce visible marks.
Gentle facial gua sha can be self-administered at home with appropriate tools and technique — and is an excellent daily practice for skin health and lymphatic drainage. Body gua sha should generally be performed by a trained practitioner, as incorrect pressure, incorrect direction, or application over contraindicated areas can cause discomfort or harm. Your practitioner can advise on home practice.
Gua sha should not be applied over broken or inflamed skin, active rash, sunburn, areas of deep vein thrombosis risk, or over very fragile capillaries in clients on blood thinners. Pregnancy is not an absolute contraindication but requires modified technique and point avoidance. Always disclose your full health history at your consultation.
Gua sha at Health Therapies Clinics, Lane Cove — for pain, post-viral recovery and facial wellness. Open seven days, 9am–9pm.
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