Therapeutic Gua Sha for the Body
(Spring/Summer 2025)
6 CE Credits
NCBTMB Course ID: CE4022288
Tuition: $150

Overview:
Gua sha is a Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) healing technique that applies closely-timed instrument-assisted, unidirectional rubbing or ‘press-stroking’ on specific areas of lubricated skin to intentionally create transitory therapeutic petechiae, representing extravasation of blood in the subcutis.
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Also known as ‘coining’ or ‘spooning’, paying heed to the instruments that were commonly available in the home.
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Similar to the Western therapy of frictioning.
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Considered an adaptogen in that it helps clients who are cold to feel warm, and clients who are warm to cool off.
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Generally regarded as effective for acute or chronic pain, and for mild to severe conditions such as:
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Colds, flu, fever
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Heatstroke
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Respiratory problems (e.g. asthma, bronchitis, emphysema)
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Functional internal organ problems
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Musculoskeletal issues (e.g. fibromyalgia, severe strain, spasm, injury)
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Modern research shows that Gua sha produces an anti-inflammatory and immune-protective effect that persists for days following a single treatment. This accounts for the immediate relief that clients/patients feel from pain, stiffness, fever, chill, cough, nausea, vomiting, etc., and why Gua sha is effective in acute and chronic internal organ disorders including liver inflammation in hepatitis.
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Here's what you'll learn in this hands-on class:
*The history of Gua sha and an introduction to its applications from a Traditional East Asian Medicine perspective.
*The physiologic changes that make Gua sha effective as seen from a scientific, evidence-based lens.
*The benefits of and common conditions treated using Gua sha. *Contraindications, precautions and considerations; safe handling and proper disinfecting.
*Proper procedures to follow before, during and after the Gua sha session.
*How to integrate Gua sha into a bodywork session.
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Class size limited to 8 students
Ideal for those who thrive in a less-crowded classroom!
This is a relaxed environment where we may share a few laughs, but please know that teaching you about Gua sha is taken very seriously and you’ll learn lots!
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Choose from one of these dates
(all are from 10am-5pm)
Friday, March 28
Friday, April 25
Monday, May 19
Tuesday, July 8
Saturday, August 16
Please bring:​
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This office does not have extra massage tables so you are asked to bring a massage table (there is an elevator to get to the second floor), along with the following:
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Sheets
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Towels
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UNSCENTED Oil/lotion/cream/gel
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NON-POROUS Gua sha tools, such as quartz, rose quartz, amethyst or citrine, and/or metal or ceramic/porcelain spoons
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Water for hydration throughout the day
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Lunch (there are a few fast-casual restaurants, a Starbucks and a Jewel grocery store nearby)
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Wear or bring clothing that will allow easy access to the back, neck, arms and legs. Please bring shorts for access to the IT band. If you wear a bra, please wear one that clasps in the back.
Policies:
​Fragrances
In deference to those who may have chemical sensitivities, I ask that you refrain from wearing fragrances or colognes.
Health and Safety
If you are symptomatic, please do not come to class. Symptomatic students (typical cold/flu-like symptoms or loss of taste/smell) may not be in class at any time.
The Peaceful Healing Place is a mask-optional environment.
Attendance
100% attendance is mandatory for continuing education credit. Tardiness by more than 20 minutes of class start time will count as an absence.
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Refunds/Transfer Credit
**Within 5 business days of registering - Cost of tuition minus 10% for processing fees ($135 total refund)
**6 days or more after registering, until day of class - Cost of tuition minus fee of 25% ($112.50 total refund)
**Same day of class, before class begins - Cost of tuition minus 25%+additional fee of $25 ($87.50 total refund)
**After class has started, less than 60% attended - Same fees as above plus pro-rated value of the portion of class attended
**After 60% of class has occurred, or with no-show - No Refund, but transfer credit can be held as per below
TRANSFER: If 0-30% of course has been attended - no fee to transfer
TRANSFER: When 30-60% of course has been attended - $50 fee to transfer
TRANSFER: After 60% of class has been attended - No transfer allowed, but student may repeat class at 1/2 price