Gua Sha Massage in Autumn and Winter: Utilizing These Acupoints for a Healthy Glow

As the saying goes, “A scraping board is worth half a seasoned doctor.” Gua sha massage is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves using specialized tools to scrape the surface of the body, stimulating the skin and meridians to achieve therapeutic and health benefits.

Preventing Colds

One of the crucial acupoints for scraping therapy is the Dazhui Acupoint, situated at the lower end of the neck, in the depression beneath the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra. Scraping the Dazhui Acupoint from top to bottom, typically for 5-10 minutes, is advisable until a sensation of warmth is felt in the back of the neck. Scraping or cupping at the Dazhui Acupoint can help prevent colds and has some effectiveness in alleviating discomfort in the neck and adjusting cervical vertebra issues.

Regulating the Spleen and Stomach

Tianshu Acupoint, located two inches beside the navel, is a vital scraping site. For mild diarrhea, use clockwise motions with a scraping board or moxibustion at Tianshu Acupoint. For constipation, use counterclockwise motions to create a warm sensation in the abdomen.

Alleviating Neck and Shoulder Pain

The combination of Fengchi Acupoint and Jianjing Acupoint is significant in gua sha massage. Fengchi Acupoint is located on both sides of the large muscles behind the forehead, parallel to the earlobes. Jianjing Acupoint is located at the midpoint between Dazhui and the peak of the shoulder. Start by scraping Fengchi from top to bottom, then proceed outward along the direction of the shoulder, scraping thirty times on areas with muscle and twenty times on areas without.

Refreshing the Mind

The head is where the body’s Yang meridians converge. In the morning, scraping or combing the head using scraping tools can invigorate Yang energy, leaving you refreshed. Start at the Baihui Acupoint on the head’s crown, radiating outward in all directions until you feel warmth in the scalp. If you encounter tender points, scrape them 5-10 times.

Relieving Eye Fatigue

Gua sha massage can replace finger acupressure for more effective stimulation of acupoints around the eyes. Begin by scraping the Jingming Acupoint, then move outward from the Jingming Acupoint to the outer corners of the eyes, scraping in two directions along both upper and lower eyelids. This can enhance the circulation of Qi and blood in the eye area, relieving eye fatigue and dryness.

Gua sha massage is a highly effective traditional Chinese medical practice with a range of benefits, including cold prevention, digestive regulation, pain relief, mental rejuvenation, and alleviation of eye fatigue. Whether you are focusing on overall health or beauty and skincare, gua sha massage can provide numerous advantages. Therefore, consider trying gua sha massage in your daily life to rejuvenate your body and enhance your health and radiance.

Common Queries about Gua Sha Massage in Autumn and Winter