Gua Sha & Cupping in Portland OR

Well there’s a great need for more research! But this study offers insight into the potential mechanisms of cupping therapy in Western medical terms. As fresh blood supply replenishes an area of cupping marks, it supports optimal cellular function by stimulating anti-inflammatory and immune system activity, locally and systemically.

Traditionally cupping has been used to extract pathogens from the body. It draws out “heat”, “cold”, or “dampness” and stimulates immune function. By increasing blood flow, cupping may also bring nourishment to areas of poor muscle engagement or atrophy. The goal is to direct the body’s own healing mechanisms, and frequently I use cupping in this way as part of a whole-systems Chinese medicine treatment.

Nowadays, in addition to these traditional uses, cupping is a tool for remodeling the fascia. It can increase tissue hydration and therefore improve tissue health and decrease the likelihood of injury. 

Chinese medicine has long recognized the relationship between the surface flesh and the internal tissues and organs, and research is beginning to confirm these relationships. For example, we’re learning why cupping at a site of pain is made more effective when cupping is also applied to areas “downstream”, or near corresponding organ tissue. This concept of fascia pathways, or channels, is fundamental to the practice of Chinese medicine.

Yes and no! It’s true, cupping often leaves marks on the skin. They’re composed of “old blood,” or as I prefer to say, blood waste, and they fade slowly over the course of a week. 

While the mark is technically a bruise (yes, there is rupture of superficial capillaries,) it’s also... technically not a bruise (there is no injury to muscle fibers.)

Consider this:

• I may apply cupping to one person’s back and leave no marks. I can then apply cupping to the same degree to another person’s back and bring up deep, dark marks that fade over the course of a week.
• Cupping does not impart trauma to the skin, fascia, or muscles.
• After 3-4 weeks of cupping to the same area, it’s unlikely to continue to bring up marks. If cupping marks were a “true bruise”, the capillary damage from repeated trauma would produce worsening marks with each treatment.
• I may apply gentle cupping to accelerate the healing of a “true bruise”.

No, cupping should not cause pain. Each person’s needs for treatment will differ, and so the way I apply cupping for each person will differ. I’m intentional about the amount of movement, the depth of suction, and length of time cups are left in place on the skin. 

In fact, as explained by the gate control theory of pain in this paper, cupping can help modulate our perception of pain. Cupping specifically stimulates large nerve fibers, which leads to the inhibition of pain signal transmission to the brain.

Gua Sha has garnered attention from physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and other physical medicine practitioners for its quick and effective benefits in treating pain and injury. While research is still exploring the exact mechanisms that make it so effective, gua sha consistently shows promise, without adverse effects. My practice wouldn’t be the same without this modality!

Studies using advanced technologies like laser Doppler and infrared thermograph have shown that it significantly boosts blood flow near the skin's surface. This increased blood flow helps remove metabolic debris and inflammatory substances, particularly after physical exertion or injury, and promotes tissue healing. 

Gua Sha triggers the body's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses, and stimulates the activity of enzymes which neutralize harmful molecules and prevent tissue damage. 

Traditionally, much like cupping, gua sha is used stimulate the body’s defense systems and healing mechanisms.

It sure can! Just like cupping, gua sha may leave marks on the skin. They often look more like a rash than a bruise, and they fade more quickly than most cupping marks over the course of two or three days. 

Again like cupping, the presence of gua sha marks and their fading process represents a healing interaction between the skin, the immune system, and the nervous system.

When I use cupping or gua sha in treatment, especially for the first time, I’ll make sure you’re prepared to have marks on your skin for the next several days. No backless gown gala events in your future? Great. Comfortable with marks? Great - onward!

Nope. When applied skillfully and with proper communication between the provider and receiver, gua sha doesn’t hurt.

I’ve often felt receiving effective gua sha feels like an itch being scratched that I didn’t know I had.

Rest assured, it’s important to me that you’re comfortable and understand the process. All treatments are focused on bringing you results, with plenty of time for questions.