Gua sha/ Spoon/ Friction Massage

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Massage cream with spoon

Gua Sha Massage Therapy and Gua Sha Treatment in Capitola, CA

Gua sha (pronounced "gwa shah") is a hands-on therapy in traditional Chinese medicine that uses a smooth-edged tool to scrape the lubricated skin, promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, and releasing stagnant qi (chi), or stagnant energy, in the body. The term translates to "scrape sand," describing the marks that surface as tight muscles let go.

At Solis Acupuncture, our licensed acupuncturists perform gua sha massage for the face and body as part of an integrative approach to pain relief and wellness in Capitola and surrounding areas. This ancient healing and scraping therapy may promote circulation, support healing, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve blood flow, break up scar tissue and myofascial bands, support lymphatic drainage and tissue repair, and ease chronic neck and lower back pain, as well as muscle tension.

A gua sha tool is traditionally made from natural materials such as jade or rose quartz and is used on the skin’s surface with lubricated skin. For facial gua sha, potential benefits may include improved skin health over time, support for collagen, softer fine lines, and improved absorption of skincare products. It can also be a mindful self-care ritual that supports relaxation and stress relief.

Is Gua Sha Painful or Used for Pain Relief?

Gua sha therapy should feel good, similar to a deep-tissue massage, and should not be sharply painful. Improper technique can cause skin irritation or excessive bruising, and it should not be used on broken or severely inflamed skin.

Like cupping, gua sha can leave temporary marks, small spots called petechiae, that heal within a few days and are not tender, since they are a healing effect, not an injury; if you take blood thinners or have certain health conditions, check with a healthcare professional first because complications can increase. Our facial gua sha treatment uses light pressure on moisturized skin or with face oil to reduce puffiness and relieve tension, scraping upward and outward across the face, and feels gentler still..

Results are temporary and improve with consistent practice.

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Guasha therapy

What People Are Saying About Us

Danielle Uzes helped me with my pre-patellar bursitis. The orthopedic said it would take 4 to 6 months for the swelling to go down. After only 2 weeks, twice a week, and some very powerful herbs, that Danielle prescribed for me, my swelling went down, at least 90%!!! And not only that, Danielle discovered ankle issues as well! ( which made sense!) Very professional and caring and I always feel comfortable! Plus, they accept my insurance and make it very easy! Office staff is very friendly- overall, very good experience!

AB, Santa Cruz

I have been in chronic pain for years, 4 Back surgeries, 2 knee replacement, Rheumatoid Arthritis, nerve pain the list goes on. So many times friends have suggested Acupuncture as a therapy for my pain. I'm finally glad I listened to them and that I found Jessica at Solis. Jessica is very knowledgeable, she explains everything she is doing and she puts me at ease during my treatments. I'm a huge fan of cupping, it has made a big difference in my back spasms. If your looking for a noninvasive way to deal with pain, check out Solis....you will not regret it!

DH, Santa Cruz
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