Where to scrape for axillary scraping (Gua Sha)?

Generally, Gua Sha on the armpit area can be performed along the direction of the Heart Meridian, the Pericardium Meridian, the Lung Meridian, towards the outer side of the shoulder, and towards the lateral side of the neck. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Gua Sha Along the Heart Meridian

The Heart Meridian is closely related to the heart and mental activities. This method helps regulate the flow of Qi and blood in the Heart Meridian and may help relieve mental disorders such as irritability, insomnia, and excessive dreaming. Procedure: Have the recipient let their arm hang naturally to expose the armpit. Apply an appropriate amount of Gua Sha oil to the armpit area. Using the edge of the Gua Sha board, begin at the top of the armpit and slowly and evenly scrape downward along the posterior medial border of the upper limb until near the radial end of the little finger. Each scraping stroke should be approximately 10-15 cm in length and repeated 3-5 times.

2. Gua Sha Along the Pericardium Meridian

The Pericardium Meridian serves to protect the heart. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, the pericardium can take on pathogenic influences intended for the heart. Scraping along the Pericardium Meridian helps regulate its Qi and blood and is effective in alleviating heart-related symptoms such as palpitations and chest tightness. Procedure: Have the recipient sit or lie in a comfortable position with the arm relaxed. Apply Gua Sha oil to the central part of the armpit. Using the Gua Sha board, begin at the center of the armpit and scrape along the midline of the inner arm toward the direction of the middle finger. Maintain even pressure during scraping to create a mild warming sensation on the skin. Each scraping stroke should be approximately 8-12 cm in length and repeated 3-4 times.

3. Gua Sha Along the Lung Meridian

The Lung Meridian connects with the lung organ and governs respiration. Scraping along the Lung Meridian helps regulate lung function and serves as an adjunctive treatment for respiratory conditions such as cough, asthma, and sore throat. Procedure: Have the recipient extend their arm straight. Apply the Gua Sha medium to the anterior side of the armpit. Using the Gua Sha board, begin at the front of the armpit and scrape along the anterolateral side of the upper arm toward the wrist. Maintain an angle of about 45-60 degrees during scraping, applying moderate pressure until a slight reddening of the skin appears. Each scraping stroke should be approximately 12-15 cm in length and repeated 2-3 times.

4. Gua Sha Toward the Lateral Shoulder Direction

This scraping direction mainly promotes the circulation of meridians and Qi-blood between the armpit and shoulder, improving blood circulation in the upper limb and shoulder and relieving symptoms such as numbness and impaired movement of the upper limb. Procedure: Have the recipient sit upright to expose the armpit and shoulder area. Apply an appropriate amount of Gua Sha oil to the lateral side of the armpit. Begin scraping from the lateral side of the armpit toward the direction of the Jianyu (Shoulder Yu) acupoint. Apply appropriate pressure that is tolerable, causing mild reddening of the local skin. Each scraping stroke should be approximately 8-10 cm in length and repeated 3-5 times.

5. Gua Sha Toward the Lateral Neck Direction

This scraping method mainly promotes the circulation of meridians and Qi-blood between the armpit and the neck. The neck is an important pathway for the body's meridians and Qi-blood to communicate between upper and lower parts. Scraping can improve blood circulation in the neck and help relieve symptoms such as neck muscle tension, headache, and dizziness. Procedure: Have the recipient keep their head upright. Apply Gua Sha oil to the anterior side of the armpit. Begin scraping from the anterior side of the armpit diagonally upward toward the Tianyou acupoint on the neck. The scraping technique should be gentle and continuous, avoiding intermittent strokes. Each scraping stroke should be approximately 10-12 cm in length and repeated 2-3 times until the skin becomes slightly reddened.

During the Gua Sha process, maintain gentle and even hand movements to avoid skin damage. Prior to performing Gua Sha, it is advisable to consult a professional physician or Gua Sha practitioner to ensure safety and effectiveness.