So I recently scheduled a Gua Sha appointment. I honestly didn’t know a lot about what it was or the benefits, I just heard it was similar to a deep tissue massage, but with a totally new technique. I’m always down to try something new, especially if that thing will help eliminate stress from my body and my mind. Am I right, mommas?
I did a bit of research before heading to my appointment, and here is what I found out. Gua Sha (pronounced “gwah shah”) is actually not a massage at all, at least not in the traditional sense of the word. Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese technique used to move energy in and through your body. Energy also referred to as “Gi” or “Chi,” can become blocked and therefore cause a build-up of tension or pain in your muscles and joints. The purpose of Gua Sha is to remove that blockage by using a scraping tool to break that tension up and allow the energy to flow freely again.
That information was all I needed to be persuaded to try this new stress-relieving, energy-boosting method.
I get to my appointment and Benjamin Dominguez, owner of Precision Wellness was so incredibly professional and nice. He was very informative and explained the process in great detail before he ever got started. He showed me the tools he would use and asked me questions like “where do you feel like you carry most of your stress?” Well, for me, and probably a lot of women, I carry all my stress in my neck and shoulders. I can feel the knots – my stress creates these perfect little balls of agony back there.
He also warned me that this process will typically leave what looks like bruises on the areas he works on, but not to worry, they only last a day or two and do not hurt any more than a sore muscle. The bruising is caused by the process of scraping, which causes the tiny blood vessels at the top of your skin (capillaries) to burst. This is what forces your body to initiate a response to that area in your body – it signals that the particular area requires attention and healing. So in my own words, Gua Sha causes your body to repair itself faster by giving it an immediate target to focus on.
You guys, that 60 minutes was the absolute best! It was incredibly relaxing. My pain tolerance isn’t high and even when he was working on the most sensitive areas in my back, he was constantly checking in to be sure that I was comfortable. He would always ask if the pressure was too much or if I needed more. I have never had a traditional deep tissue massage therapist that asked me how I was feeling as they drove their elbow into my spine. Gua Sha was nothing like that. I wasn’t crazy sore in the following days and I actually felt incredibly relaxed and rejuvenated the moment I walked out of my appointment.
I will say, due to the bruising side effect, I would not schedule a Gua Sha if you plan on being in a swimsuit in the days after your appointment. The bruising does look intense, but I promise it wasn’t even tender to the touch.
Gua Sha can be used to treat a range of symptoms. It can help relieve or eliminate back pain, reduce insomnia, facilitate muscle recovery, restless legs, and reduce tension in the back, neck, and shoulders. Women experiencing menopause also reported less sweating, insomnia, and headaches after receiving a Gua Sha treatment.
I would highly recommend trying this technique for anyone looking to feel rejuvenated by investing 60 minutes in yourself. I assure you, you will not regret it! Comment here if you have any additional questions or concerns about my personal experience. Check out Precision Wellness on Facebook and Instagram at the links below for more information.
Benjamin was also so kind to offer our readers of Lubbock Moms Blog a special deal – just mention when scheduling your appointment for a discount off your services!
Precision Wellness
3818 22nd Street Suite 5B
Lubbock, TX 79410
908-789-5058
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/precisionwellnesslubbock/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjamindominguezguasha/
References: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320397.php
