What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy that uses scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to support healing. The term “Gua Sha” translates as “scraping sand” in Chinese. It refers to the technique itself and the marks it sometimes leaves on the skin.
Gua Sha massage has been part of TCM for more than 2,000 years. It is believed to balance the body’s natural energy (or qi) and address various health issues. It was used by ancient TCM practitioners as a therapeutic method to treat various illnesses, pain, and discomfort. Today it is very popular used both for health and skincare purposes.
The Benefits of Gua Sha Massage at Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL
Scraping therapy at Copper Wellness combines ancient techniques with modern medical knowledge to help with relaxation and rejuvenation. This therapy offers a variety of benefits:
Gua Sha treatment eases muscle tightness and soreness in areas like the neck, shoulders, and back.
Boosts blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
Provides relief from persistent discomfort caused by conditions like tension headaches or joint stiffness.
Improves skin tone and elasticity by stimulating collagen production.
Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation.
Gua Sha massage boosts healing after physical exertion or injuries.
Effectively complements other treatments, such as cupping or acupuncture.
You can contact us here to schedule a consultation.
How Does Gua Sha Work?
Gua Sha therapy stimulates blood flow and initiates a natural healing process in the body. Practitioner gently always scrapes the skin in some particular areas using a smooth-edged tool. This increases microstimulation within the soft tissues, which eventually creates a localized inflammatory response and compels the body to recover and regenerate the area of treatment.
Scraping also helps release adhesions in the fascia, which is a connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs, thus reducing tension. Better circulation also means more oxygen and nutrients delivered to tissues.
Scraping therapy is also used to boost the immune system by increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Besides, the scraping may stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping with relaxation and calmness.
What Does Gua Sha Treat?
Gua Sha is a reliable therapy that can deal with a variety of physical and emotional complications. In stimulating circulation, easing tension, it efficiently acts for the treatment of such conditions as:
- Muscle Pain and Tension. Chinese scraping therapy addresses muscle stiffness and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, back, and other areas.
- Chronic Pain. Gua Sha massage provides relief for conditions like fibromyalgia and joint pain.
- Headaches and Migraines. Helps reduce the frequency and intensity of certain types of headaches.
- Poor Circulation. Stimulates blood flow to improve oxygen and nutrient delivery.
- Swelling and Puffiness. Aids in lymphatic drainage to address bloating and inflammation.
- Respiratory Issues. Gua Sha in Chicago can support the body’s natural ability to manage colds, coughs, and chest congestion.
- Skin Concerns. Improves skin tone, reduces fine lines, and improves elasticity. It may be used for different parts of the body. For example, gua sha facial massage can address wrinkles.
- Stress and Anxiety. Promotes relaxation and eases physical tension caused by stress.
- Post-Workout Recovery. Speeds healing and reduces soreness after intense physical activity.
Schedule a consultation here to find out!
Choose Copper Wellness for Gua Sha Massage in Chicago, IL
At Copper Wellness, we have the best Gua Sha services as part of our integrative health approach. Our skilled and experienced practitioner masterfully combines traditional techniques with modern medical knowledge to help ease tension, improve circulation, and support overall health.
Gua Sha at our integrative health clinic isn’t just treating physical issues. It’s also about relaxation and emotional balance. Paired with our other services, like chiropractic care, acupuncture, cupping and massage therapy, scraping therapy becomes an important part of your health plan. Whether you want to address chronic pain, in need of physical strain recovery, or just want to reduce stress and relax – our treatments are here for you.
Are you ready to feel your best? Schedule your consultation today to see how our scraping massage and other treatments can help you!
Our Team
Reviews About Gua Sha Chicago, IL
I am moving from Chicago soon and truly going to miss this amazing clinic.
From the beginning, I was clear that billing transparency was important to me. Despite that, I ran into repeated issues with billing. The clinic charged me estimated amounts that didn’t ultimately match my Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from UnitedHealthcare, and when I brought up the discrepancies—with actual documentation to back it up—I was met with defensiveness rather than a willingness to resolve things collaboratively.
One particularly strange policy I encountered was that this clinic might charge a “clinic fee” if UnitedHealthcare doesn’t accommodate their cash rates. This seems to blur the lines between in-network and out-of-network billing.
Meanwhile, claims weren’t submitted to insurance promptly, which delayed payments and caused unnecessary confusion—none of which was my fault as the patient.
Bottom line: I paid what I was invoiced on time, asked reasonable questions when things didn’t add up, and was made to feel like I was the problem for doing so. I’ve since paused services until this can be sorted out—and I feel compelled to share my experience here.
Our Insurance Partners
We accept most major insurance plans depending on your type of service.
FAQs About Gua Sha Massage
Does Gua Sha Actually Work?
Yes, scraping therapy can be highly effective for improving circulation, reducing muscle tension, and promoting lymphatic drainage. It helps to release tightness, reduce inflammation, and can improve skin tone and texture.
How Often Should You Gua Sha?
The frequency of scraping therapy treatments depends on your individual needs and goals. For optimal results, it’s generally recommended to receive
scraping massage 1 to 2 times per week. However, for ongoing skin care or muscle tension relief, more frequent sessions may be beneficial.
How Long Does It Take For Gua Sha To Work?
The effects of scraping massage can be felt immediately: many people notice improved circulation, reduced tension, and a more relaxed state after just one session. For longer-term benefits, such as improved skin tone or relief from chronic pain, more sessions may be needed.
Does Gua Sha Help With Wrinkles?
Yes, scraping therapy can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles by improving blood circulation and stimulating collagen production, which can lead to smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
When Should You Gua Sha?
You can do scraping massage at any time, but it’s most effective when done regularly as part of your skincare or wellness routine. Many people find it beneficial in the morning to energize the skin or in the evening to relax and promote circulation before bed.
Can Gua Sha Make You Sick?
Gua sha is generally safe, though it may cause mild soreness or bruising in some cases. To avoid discomfort or injury, it’s essential to have the treatment performed by a trained professional. Our specialists ensure that your scraping therapy experience is both effective and comfortable.
Contact Information
Learn more about our clinic and doctors and why they are trusted by so many families in our community.
Tue - Thu: 9AM - 8PM
Fri: 9AM - 6PM
Sat: 9AM - 4PM