The Wonders of Gua Sha
In acupuncture, there are several different modalities that we use in addition to the acupuncture needles. For some, the thought of having needles stuck in them is more frightening than relaxing! I’m here to ease your mind! In acupuncture, we use filiform needles, which are tiny, solid needles about the width of a few hairpieces. The only sensations you will feel, if any at all, are the needle insertion and a sensation we call “de qi.” “De qi” is the sensation you can get when an acupuncture point is stimulated. This could feel like an ache, bruise, tingling, or “Zap” sensation that will last for a second and then subside. What you are actually feeling is the blocked energy at that particular point that has been released. This typically happens when there is a significant energetic block within the channel. Once the block is released, your qi can flow freely as it’s supposed to, and balance can be restored. From a Western standpoint, acupuncture can help engage the parasympathetic nervous system or our “rest and digest” to promote the body’s own healing properties. With these needle insertions, we are waking up the nervous system and helping it see what needs a little extra TLC. We have such “go go go” lifestyles that our bodies get into new homeostasis of chronic aches and pains. We forget what it’s like for our bodies to feel relaxed. In the broadest sense, acupuncture can help promote relaxation so that our mind, body, and spirit can become harmonized and centered. Once we are more grounded and have clarity, the stresses of everyday life become more manageable!
In addition to acupuncture needles, we use moxibustion, cupping, Gua Sha, tuina, and essential oils, just to name a few. One of my personal favorites is Gua Sha which translates to “scraping” in Chinese, and that is the technique in which Gua Sha tool is used to scrape against the skin in order to bring up petechiae, which shows up as purple and red dots on the skin. This is old, stagnant blood that is coming to the surface so that new, oxygenated blood can circulate and help repair the muscle! Gua Sha is excellent for muscle tension and pain. By scraping against the muscle fibers, you are promoting circulation and allowing your body to flush the area of old blood. This helps with inflammation as well, not to mention, it feels really good and promotes relaxation! There are several different tools that you can use to administer the Gua Sha, I personally use a jade Guasha tool on myself at home, and use disposable tools on my patients. Gently apply oil of your liking and press your tool into the muscle and apply pressure. You have to be careful in areas such as the neck and face versus the back and limbs, but gentle pressure can be great on the face and neck for headaches, TMJ, sinus congestion, and neck pain!
Acupuncture can help with several things! The two leading causes of disease in East Asian medicine are diet and emotion. Failure to nourish our bodies while harboring stress daily can cause our qi to stagnate, or an energetic block can manifest physically. Among other things, acupuncture is excellent for pain management, mental health, digestive disorders, allergies, cold and flu, insomnia, women’s health, migraines and headaches, symptoms of chemotherapy, and fertility! I personally see many of those listed above but specialize in mental health, pain management, migraine and headaches, and women’s health. Seeing a patient come in stressed or frazzled and then walk out relaxed and in a better headspace is the most rewarding feeling as an acupuncturist. I personally like to center myself before treating each patient. I say a prayer that whatever this patient needs at this moment, allow me to be a conduit for them to receive the exact treatment they need! I always incorporate a form of bodywork into my treatments as well because we carry so much stress within our bodies. This way, after 25 minutes laying on the table with the needles and then 10 minutes of bodywork, the patient has time to reset and restore.
A little bit about me, My name is Rebecca Fanali and I am an acupuncturist in NJ and PA, with a background in Neuroscience. I knew at age 13 that I wanted to use acupuncture and herbal medicine to help heal as many people as I could. I, like many, have suffered from PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, and Panic Disorder. In addition to therapy and mindfulness tools, acupuncture and herbal medicine have helped me tremendously, which fuels me to extend that relief to as many patients as I can. I currently do not have an office due to the pandemic, so I am a traveling acupuncturist as of now! I bring the zen to my patients in the comfort of their own homes, and the results are so rewarding! I truly believe everyone can benefit from this medicine, and I hope this article can raise awareness!