The Benefits
Gua sha supports circulation, reduces muscle tension, and helps the body release stagnation. Many patients feel immediate relief and lightness after treatment, with continued improvement over time as inflammation decreases and the body moves more freely.
Headache Support
By easing tension and improving circulation, gua sha may help reduce the frequency or intensity of tension-related headaches.
Immune Support
Often used preventatively or at the first sign of illness, gua sha can help support the body’s natural immune response.
Stress Relief
The rhythmic nature of gua sha helps calm the nervous system, promoting a sense of ease and relaxation.
Lymphatic Support
By encouraging lymph movement, gua sha supports the body’s natural detoxification and immune processes.
Tension Release
Gentle scraping techniques employed by gua sha help soften tight areas, allowing the body to relax and reset.
Improved Circulation
Gua sha encourages healthy blood movement, helping tissues receive nourishment and release areas of stagnation.
Your first visit begins with a detailed, one-on-one conversation about your health history, lifestyle, and current concerns. We look beyond individual symptoms to understand patterns in sleep, digestion, stress, pain, and energy, as well as how these systems interact.
This comprehensive intake allows us to create a treatment plan that’s informed, intentional, and tailored specifically to you.
Initial Appointment
Gua sha sessions are customized to support your specific areas of tension, discomfort, or stagnation. Smooth, handheld tools are used along the skin to encourage circulation, release tight muscles, and promote healthy movement within the tissues. This supportive service is often incorporated alongside acupuncture or bodywork, helping reduce inflammation and restore a greater sense of ease and balance in the body.
Treatment
Gua sha is often most helpful when incorporated consistently, especially for ongoing tension, inflammation, or recovery support. Sessions can be adjusted over time based on how the body responds, helping encourage continued circulation and tissue release. After a session, it’s normal for the area to appear lightly red or feel tender, and temporary marks may occur as stagnation is released. Drinking water, keeping the area warm, and allowing time for rest can support the body’s integration. With regular care, gua sha can become a valuable part of maintaining mobility, comfort, and overall balance.
Continued Support & Aftercare
Traditional Tools, Modern Comfort
From your first visit through ongoing treatment, care is collaborative, calm, and tailored to you. We take the time to understand what’s happening in your body and adjust treatment as your needs evolve.
The Science Behind Gua Sha
Gua Sha involves the gentle stimulation of the skin using smooth, round-edged instruments, activating sensory receptors and nervous system pathways involved in pain modulation. This cutaneous stimulation helps decrease pain signals, release protective tension, and support healthier communication between the skin, muscles, and nervous system.
The stroking techniques used in Gua Sha increase local blood flow and help break up scar tissue and areas of stagnation in the soft tissues. Improved circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to affected areas, supports metabolic processes, and promotes more efficient tissue repair and healing.
Gua Sha encourages the movement of blood and fluids through the tissues, helping reduce inflammation and congestion while supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. These effects ease pain, improve mobility, and promote a sense of overall physical balance and well-being.
Contact Lincoln Park
Have a question about billing, insurance, scheduling, or just want to talk things through with a real person? Our friendly front desk team at the Lincoln Park office is always happy to help - whether you need clarity, guidance, or a human on the other end of the line.
1022 W Armitage Ave
Address
Mon - Wed: 7:30am - 8:00pm CST
Thurs - Fri: 7:30am - 4:00pm CST
Sat: 10:00am - 4:00pm CST
Sun: 10:00am - 4:00pm CST
Hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it’s recommended to use a facial oil, serum, or moisturizer during gua sha. This provides enough slip for the tool to glide smoothly over the skin, preventing irritation or tugging, while also nourishing and hydrating your skin for enhanced results.
Do I need to use anything with gua sha?
Yes, gua sha can help release tension in tight muscles, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and jaw. By increasing blood flow and gently stretching the fascia, it helps reduce stiffness, improve mobility, and relieve discomfort from muscle knots.
Does gua sha release muscle knots?
Gua sha can help improve skin elasticity and promote circulation, which may temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps relax facial muscles, giving the skin a smoother and more lifted appearance over time. Results are gradual and work best when combined with regular skincare and hydration.
Can gua sha reduce wrinkles?
To use gua sha safely and effectively, hold the tool at a 15–30 degree angle against the skin and gently glide it in upward and outward motions. Start with light pressure, especially on delicate facial areas, and follow the contours of your muscles. Consistent practice with the proper oil and technique are key to maximizing results.
How to use gua sha correctly?
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese technique that uses a smooth-edged tool to scrape the skin gently, promoting circulation and lymphatic drainage. It helps relieve tension, reduce puffiness, and encourage the body’s natural healing processes. When used on the face, it can enhance blood flow, improve skin tone, and support a healthy, radiant complexion.
What does a gua sha actually do?
Cancellation policies are as follows:
If you cancel with 24+ hours’ notice, you won’t be charged anything.
Cancel with 12–24 hours’ notice, and you’ll be charged 50% of the missed service.
Less than 12 hours’ notice—or a no-show—means we’ll need to charge you the full amount, whether you’re using insurance or paying privately.
Should you need to reschedule, you can easily do so via or app - or if your prefer to talk to a person, by calling either of our locations:
🌐 moonrabbitacupuncture.janeapp.com
📞 Lincoln Park – (312) 414–0058
📞 West Loop – (773) 234–1042
We're always here if you need help making changes!
What if I miss my appointment?
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to help. Send a message to our front desk for assistance.
