The clinic is temporarily closed. We are currently closed and not taking new clients until mid-October / beginning of November. Julia Lott is recovering from knee surgery and expects to welcome new and returning clients around that time. The appointment request form will reopen closer to her recovery.

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Active Balance Healing · Peterborough

Gua Sha

An ancient technique using a smooth natural-stone tool to break up fibrous tissue and relieve muscle and joint tension.

A dark natural-stone Gua Sha tool gliding across a client's back.

Gua Sha is an ancient healing practice used around the world to relieve joint and muscle tension. At Active Balance Healing the tools are made from natural stone, and Gua Sha may be part of a treatment plan for some clients.

It's used to break up fibrous tissue that builds up after inactivity, trauma, surgery, repetitive strain and other conditions. The tool glides back and forth over the skin with steady pressure.

Good to know

The friction works on fibrous tissue in the fascia and increases local blood flow and lymph drainage, which can bring quick relief from muscle tension. Gua Sha also affects the tiny capillaries just under the skin, so it can leave temporary redness or bruising and can feel somewhat uncomfortable. Julia will always talk it through with you first.

Everyone responds differently. Manual osteopaths don't diagnose conditions or prescribe medication; see the frequently asked questions.

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