The Gua Sha Project works with healthcare professionals and community organisations where access to healthcare resources may be limited.
We build local capacity through responsible education, hands-on training and partnerships designed to continue after a visiting teacher has gone.
Gua sha can be taught with limited equipment and incorporated into existing healthcare and community settings when training is appropriate to the role, environment and local need.
The project focuses on safe application, responsible education and practical skills that can be taught and sustained locally.
Each project begins with a hospital, healthcare organisation or community partner. Together, we identify who will be trained and where the training will be used.
Participants receive structured hands-on education adapted to their professional roles, available resources and local circumstances.
The aim is to develop knowledge and practical capacity within the community rather than create continuing dependence on visiting teachers.
Since 2022, Clive has delivered Gua sha training and treatment projects in Colombo, Pottuvil and Mannar 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.
In August 2026, Clive delivered two four-day programmes with Kogi, Wiwa and Arhuaco participants from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Training progressed into supervised community clinics. A Spanish-language manual supported the teaching so practical knowledge could remain within the communities themselves.
The Gua Sha Project is developing partnerships with healthcare and community organisations. We are interested in hearing from:
Organisations with established local relationships and a clear community need.
Local educators who can help adapt and sustain practical training.
People and organisations able to support materials, travel, translation or delivery.
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.
The Gua Sha Project was founded by Clive Witham, Director of Komorebi Institute. His work in international development and humanitarian relief informs the project’s emphasis on practical education and local capacity.
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