Gua sha
&
Cupping
Cupping and Gua Sha are decompression techniques used by bodyworkers for the relief of muscular pain, tension, and congestion.
These techniques are used to draw out congested fluids and toxins to the surface tissue layers, allowing for fresh blood and lymph circulation. The resolution of stagnation and granulation in the tissues often brings immediate relief from pain.
Cupping uses negative pressure created within a specialized glass, plastic, silicon, or rubber cup that is applied to the affected body part. The pressure can be deep to provide relief from tension, pain, and injuries. Gentler pressure increases lymph flow, circulation, and relaxation, and is excellent for facial treatments. Gua Sha is similar to cupping in results, but a round-edged tool is used in strokes to pressure specific areas of muscle pain.
There is a possibility of discoloration that can occur from the release and clearing of stagnation and toxins from the body. The reaction is not bruising, but the cellular debris, pathogenic factors, and toxins being drawn to the subcutaneous layers for dissipation by the circulatory system. The discoloration, or sha, will dissipate in as soon as a few hours or up to one week, and in relation to after-care activities.
It is important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours after treatment. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, including cold, wet and windy weather conditions, hot showers, baths, saunas, hot tubs, for 24 hours after treatment.
Contraindications:
1. Hemophilia or other bleeding/clotting disorders
2. People taking blood thinners or steroids, or who have taken either in the last 7-14 days before the session
3. Those who have been ill or are experiencing weakness
4. Abdomen and lower back on pregnant women
5. People with diabetes, especially those with uncontrolled blood sugar as they may not be able to feel pain properly
6. Those who are unable to experience heat or pain properly
7. Those who have circulatory conditions
8. Cupping/Gua Sha modalities should not be combined with aggressive
exfoliation, be performed within 4 hours of shaving, after sunburn or when the client is hungry or thirsty
9. Those experiencing psoriasis, eczema, cystic acne, or other skin condition outbreaks at the site of application, as well as shingles outbreaks ANYWHERE on the body, as Cupping/Gua Sha can exacerbate these conditions
10. Those experiencing any form of contagious skin condition ANYWHERE on the body, including but not limited to staph, ringworm, cellulitis, dermatitis, or any such related conditions
11. Those who are unsure if their health is contraindicated should seek guidance from their primary care physician before receiving Cupping or Gua Sha
I understand that bruising, discoloration and/or soreness will likely occur following this treatment and may take days or weeks to resolve fully. I further understand that the above-listed conditions are contraindicated for Cupping and Gua Sha, and I have informed Southpaw Movement of any medical conditions, even those not listed as contraindications.
I further understand that that I take any risks onto myself by proceeding with Cupping and/or Gua Sha treatments, and hereby agree and promise to accept and assume all of the risks existing in this activity. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary, and I elect to participate in spite of the risks.
I hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Southpaw Movement from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action, which are in any way connected with my participation in this activity or my use of Southpaw Movement’s equipment or facilities, including any such claims which allege negligent acts or omissions of Southpaw Movement.
(Please note that typing your name & other information into the fields below constitutes your signing & consent to the Southpaw Movement Gua Sha & Cupping form, and this is required before receiving any Gua Sha or Cupping services from Southpaw Movement)
