Gua sha is a therapeutic technique from within Chinese Medicine that involves the movement of a tool on the surface of the skin to induce a change in the tissue beneath. It is used in the treatment of chronic and acute illness in Health and Wellness Gua sha and also as a beauty/health combined approach in Facial Gua sha. The basis of how Gua sha works in all its forms is based on its improvement of blood circulation, the effect on the anti-inflammatory and immune responses, and the change in the structural biomatrix of the body.

While Gua sha can appear deceptively simple with the repetitive movements of the tool, it is in fact a highly sophisticated technique with an extensive history in fighting serious febrile illness. For this reason, it is often misunderstood, especially in terms of Facial Gua sha, where the prevalence of beauty techniques and lymphatic drainage has led people to believe it is something it is not.

This is one of the reasons that Ecology in Motion™ (EIM™) Gua sha exists. It is to restore Gua sha, both for Health and Wellness and Facial Gua sha, back within the natural context where it always should have been. This is because to understand Gua sha you have to know what happens within the body and despite what you might think about Chinese medicine, it is nothing mysterious, in fact, you already know much of it as it is based on natural science and the environment around you.

Most people come across Gua sha through the images of red marks that sometimes appear after performing Gua sha on the body. If you don’t know what they are then you will probably see them in a negative light and presume that something painful might have happened. But these marks are not to be feared. In fact, for most people who have them, they are a relief and a sign that something very positive is happening in the body.

What you’re looking at is "sha". It’s one of the meanings of the second of the two characters that make up the word "Gua sha" - 刮痧. And what it signifies is that somewhere under the skin in that region, whether it be in the fascia, muscles, tendon, or ligaments, your capillary circulation was getting stuck. The tool caused a localized chain reaction and small amounts of blood cells were released into the area beneath your skin. In a few days, these blood cells will be re-assimilated and the marks will fade but the idea is that the capillary circulation in the tissue region underneath is no longer stagnant. This is why the marks of sha are displaying something so beneficial for the body.

There are some places such as the face where sha is never usually desirable, but there are others such as the neck and shoulders where it is difficult not to bring out sha marks. Like all treatment areas in Gua sha, you can be trained with your techniques in how to elicit sha very easily without any effort and also how to hold the tool so you don’t elicit sha no matter how firm you are. These skills are essential in learning how to treat different areas of the body and face.

A: Because I am not just some opportunistic influencer riding a trend. I live and breath Gua sha. I've been treating my two sons since they could fit in my arms, and I've extended that care to thousands of patients all over the world. Countless hours of clinical experience, deep dives into ancient Chinese texts, and staying on top of the latest studies—this is what I bring to the table. I will promise you one thing: what you'll learn in our courses goes beyond anything you've ever learned in other Gua sha courses.

A: My approach, Ecology in Motion™ Gua sha, is a unique blend of ancient Chinese medicine, natural science, and modern biology. It's about understanding the intricate web of connections within the face and body's biomatrix. This method empowers you to not only grasp the intricacies of these connections but also to actively engage with them. We manipulate the fascial, muscular, and circulatory landscapes to bring about real and meaningful change to the face and body.

A: My Gua sha courses cater to a diverse audience, including ​Estheticians, ​Massage Therapists, ​Naturopaths, ​Holistic Health Practitioners, and ​​Acupuncturists. Whether you're an esthetician aiming to elevate your skincare services or a massage therapist looking to integrate Gua sha seamlessly into your theraputic treatments, these Gua sha courses are crafted to enrich your skills and bring a new dimension to your professional journey.

A: Beyond mere certification, my Facial Gua sha course elevates your treatments beyond what you thought they could be. It's not just about learning a couple of techniques and movements; it's about captivating clients with something that goes beyond the boundaries of superficial skincare treatments. By delving into the inner workings beneath the skin's surface, you'll gain the knowledge and expertise to address facial features at their core. This deeper understanding allows you to bring about profound transformations, skyrocketing customer satisfaction. Moreover, you'll be able to craft a narrative that sets you apart in the industry, making your approach and services truly unique.

A: Led by renowned Gua sha expert Clive Witham, this Gua sha course bridges the gap between anatomy and natural science, providing you with the knowledge to tap into the body's natural rhythms and circulation system. By applying the intricate patterns observed in nature to the human body, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the body's inner workings. This Gua sha course will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to perform Gua sha treatments with precision, efficiency and effectiveness. Learn how to use the right tools, safely administer treatment, and adapt your approach for both acute and chronic health conditions. This Gua sha course is about setting you up to achieve tangible results, leaving clients happy and transformed.

A: My Gua sha courses welcome all levels of expertise. Whether you're a seasoned Gua sha practitioner or someone who's just starting out, my Gua sha courses are thoughtfully designed to accommodate your learning needs. The comprehensive curriculum is structured to be easy-to-digest and engaging, offering high-quality video lessons, supportive resources, and personal tutoring. I aim to foster a supportive and collaborative community where knowledge flows seamlessly. This means that beginners can gain a strong foundation in Gua sha, while experienced practitioners can hone their skills, deepen their knowledge and discover brand new perspectives, making it an inclusive educational experience for everyone.

A: If you are looking for a Gua sha course for massage therapists, both my Facial Gua sha and Health & Wellness Gua sha courses are perfectly suitable for you. As a massage therapist, you understand the physical demands of your trade. Gua sha offers a unique and effective approach that is less physically demanding on the practitioner, but as, if not more, effective allowing you to treat clients with more efficiency and ease. Whether you would like to complement your facial or body massage treatments with Gua sha, or your looking to completely shift your serviecs, the techniques you'll learn in these courses equip you with a skill that provides tangible, real results. So, yes, we have a Gua sha course for massage therapists designed to empower professionals like you.

A: You're in the right place! The Facial Gua sha tutorials in my Facial Gua sha Self-Care Course offer a comprehensive and beginner-friendly package to master the art of natural, non-invasive facial rejuvenation. What sets this course apart is my expertise, the in-depth coverage of Facial Gua sha techniques, and the focus on understanding the face in the context of your body. With easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, detailed demonstrations, and insightful tips, our tutorial goes beyond superficial strokes on the skin, ensuring that you gain the knowledge and skills to transform your skincare routine.

A: From researching underfunded healthcare in Uganda, to running a thriving chronic illness clinic in North Africa - my journey has been dedicated to democratizing access to beauty and health. Now, through a non-profit project in Sri Lanka, we're contributing to Gua sha recognition on a national level, establishing training programs with local communities and hospitals.

A: I strive to provide as much value as I can for free. The Gua sha Show is a podcast that delivers a wealth of information and insights on Gua sha, available on all of your favorite podcast streaming platforms (see here). At the same time, The Gua sha Journal, my blog, provides in-depth articles covering a wide range of topics related to Gua sha and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Together, these resources serve as powerful free educational tools, delivering information-packed episodes and articles on everything related to Gua sha.

A: If you're eager to join me in person in mone of my Gua sha classes, you're in luck. I regularly organize workshops, live classes, and events dedicated to Gua sha all around the world. These opportunities provide a unique chance to receive hands-on guidance. To stay informed about upcoming workshops and courses, you can regularly check this dedicated page, which is frequently updated with event details and registration information. You can also stay in the loop by following me on Instagram or Facebook.

A: Gua sha certification from the Komorebi Institute is an transformative journey into the heart of this ancient healing art. Our Gua sha courses are a comprehensive exploration of Gua sha, seamlessly weaving ancient ecological ideas with contemporary science, while staying true to its origins. With a Gua sha course curriculum that combines practical techniques and profound theoretical insights, our program will revolutionize your understanding of what you can achieve with Gua sha.

A: To stay updated on the latest releases, resources, and educational materials related to Gua sha, you can subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on Instagram or Facebook. This way, you'll be among the first to know about any new developments in the world of Gua sha!

A: Just click here to take the first step and immerse yourself in the world of Ecology in Motion™ Gua sha.