This video is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice and you should always consult with your doctor regarding your medical treatment.
Some of the Contraindications to Gua Sha include:
-Injury to the skin such as sunburn, rashes, abrasions, bruising, ulceration, and lesions
-Bleeding disorders such as leukemia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia
-Blood thinning medication
-Trauma to the body including acute injuries of the muscle, tendons and any bone fractures
-Infectious skin diseases
-Areas that have malignant tumors or masses
-Severe acute cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases
-On the lower abdomen in women that are pregnant or menstruating
Gua Sha can be used to relieve symptoms of physical discomfort and to help stimulate the immune system. Gua Sha can be used at the first sign of a cold or flu to help boost the immune response. Gua Sha can help treat some of the long-haul symptoms of COVID-19 and to help prevent them from worsening.
Gua Sha may be applied to the bladder channels on your back. The bladder channel refers to two lines down the back. The bladder channel is about the width of three fingers on either side of the spine. Gua sha may be applied using short strokes about a hand width in length with a downward direction for about 30 strokes on each side. This is thought to enhance the body's defensive capabilities. It can also be used to help relieve symptoms of fever, cough, and fatigue.
The yang channel on the outer side of the limbs and the yin channel on the inner side may also be scraped about 30 times on each channel. The arm should be scraped all the way down to the fingertips. The treatment should not be painful and does not need to bring petechiae to the surface to be effective. Gua sha can help to relieve the symptoms of fatigue in your limbs by increasing circulation which can help with lymphatic drainage and bring oxygen and nutrients to the area.
To help improve symptoms of chest tightness, wheezing, and coughing, gua sha may be applied to the lung channel which is one of the yin channels on the arm. Lung 5 and Lung 7 acupoints should be covered. Lung 5 is at your elbow and lung 7 is located at your wrist.
Cupping is another useful alternative therapy for cough and shortness of breath since it helps to loosen congestion and fluid in the lungs making it easier for the body to expel them. The vacuum suction of the cup creates a negative pressure that helps loosen congestion in the lungs by increasing blood and lymph flow to the area.
There are several different cupping techniques that can help with respiratory issues. One of them is called blanket cupping. This is where several cups are placed on the back from the upper back to the lower ribs and left in place for 3-5 minutes. This may leave red or purple marks. When performing cupping there is the possibility of causing blisters if the cups are left on too long so they should be closely monitored.
Another technique called moving cupping is where silicone cups are glided in different directions over the back. Also, a flash cupping technique can be utilized where the cups are placed on the back and quickly removed. This is repeated over different areas of the back and it creates a vibration effect that helps to stimulate the lungs.
The cups can be placed on the back along the Bladder channel to increase the flow of Qi. You can also use your fingers to tap along your lung channels and that will help increase the circulation and movement of Qi, blood, and other fluids containing metabolic waste that congest surface tissues and muscles.
Self-applied acupressure is a useful tool where face-to-face treatment is not possible. There is supportive research evidence for this across many different types of illnesses. The Small Intestine 18 acupoint is useful for alleviating sinus pressure and pain. You can find this point by drawing a line from the corner of your eyes to underneath your cheekbone. Press up into your cheekbone. Then draw a small circle as you gently apply pressure to the area.
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