Gua Sha Therapy in Melbourne

A TCM Technique for Modern Tension and Circulatory Flow

Gua Sha is a traditional manual therapy used to gently stimulate the skin and fascia through rhythmic strokes along specific areas of the body. Often described as “scraping” in English, this technique involves using a smooth-edged tool to apply pressure and movement along the surface of the skin.
At JG Alternative Healthcare, Jesse uses Gua Sha to support circulation, fascia release, and the body’s innate ability to clear tension, especially when it has built up slowly over time.
Gua Sha works alongside cupping therapy, Tuina-style massage, and acupuncture, offering a tactile, grounding experience that many people find both deeply soothing and physically clarifying.

What Is Gua Sha Used For?

Gua Sha is commonly explored by people looking to:

  • Ease muscle tightness or stiffness
  • Improve lymphatic flow and localised circulation
  • Address stress-related physical holding patterns
  • Support recovery from fatigue, overwork, or postural tension
  • Relieve tightness around the neck, shoulders, upper back or jaw

Jesse offers Gua Sha either as a stand-alone treatment or as part of a broader manual therapy session. His approach blends traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostics with practical insight from his background in sports recovery and nerve-related tension.

What Does a Gua Sha Session Involve?

Gua Sha is performed using a smooth-edged tool, typically made of jade, ceramic, or metal. It is applied to the skin with a light oil or balm and the tool is gently stroked across specific areas of the body, using varying pressure and rhythm based on your comfort and tissue response.
Sessions may focus on a specific area like the neck or jaw, or be integrated into a full-body treatment. Jesse often combines Gua Sha with other therapies such as cupping, Chinese massage (Tuina), or acupuncture and moxa, creating a layered, personalised treatment designed to release tension, restore flow, and support your body’s natural rhythms.

Clinic Details

All TCM treatments are provided by a registered practitioner, and private health rebates are available through HICAPS for eligible clients.

Gua Sha FAQ’s

Yes, but they are not bruises. The temporary redness or purple shading you may see after Gua Sha is called sha, and it’s a normal response where circulation has been stimulated. These marks are painless and usually fade within a few days. Jesse always adjusts the pressure to suit your skin sensitivity and comfort.

Most people describe Gua Sha as a firm but comfortable dragging or stroking sensation. The technique can feel slightly intense in areas with tension or congestion, but it should never be painful. Many clients find it surprisingly relaxing and experience a sense of release, particularly in areas that feel tight or stuck.

While all three are used to address tension and circulation, Gua Sha works more specifically on the skin and fascia layers, using stroking instead of suction (cupping) or compression (massage). Jesse may combine Gua Sha with cupping, Tuina-style massage, or acupuncture depending on your needs, each technique complements the others in different ways.

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What Our Clients Say

Gua Sha Therapy Relieves Fascia Tension

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