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.
Dr. Anais Jackson-Gonzalez
Dr. Anais Jackson-Gonzalez is a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist in the state of Illinois, dedicated to helping patients achieve balance and well-being through holistic care. She earned her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Medicine from Universidad del Turabo in Puerto Rico.
Dr. Jackson-Gonzalez specializes in cosmetic acupuncture, offering natural solutions to enhance appearance and address dermatological concerns. She is also highly skilled in managing acute and chronic pain, women’s health, digestive health, and mental-emotional conditions, tailoring treatments to the unique needs of each patient. Her practice incorporates a variety of modalities, including acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, and moxibustion, all delivered with genuine care and intention.
Fully bilingual in Spanish and English, Dr. Jackson-Gonzalez is passionate about making her expertise accessible to a diverse range of patients. She emphasizes the importance of a healthy mind, body, and spirit, guiding patients toward lasting wellness and improved quality of life.
Specialties
- Pain Management
- Women’s Health
- Cosmetic Acupuncture and Dermatology
- Bilingual Consultations: Spanish and English
Dr. Jackson-Gonzalez’s compassionate approach and comprehensive care make her an integral part of the Copper Wellness team, helping patients feel and look their best naturally.
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 carry a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders, especially after returning to work, and I feel it build up quickly. After each visit, the difference is noticeable. The tension improves significantly, and I leave feeling lighter and overall better.
What really stands out is how much she listens. From the first visit, she took the time to understand my lifestyle and stress, and I never felt rushed. That level of care makes a huge difference.
Going through a recent health complication put things into perspective for me. I realized I was moving through life too fast and putting myself last. Now I’m being more intentional about my health and managing my stress, especially with how demanding life can be. These appointments have been a key part of that.
I have also been using other services like pelvic floor therapy, acupuncture (soon to be appt), and massage, and everyone has been incredibly kind and welcoming.
I am really grateful I found Copper Wellness.
We wanted something in the city, close to home, and in an area where we could turn our appointments into something more, like grabbing coffee or enjoying a date night after. This location checked all of those boxes.
From the moment you walk in, the energy is different. The space is beautiful, full of plants, warm earth tones, wood elements, and subtle aromatherapy. It feels calming, elevated, and intentional. Even the small touches, like complimentary water, make a difference. It genuinely reflects the kind of environment we value in our own home.
The staff is diverse, welcoming, and you can tell they truly enjoy what they do. That energy carries throughout the entire experience.
Dr. Mimosa is incredible. She is knowledgeable, experienced, and most importantly, she really listens. Every visit feels personalized, and she takes the time to understand exactly what we need. That level of care is rare and deeply appreciated.
I also want to give a genuine shoutout to Dr. Mimosa, the practitioners at Copper Wellness, and the entire staff. Everyone plays a part in making this place feel as special as it does.
Booking is seamless, whether online, by phone, or through their waitlist system. Everything feels efficient and thoughtfully designed.
We’re both genuinely happy we found this place. It exceeded our expectations in every way. Thank you for choosing Chicago and creating such a special space. We’re looking forward to many more visits and hope you remain part of the neighborhood for years to come.
Oh yeah and one more thing! Happy 1st day of Spring!!!
Christopher & Genesis
🌺🐈✨️📿👋🏼❤️
Whether you’re new to acupuncture or have been going for years, Dr. Madden’s expertise and gentle technique make all the difference. She explains everything clearly and creates an environment that feels safe and restorative. I can’t recommend her highly enough. she’s truly the best in her field here in Chicago.
I am moving from Chicago soon and truly going to miss this amazing clinic.
Our Insurance Partners
We accept most major insurance plans depending on your type of service.
FAQs About Gua Sha Massage
Does Gua Sha Work for Jawline?
Is Gua Sha Effective?
Yes, gua sha is effective for promoting circulation, reducing facial tension, and improving skin tone. Copper Wellness uses this ancient technique to stimulate lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, and enhance the overall appearance of your skin. Regular gua sha treatments can lead to a more youthful and radiant complexion while promoting relaxation and wellness.
Does Gua Sha Help with Acne?
Yes, gua sha can help with acne by promoting lymphatic drainage, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation. Copper Wellness incorporates gua sha techniques to stimulate the skin and clear blocked pores, which can support acne healing. However, it is most effective when combined with a proper skincare routine and personalized treatment plan.
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
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Tue - Thu: 9AM - 8PM
Fri: 9AM - 6PM
Sat: 9AM - 4PM