Gua sha vs Graston? There are a variety of instrument-assisted soft tissue techniques in rehabilitation and musculoskeletal care. Two very popular and different techniques are Gua Sha and Glaston. The main idea of both techniques is to heal the body by intentionally creating microtrauma in a specific area to bring heat to that area. Although both tools handle the body in a similar way; each of them has a very different approach to how the tool is made and used.
Gua Sha Technology
Gua Sha is used in traditional Chinese medicine and in different regions throughout Southeast Asia. Gua Sha uses the Gua Sha technique to create the red bruising marks common with this treatment on the skin. Traditionally, the skin is lubricated with a thick oil before using the smooth edges of the instrument to create redness and bruising through various long and short strokes. Many acupuncturists commonly use this technique to supplement their practice.
When using Gua Sha, the technique is usually used on the “yang areas” of the body, including the back, neck, shoulders, buttocks and extremities. Gua Sha is thought to help with the symptoms and prevention of colds, flu, asthma, and acute and chronic pain. Gua Sha is also commonly used for respiratory diseases and high fever. By bringing heat to specific areas of the body, Gua Sha releases excess heat and toxins through the surface.
Different colors have different meanings in Gua Sha: light red means blood deficiency; dark red means serious condition; black or purple means chronic presence; brown means dryness and lack of fluid; dark red means excess heat.
Gua sha tools are usually made of buffalo horn, buffalo horn, jade, spoon and other materials, with smooth edges. A 2011 study tested the effectiveness of scraping in people with chronic neck pain. Patients in this study had significantly less neck pain on the visual analog scale after 1 week of treatment.
Graston Technology
The Graston technology was developed by David Graston to break down soft tissue fibrosis and reduce chronic inflammation in specific areas of the body. This technique uses stainless steel tools to create deep, rhythmic pressure on specific areas. The goal of the Graston technique is to break down the adhesions that form in and around the muscle, which inflame the area. Inflammation brought to the area will create a healing process that will not only heal the new microtrauma caused by the technique; but will heal the original damaged tissue that originally led to the formation of the adhesions. The Graston technique focuses on the mobility and function of the body and removes the constraints that prevent the body from working optimally.
Gua Sha vs Graston
Both Graston and Gua Sha are based on an inflammatory process that brings heat to the treatment area and has a positive effect in the body. Both techniques use tools made of different materials. Gua Sha has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Graston is a newer modern technology. Both techniques are valid and have different idealistic histories and beliefs.
Graston focuses more on breaking down adhesions and healing through the onset of an inflammatory process; Gua Sha focuses on releasing toxins and excess heat to the body’s surface. Both techniques are effective in promoting healing.
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