28/02/2026
THE HEALING SCRAPE – GUA SHA AT EVIDENCE ACUPUNCTURE!
You may have seen the circular marks left by cupping on athletes. Another Traditional Chinese Medicine technique we use at Evidence Acupuncture is Gua Sha — a method that can look intense but has well-documented therapeutic effects.
Gua Sha involves repeated, unidirectional strokes over lubricated skin using a smooth instrument. This creates temporary red or purple markings known as Sha. These are not bruises caused by tissue damage, but the result of increased microcirculation and the movement of stagnant blood and metabolic waste from the underlying muscle and fascia.
From a biomedical perspective, this controlled micro-stimulation activates the body’s repair processes.
Research published in Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing demonstrated:
“Gua sha produces a four-fold increase in microcirculation at the treated area, which may play a role in reducing pain and inflammation.”
— Nielsen A. et al., 2007
This increase in circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissue while supporting the removal of inflammatory by-products.
Additional research has also identified the upregulation of Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) following Gua Sha. HO-1 is a protective enzyme with anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects, helping regulate oxidative stress and support tissue recovery.
Beyond the biochemical response, Gua Sha also has important mechanical effects on fascia.
Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Injury, repetitive strain, and prolonged sitting can cause adhesions and restriction. The mechanical stimulation from Gua Sha helps:
• Reduce fascial restriction
• Improve tissue glide
• Restore range of motion
• Decrease muscle tension
This is why similar approaches are now used in Western sports medicine under the name Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM).
At Evidence Acupuncture, Gua Sha is used as part of an integrated, evidence-based treatment plan when clinically indicated, particularly for:
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Chronic muscular tension
• Back pain
• Sports recovery
• Postural strain
The marks usually fade within 3 to 5 days. Most patients report the area feels looser, less painful, and moves more freely.
Gua Sha is not performed to create marks — the marks are simply a by-product of stimulating the body’s natural repair response.
Evidence-based acupuncture. Clear plans. Measurable outcomes.
Reference:
Nielsen A, Knoblauch NT, Dobos GJ, Michalsen A, Kaptchuk TJ. The effect of Gua Sha treatment on the microcirculation of surface tissue: a pilot study in healthy subjects. Explore (NY). 2007;3(5):456-466.
