The Benefits of Gua Sha and Breast Engorgement
Gua sha involves long strokes over lubricated skin with a smooth-edged tool, traditionally made of jade or horn. The friction causes mild bruising that practitioners believe releases stagnant blood and disperses pathogens.
The scraping produces light pinpoint red spots called petechiae, which indicate there’s some bleeding beneath the surface of the skin, Minichiello says.
Headaches
Gua sha can relieve neck pain, as well as headaches and migraines, by relieving musculoskeletal tension in the upper body, according to a 2019 study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. In particular, the gua sha technique involves scraping acupoints near the jugular vein, which is known to improve circulation and release tight muscles that can cause headaches.
The same gentle yet intense scraping motion that creates petechiae – tiny red areas caused by broken blood vessels — also relieves the puffiness and inflammation associated with chronic headaches and migraines. This is because gua sha can increase blood flow, which decreases pressure on the brain and reduces symptoms like nausea and vomiting that often accompany migraines.
In one study, a 72-year-old woman who suffered from chronic headaches saw her symptoms improve after receiving gua sha as part of a 14-day inpatient treatment. The results were promising, but more research and clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
To use gua sha to treat a headache or migraine, start by guasha positioning the tool underneath your earlobe and move it along the side of your head toward your temples, up over your forehead and around your eyes. You can then continue to work the tool across your cheek, toward your nose and hairline and then down along your jawline. You may also want to try placing the tool on your brow bone, as some gua sha tools have indentations that are designed specifically for this purpose.
Breast Engorgement
Breast engorgement is a condition that can cause pain and make it difficult for breastfeeding moms to nurse. It occurs when the milk ducts become clogged with excess colostrum, which is thick and rich in nutrients that baby needs to get started. The symptoms include swollen breasts, firm and hard to the touch. They may be swollen to the point that they look distorted and even lumpy.
This condition usually happens when the body shifts from the first stage of lactation (which starts during pregnancy) to the second, which takes place a few days after delivery. It’s when milk actually starts coming in and it can be mild or more intense.
Most of the time, the engorgement is symmetrical, meaning it affects both breasts equally. However, some people experience asymmetric engorgement, which may be a sign of breast cancer.
If you have a severe case of engorgement, it’s important to see your doctor right away so they can check your health history and perform an examination to rule out any complications. Some gynecologists recommend using a manual lymphatic drainage technique called guasha to relieve the swelling. This is a treatment that uses a smooth edge placed against the skin with pressure. The edge is then moved over the muscles, in the direction of gua sha roller the acupuncture meridians. The friction of the massage helps to drain the accumulated colostrum and reduce the swollen tissue.
Menopause Symptoms
Symptoms of the menopause are different for every woman and can occur at any point during the transition. They can be mild or severe, and can affect emotional, physical and social well-being. If you are experiencing symptoms that interfere with your everyday life or cause concern, it is important to talk to your doctor.
A common symptom of the menopause is irregular periods. These may become lighter or heavier, and can be unpredictable. The length of your period can also change, and you may experience spotting between periods.
Other signs of the menopause are hot flushes and sleep problems. These are a result of decreased levels of the hormone estrogen. They can be sudden and intense, and may last a few minutes or an hour, or happen throughout the day and night. Some women have one or two hot flashes a day, while others can experience them several times an hour and for longer.
Other menopause symptoms include changes in mood, feelings of sadness or anxiety, and a lower interest in sexual activity. You may also find that your vagina becomes drier, which can lead to pain during sex and increased risk for certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Bone density loss is another symptom of the menopause and increases the chance of osteoporosis. It is important to continue regular bone health screenings.
Lymphatic Drainage
The lymphatic system is sort of like a mass highway throughout the body for fluid balance. It transports immune cells to fight infections, delivers nutrients and flushes toxins from cells. The clear liquid, known as lymph, contains specialized white blood cells (lymphocytes) that destroy microorganisms and also helps to carry away cellular waste. A functioning lymphatic system is essential to our health, but sometimes it becomes sluggish.
Lymphatic drainage massage—which uses gentle, rhythmic strokes to stimulate lymph flow—can help to re-stimulate the lymphatic system and keep it healthy. Some practitioners also use gua sha and dry brushing to promote lymphatic flow.
When using a gua sha tool on the face, gently stroke in a upward motion and follow the natural contours of the jawline and neck to increase lymph flow and encourage cellular renewal. For best results, apply a small amount of oil to the skin as well to enhance gliding and prevent tugging.
As with any treatment, make sure to find a reputable provider before trying it yourself at home. “You want to work with someone who has a good track record and can answer any questions you might have,” Lanini says. Also, if you’re prone to bruising, avoid taking any medications that thin the blood such as ibuprofen one week before your appointment. It’s also a good idea to skip the gua sha if you have a fever, an infection or a blood clot.