The Gua Sha Project
The Gua Sha Project is a global framework for working with healthcare professionals and community organisations in places where access to healthcare resources may be limited.
Our aim is not to arrive with a temporary intervention. We work with local partners to provide practical training that can remain within the community after the project has ended.
Why Gua Sha?
Gua sha is a practical, low-cost technique that requires little equipment. With appropriate training, it can be incorporated into existing healthcare and community settings.
The project focuses on responsible education, safe application and skills that can be taught and sustained locally.
How the Projects Work
Local Partnership
Each project begins with a local hospital, healthcare organisation or community partner. Together, we identify the people to be trained and the setting in which the training will be used.
Practical Training
Participants receive structured, hands-on education adapted to their professional roles, available resources and local circumstances.
Training That Remains
The purpose is to develop knowledge and practical capacity within the community rather than create continuing dependence on visiting teachers.
Sri Lanka Project
Ongoing, 2022–2027
Since 2022, Clive has delivered Gua sha training and treatment projects in Colombo, Pottuvil and Mannar, working with local partners including Poornam College of Acupuncture. The work has included teaching doctors and nurses at Pottuvil Base Hospital, treating patients in its paediatric department, and running workshops in schools and community centres to help people care for their families.
Colombia Project
Ongoing, 2026–2027
In August 2026, Clive delivered two four-day Gua sha programmes with Kogi, Wiwa and Arhuaco participants from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Training progressed into supervised community clinics, where participants began treating people from their own communities. A Spanish-language manual supported the teaching, with the aim of keeping practical knowledge and skills within the communities themselves.
What Comes Next
The Gua Sha Project is developing future partnerships with healthcare and community organisations. We are interested in hearing from:
- Community health organisations
- Local healthcare educators
- Professional associations
- Project partners and sponsors
- EIM™ practitioners interested in supporting future work
Support the Projects
There are several ways to become involved
Partner With Us
Introduce the project to a hospital, healthcare organisation or established community partner.
Support a Future Project
Help fund training materials, travel, translation and local project delivery.
Contribute Professional Skills
Qualified practitioners and educators may register their interest in supporting future programmes.
Project Leadership
The Gua Sha Project was founded by Clive Witham, Director of Komorebi Institute.
Clive is a licensed acupuncturist, health educator and author with more than 25 years of clinical and teaching experience. His earlier work in international development and humanitarian relief informs the project’s emphasis on local partnership, practical education and long-term continuity.
