Back in May, my generous, thoughtful, Rita, got me a gift certificate for a message, the second one this year! The first time I went to Sandy, she gave me a 75 minute, full-body massage and turned me on to a little hot stone experience, a first for me. I loved it all. This time, I had been sitting on the gift certificate, waiting for a day that I had NO classes or clients, and a very light day, following, so that my body and soul could truly enjoy the effects for as long as possible. Yesterday was THAT day.
While Sandy was massaging my back (and this woman has some strong hands, elbows and arms!) getting into the deep muscle, especially between my shoulder blades, I informed her that my right wrist, elbow, shoulder and the right side of neck had all been bothering me for a while. She found some deep constriction along the right side of my spine and asked me if I was interested in trying something called Gua Sha. She warned me that my back would be red for a couple of days after, and wanted to make sure that wouldn’t be a problem for me. I assured her, it wouldn’t.
Gua Sha is a healing technique used throughout Asia. Gua means to rub or friction. Sha is the term used to describe congestion of blood at the surface of the body. Gua Sha moves stuck blood, promotes normal circulation to the muscles, tissues and organs directly beneath the surface being treated, relieves pain and stiffness, normalizes metabolic processes and is also used to treat respiratory and digestive problems. It is a common treatment for upper necks and back pain and tension…and was my neck tense!!! And what’s that I read this morning?…it might even help with weight loss!
Gau Sha is often referred to as scraping, which sounds much worse than it really is. A tool such as a smooth Chinese spoon, or a piece of jade can be used, but in this case, Sandy used the cap from a tub of Tiger Balm. After applying some oil or special ointment to help pull the blood from the muscle to the skin, she began making downward strokes with the cap. She said people either love it or hate it. I happen to love getting my back scratched and massaged, so I loved it. That said it was not relaxing (though the rest of the massage was) but I trust Sandy’s incredible knowledge of the human body as well as her knowledge of the techniques she incorporates in her massages.
About an hour and half after it began, my experience was over. When I got home and looked at my back and right tricep area, I was REALLY red. Like the worst sunburn you could imagine. This was NOT a result of the tool or broken blood vessels or anything like that. This was the sha surfacing! Hey, I have been working out almost every day for the past 30 years. I have to imagine there are lots of deep muscles in my body that were just crying to get “unstuck.”
Sandy reminded me to drink tons of water to help flush the toxins out of my muscles. This morning the redness is beginning to diminish and the more I read about it, the happier I am to have experienced it. Thanks, Rita and thanks Sandy.
Sandy is a really interesting and bright woman with a fantastic outlook on life! Besides the physical experience, it is a pleasure to share conversation with her. She specializes in ALL kinds of massage and will be happy to cater to YOUR body’s needs and desires. If you are local and would like to have the Sandy experience she can be reached at 954 345 7571 or at askrabolli@comcast. net. Her peaceful office is located at 10220 West Sample Road.
Always remember that as much as we “beat” our bodies up, we need to pamper them, too. It’s all about the yin and the yang. Have a great Friday and thanks for stopping in!
Related articles
- My Journey: Day 7 – Gua Sha (corvinasjourney.wordpress.com)
- Therapy alternative – Scrapping Therapy(gua sha). Amazing method for easing pain and cure illnesses without using medicines. (dianelxf.wordpress.com)
I have experienced the magical hands of Sandy for many months. She helped me with congestion in my ankles and lower back. She also gave me the confidence to return back to the gym to exercise after a long absence, due to a back injury. I applaud Sandy and her experiences as a professional that really knows the body and how to help in the healing process.