I’m always excited to talk about gua sha, but with cold/flu/vaccine/booster season upon us, I’m especially jazzed to share this research highlight:
First, research finds that gua sha treatment upregulates heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1). HO-1 is anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and cytoprotective. In other words, gua sha boosts immune activity in the skin where it’s performed, and systemically.
Second, when gua sha is performed prior to intradermal vaccination, it increases the activity of immune-active cells and increased IgG titers threefold. In other words, gua sha may boost immune response to intradermal vaccination.
This second study speculates gua sha may boost human immune response to intramuscular vaccines, and may help convert non-responders.
Read the full studies here and here!
Betsy Gordon Acupuncture in Portland, OR specializes in holistic dermatology and the treatment of digestive, autoimmune, and allergic conditions. Schedule a free consultation online or by calling (971) 341-9546.
