Gua Sha is an Asian treatment useful for treating pain and many other chronic diseases. Gua means "scrape" and Sha means "red rash." With Gua Sha a Chinese soup spoon, or other smooth, hard object, is used to scrape the affected area with pretty significant pressure. This treatment, like acupuncture, helps to stimulate the Chi (Qi) which is the body’s essential life force energy. There is a saying that where Qi goes, blood flows. So as the scraping contacts Qi it also creates a rush of blood flow, thereby creating a raised red rash, also known as petechiae. The redness will subside in a few days. Many people find immediate relief to their pain. For those using this treatment for asthma, breathing difficulties, or blocked congestion, Gua Sha may be useful for prevention -- not just treatment. Gua Sha is often practiced by acupuncturists and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners/doctors.
Chinese Traditional Medicine
Use of Chinese traditional medicine is useful when combined with conventional therapies to treat addiction, headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma; and to assist in stroke rehabilitation.
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Lisa Oz , Health Education, answeredSee All 2 AnswersSome of the traditional Chinese healing therapies are as follows:
Acupuncture: This is a traditional Chinese healing method that uses needles to stimulate the flow of energy through the body along special pathways or meridians. During the treatment, you will look like a cross between a hedgehog and Hellraiser II, but most of the time you cannot even feel it. Acupuncture has been found effective in some studies for chronic pain, including back pain, headache, neck pain and knee pain.
Chinese herbal medicine: Twigs and leaves and roots and bark -- drinking a medicinal tea can seem like you are snacking on the forest floor. And, in case you were wondering, that is just what it tastes like. Drinking a plant potion is not as crazy as it sounds. Remember, many of our contemporary pharmaceuticals had botanical roots. (Do not you love a bad pun?) Aspirin was originally derived from willow bark and common cardiac drugs from the flower foxglove. -
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Ben Kaminsky , Dermatology, answeredSee All 2 AnswersUsing feng shui in the bedroom is said to balance Chi (energy) and improve the space as the mind and body are prepared for deep, healing sleep. Consider the following suggestions:
- Whether at work or at home, excessive clutter has a strong, negative impact. Clean out excess clutter in the bedroom, focusing on the closet, under the bed, and chest of drawers to boost positive relaxation at nighttime.
- Electro-magnetic energy in the bedroom might result in poor health, according to feng shui practitioners. To keep the bedroom peaceful and a haven for rest, move the television, computer, radio, and answering machine to another room. If there are electronics in the bedroom, place them at least six feet away from the bed.
- Have a healthy plant or two in the bedroom. Feng shui practitioners believe that plants absorb stress and have a positive impact in the healing process.
- While preparing for bed, play soft music or a “sounds of nature” CD to create a tranquil, spa-like environment in the room.
- Feng shui practitioners believe that sharp edges or corners on walls, furniture, and rooflines are symbolic of poison arrows. Soften sharp corners of the bedroom by hanging a plant or wind chime from the ceiling.
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Dr. Maoshing Ni, PhD, LAc , Geriatric Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersBoth acupressure and acupuncture are powerful and subtle tools used by traditional Chinese doctors to treat illness and help the body heal itself. These methods both use the paradigm of Chinese medical theory, including the meridian theory, in order to treat illness. I encourage you to look for a practitioner that uses both acupressure and acupuncture to find the strengths and benefits of both acupressure and acupuncture. -
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Dr. Daniel Hsu, DAOM , Alternative & Complementary Medicine, answered
Corydalis can be taken in granular form or pill form, but the dosage should be 3-9 grams per day, maximum. In this video, oriental medicine expert Daniel Hsu, DAOM, explains why he thinks the granular form is an ideal way to take this herb. -
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Multiple Sclerosis Foundation answeredSee All 2 AnswersFeng shui translates to wind and water and is an ancient Chinese system of design based on the flow of chi (or energy) throughout the home or other environment. Feng shui students are taught to examine the unique energy blueprint of their home or building in order to reveal its past, present, and future potential.
The goal of Feng shui is to create an environment that is in harmony with the healing forces of nature, a space that is supportive and nurturing. Through harmonious chi flow, space clearing, yin and yang, and Lo-Shu, (dividing a space into eight equal sectors of radiating energy) Feng shui practitioners offer suggestions for improving health, vitality, prosperity, and relationships. Obtaining balance and flow within your surroundings and eliminating clutter may influence the way you act, think, and feel. -
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Boston Women's Health Book Collective , Administration, answeredSee All 4 AnswersA practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine uses several diagnostic techniques such as questioning, observing, examining the tongue, listening (to breathing, voice, etc.), and reading the pulse.
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Dr. Daniel Hsu, DAOM , Alternative & Complementary Medicine, answeredSee All 2 Answers
Corydalis is a Chinese herb that has been proven to naturally help relieve chronic pain; it's not addictive and you can't develop a tolerance to it. Watch oriental medicine expert Daniel Hsu, DAOM, discuss the benefits of corydalis supplements. -
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Sifu Karl Romain , Fitness, answered
Qigong helps to relieve stress by teaching us how to breathe properly, and utilizing techniques that relax the nerves and soothe the body. In this video, Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Qigong Expert Sifu Karl Romain describes the healthy benefits of Qigong. -
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Dr. Maoshing Ni, PhD, LAc , Geriatric Medicine, answered
In Chinese face reading, different areas of the face correspond to different areas of your body, which can reveal health issues and help prevent onset of illness. Watch as Chinese medicine expert, Mao Shing Ni, L.Ac. & PhD, explains this concept.