Gua Sha Series

What Is Gua Sha? “Gua” means to scrape, and “Sha” refers to the temporary redness that can appear as circulation increases. Despite the dramatic images you might see online, the Gua Sha used in therapeutic massage typically produces little to no bruising—just powerful, visible results.

Many clients affectionately call it the “magic eraser” because of how quickly it can help reduce adhesions and tissue restrictions. Therapists are often amazed at how much easier it becomes to achieve great results while saving their hands.

Tools for Class

A set of sheets, bolster, massage table with face cradle
Your favorite massage medium
Pen or pencil for notes
Any Gua Sha tools you already own (optional)

You do not need to bring a tool to participate. A wide variety of Gua Sha tools will be available to borrow during class so you can experience different materials, sizes, and shapes.

If you’d like your own, I’ll also have buffalo horn Gua Sha tools available for $10 (cash only, first come, first served). Tools will be available before class and during breaks—but there is absolutely no obligation to purchase. Come ready to learn either way.

Gua Sha Assisted Massage: 4-hour CE

What You’ll Learn

The history and traditional roots of Gua Sha, and how these concepts translate into modern clinical bodywork
How to hold and use the tool efficiently, using body mechanics that protect and support your hands
Massage techniques that pair seamlessly with Gua Sha to enhance your existing sessions
Safe, practical ways to integrate Gua Sha into a variety of massage treatments
How to use Gua Sha for your own self-care, because your well-being matters too

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to safely and effectively integrate Gua Sha into your bodywork practice. You’ll have time to observe, ask questions, and practice. The workshop includes lecture, discussion, demonstration, and plenty of hands-on experience, so you leave feeling confident and ready to apply these techniques right away.

This course is a prerequisite. Completion of this course prepares you for the Gua Sha for Specifics class, where we dive deeper into targeted applications.

Gua Sha Specifics for the Lower Body: 4-hour CE

What You'll Learn

Improve mobility of the hips and surrounding tissues
Reduce tension and improve circulation in the legs
Use the Gua Sha tool to relieve symptoms of plantar fasciitis

Gua Sha Specifics for the Lower Body takes you deeper into the many ways to incorporate Gua Sha techniques into your massage sessions. You’ll learn how to address specific areas of concern for your clients through minimal lecture and a focus on discussion, demonstration, and hands-on practice.

Practice will include prone, supine, and side-lying massage, giving you time to observe, ask questions, and most importantly—practice. This workshop combines lecture, discussion, demonstration, and plenty of hands-on experience so you leave feeling confident and ready to use your new tools right away.

Gua Sha Specifics for the Upper Body: 5-hour CE

What You'll Learn

Reduce fine lines and wrinkles in the face
Eliminate puffiness with facial lymphatic work
Alleviate tension in the jaw, face, and head
Reduce headache and neck pain
Improve shoulder mobility and posture
Relieve arthritis pain in the hands

Gua Sha Specifics for the Upper Body takes you deeper into the many ways to incorporate Gua Sha techniques into your massage sessions. You’ll learn how to address specific areas of concern for your clients through minimal lecture and a focus on discussion, demonstration, and hands-on practice.

Practice will include prone and supine techniques, giving you time to observe, ask questions, and most importantly—practice. This workshop provides plenty of hands-on experience so you leave confident and ready to apply your new skills immediately.