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In this Online Gua Sha Massage Course, Mike Everson, Manual Osteopath, Registered Massage Therapist and Yoga Teacher will guide you through how to deliver Gua Sha Massage for some extremely common pain patterns every manual therapist will see.

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In this Online Gua Sha Massage Course, Mike Everson, Manual Osteopath, Registered Massage Therapist and Yoga Teacher will guide you through how to deliver Gua Sha Massage for some extremely common pain patterns every manual therapist will see.

Gua Sha Massage Therapy is traditionally a modality used by practitioners of Chinese medicine. It is used to clear blockages of ‘Qi’ in specific energy pathways of the body. Gua Sha is becoming more mainstream and extremely popular in the past few years, the tools and practices have been included in many types of healing treatments. This course will be dealing with the practical applications of Gua Sha and how to integrate Gua Sha into a massage treatment.

We’re primarily promoting the flow of 'Qi' through the body. We’re helping to ensure a better blood supply and proper nerve conduction so that everything is moving through your body as it should. In doing Gua Sha, the hope is that any symptoms someone is experiencing will subside and calm. That’s the overall goal.

You can study and complete this entire course in the comfort of your own home with lifetime access to the videos in case you need to go back, review and re-inspire yourself.

In this massage course you are going to learn how to:

> How to treat the most common painful conditions

> Learn what Gua Sha is

> How to release pain with Gua Sha techniques

> Explore the theory and origin Gua Sha

The numerous benefits of Gua Sha include: it may resolve spasms and pain, promote normal circulation to the muscles, tissues and organs, and has an immediate effect on coughing and wheezing. Research has shown that Gua Sha causes a four-fold increase in microcirculation of surface tissue (Nielsen et a. 2007) and can reduce inflammation and stimulate the immune system with heme-oxygenase 1 (Braun et al. 2011; Chan et al.2011). The heme-degrading enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has cytoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, HO-1 is reportedly involved in suppressing destructive immune responses associated with inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

Enroll now. Grow your knowledge base and practice today.

*This course is accredited for (2CEUs) with the NCBTMB

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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches a practice that is becoming more mainstream and popular in recent years
Instructed by trained professionals with relevant credentials and experience
Accredited by an industry-recognized organization
Focuses on practical applications of a traditional healing treatment
Provides evidence-based benefits of the practice

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive gua sha for manual therapists

According to learners, this course is an excellent resource for manual therapists looking to integrate Gua Sha into their practice. Students consistently praise instructor Mike Everson's knowledgeable and engaging teaching style, noting his ability to make complex concepts accessible. The course provides detailed demonstrations and practical applications for common pain patterns, alongside a solid theoretical foundation and crucial safety guidelines. While a few reviewers suggest it's best for beginners and those seeking foundational skills, rather than advanced techniques or deep specialization, its direct applicability to clinical settings, high production quality, and CEU accreditation make it a highly valued professional development tool.
Strong for beginners but may lack advanced techniques for specialists.
"My only minor critique is that I would have loved to see a bit more advanced techniques or case studies. While it’s excellent for beginners... it might feel a little basic in some areas."
"The course was okay. It covers the basics of Gua Sha. I was hoping for a bit more depth, especially regarding different types of tools and advanced techniques beyond the very common ones."
"The content is solid for foundational knowledge. I was hoping for some modules on self-application or how to use it for non-clinical, personal wellness purposes, but it's very much geared towards client treatment."
High-quality videos and well-organized, comprehensive material.
"The videos are clear, the explanations concise, and the focus on anatomical landmarks and safe application is paramount."
"Very professional and well-produced."
"The production quality is high, and the content is well-organized. Great for any manual therapist."
"This course provides a comprehensive yet concise overview of Gua Sha."
Valued for CEUs and expanding professional skill sets.
"The CEU accreditation is a huge bonus for professionals."
"As an RMT, I'm always looking for ways to expand my toolkit, and this course delivered."
"The CEU aspect is also great for maintaining my professional development."
"The CEUs were easy to claim. Highly professional and worth every penny."
Provides actionable techniques directly applicable to clinical settings.
"The content is well-structured, easy to follow, and directly applicable to clinical settings. I particularly appreciated the detailed demonstrations and the focus on practical applications for specific pain patterns."
"The practical tips for integrating Gua Sha into existing massage treatments were invaluable. I've already started incorporating these techniques with great success."
"This course provides extremely relevant and practical training in Gua Sha. The instruction is clear, concise, and applicable."
"I now feel confident offering Gua Sha as an add-on service to my clients."
Mike Everson's expertise and teaching approach are highly engaging.
"The instructor, Mike Everson, is incredibly knowledgeable and his passion for the subject shines through."
"Mike breaks down complex concepts into digestible segments, making Gua Sha accessible even if you're new to it."
"Mike's teaching style is engaging. I feel confident now in using Gua Sha tools effectively and safely."
"Mike is a natural teacher. I learned so much about the proper techniques and safety precautions."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Gua Sha Massage Certificate Course with these activities:
Review massage theory
Review the basics of massage therapy to refresh your memory and ensure you have a strong foundation before starting the course.
Browse courses on Massage Therapy
Show steps
  • Read through your old textbooks or notes from previous massage courses.
  • Attend a massage workshop or seminar to review the basics.
  • Practice giving a massage to a friend or family member, focusing on the basic strokes and techniques.
Review anatomy and physiology related to Gua Sha
Establish a strong foundation for Gua Sha by refreshing your understanding of the underlying anatomy and physiology.
Browse courses on Anatomy
Show steps
  • Review textbooks or online resources on anatomy and physiology
  • Focus on areas relevant to Gua Sha, such as muscles, bones, and lymphatic drainage
  • Consider using visual aids like diagrams or anatomical models
  • Test your understanding through practice questions or quizzes
Join a study group to discuss Gua Sha techniques
Joining a study group to discuss Gua Sha techniques will allow you to learn from your peers and share your own experiences with Gua Sha.
Show steps
  • Find a study group that focuses on Gua Sha techniques
  • Attend the study group meetings and actively participate in the discussions
  • Share your own experiences with Gua Sha
  • Learn from the experiences of others
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Practice doing Gua Sha on a subject
This activity will allow you to develop proficiency in performing Gua Sha on a subject.
Show steps
  • Find a subject who is willing to receive Gua Sha
  • Practice performing Gua Sha on the subject, using light pressure
  • Gradually increase the pressure as you become more comfortable
Organize a peer practice group to refine Gua Sha techniques
Foster collaboration and mutual learning by establishing a peer practice group, providing opportunities to exchange feedback and enhance skills.
Show steps
  • Identify fellow students or colleagues interested in forming a peer practice group
  • Establish a regular meeting schedule and location
  • Take turns practicing Gua Sha techniques on each other, providing constructive feedback and support
  • Discuss challenging cases, share experiences, and explore new approaches
Practice Gua Sha techniques on a partner
Practice and test your Gua Sha skills in a guided environment, receiving immediate feedback to reinforce proper technique.
Show steps
  • Find a willing partner or volunteer
  • Review the proper Gua Sha techniques
  • Practice applying Gua Sha to your partner's body, paying attention to pressure, direction, and strokes
  • Seek feedback from your partner and make adjustments to improve your technique
Volunteer at a clinic or healthcare center that offers Gua Sha treatments
Gain practical experience and contribute to the community by volunteering in a setting where Gua Sha is implemented.
Show steps
  • Identify clinics or healthcare centers that offer Gua Sha treatments
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
  • Attend training or orientation sessions to familiarize yourself with the clinic's protocols and safety measures
  • Assist practitioners with Gua Sha treatments under supervision, observing techniques and gaining hands-on experience
Follow video tutorials on advanced Gua Sha techniques
Enhance your understanding of Gua Sha by exploring advanced techniques through guided video demonstrations.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable video tutorials on advanced Gua Sha techniques
  • Select a tutorial that aligns with your interest or area of need
  • Follow the instructions in the video, paying attention to the therapist's movements and explanations
  • Practice the techniques on yourself or a willing partner, incorporating the guidance from the tutorial
Develop a Gua Sha treatment plan for a specific condition
Apply your knowledge and critical thinking skills to create a tailored treatment plan, reinforcing your understanding of Gua Sha's applications.
Show steps
  • Select a specific condition or area of interest
  • Research the condition and its potential benefits from Gua Sha
  • Design a treatment plan that includes specific treatment protocols, frequency, and duration
  • Present your treatment plan to a peer or mentor for feedback and refinement
Create a blog post or article on the benefits and applications of Gua Sha
Enhance your understanding by distilling your knowledge into written form, sharing your insights and promoting the benefits of Gua Sha.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific topic or aspect of Gua Sha to focus on
  • Research and gather credible information on the topic
  • Organize your content into a well-structured blog post or article
  • Include real-life examples, case studies, or personal experiences to support your points
Create a compilation of case studies in Gua Sha massage
Creating a compilation of case studies in Gua Sha massage will help you develop a deeper understanding of Gua Sha massage and how it can be used to treat various conditions.
Show steps
  • Gather case studies from a variety of sources, such as online databases, libraries, and journals
  • Summarize each case study, including the patient's condition, the Gua Sha treatment that was used, and the results of the treatment
  • Organize the case studies into a coherent and logical order
  • Write an introduction and conclusion for the compilation
Attend a Gua Sha workshop or seminar
Immerse yourself in a live learning experience, gaining hands-on practice and direct instruction from experienced Gua Sha practitioners.
Show steps
  • Research and identify reputable Gua Sha workshops or seminars
  • Register for a workshop that aligns with your learning goals and schedule
  • Attend the workshop, actively participating in demonstrations, discussions, and hands-on practice
  • Network with other participants and instructors, exchanging knowledge and insights
Contribute to open-source projects related to Gua Sha
Engage in real-world applications of Gua Sha by contributing to open-source initiatives, enhancing your technical skills and deepening your understanding.
Show steps
  • Explore open-source projects related to Gua Sha, such as research, tool development, or educational resources
  • Identify an area where you can make a meaningful contribution based on your skills and interests
  • Reach out to the project maintainers to discuss your ideas and offer your support
  • Work collaboratively with other contributors, providing code, documentation, or feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Gua Sha Massage Certificate Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Massage Therapist
Gua Sha Massage Therapy is a practice that originated in traditional Chinese medicine, and Massage Therapists can benefit from learning this technique to treat patients with pain, muscle spasms, and other conditions. This course can help build a foundation in Gua Sha Massage Therapy, providing Massage Therapists with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively apply this technique in their practice.
Chiropractor
Chiropractors focus on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders, and Gua Sha Massage Therapy can be a valuable tool in their practice. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Gua Sha Massage Therapy, including its history, theory, and practical applications. Chiropractors can use this knowledge to enhance their treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.
Acupuncturist
Acupuncturists use a variety of techniques to promote healing, including Gua Sha Massage Therapy. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Gua Sha Massage Therapy, including its history, theory, and practical applications. Acupuncturists can use this knowledge to enhance their treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists work with patients to restore movement and function after an injury or illness. Gua Sha Massage Therapy can be a beneficial addition to a Physical Therapist's treatment plan, as it can help to reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote healing. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Gua Sha Massage Therapy, including its history, theory, and practical applications. Physical Therapists can use this knowledge to enhance their treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people to participate in meaningful activities that are important to them. Gua Sha Massage Therapy can be a beneficial addition to an Occupational Therapist's treatment plan, as it can help to reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote healing. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Gua Sha Massage Therapy, including its history, theory, and practical applications. Occupational Therapists can use this knowledge to enhance their treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.
Naturopathic Doctor
Naturopathic Doctors use a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on the prevention and treatment of illness. Gua Sha Massage Therapy is a natural therapy that can be used to treat a variety of conditions, and it can be a valuable tool in the practice of Naturopathic Medicine. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Gua Sha Massage Therapy, including its history, theory, and practical applications. Naturopathic Doctors can use this knowledge to enhance their treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses provide a variety of patient care services, and Gua Sha Massage Therapy can be a valuable addition to their skill set. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Gua Sha Massage Therapy, including its history, theory, and practical applications. Registered Nurses can use this knowledge to enhance their patient care plans and improve patient outcomes.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurses provide a variety of patient care services, and Gua Sha Massage Therapy can be a valuable addition to their skill set. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Gua Sha Massage Therapy, including its history, theory, and practical applications. Licensed Practical Nurses can use this knowledge to enhance their patient care plans and improve patient outcomes.
Massage Therapy Instructor
Massage Therapy Instructors teach the principles and techniques of massage therapy to students. Gua Sha Massage Therapy is a specialized technique that can be incorporated into massage therapy training programs. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Gua Sha Massage Therapy, including its history, theory, and practical applications. Massage Therapy Instructors can use this knowledge to enhance their teaching curriculum and prepare students to use Gua Sha Massage Therapy in their practice.
Health and Wellness Coach
Health and Wellness Coaches help people to make lifestyle changes to improve their health and well-being. Gua Sha Massage Therapy is a natural therapy that can be used to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall health. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Gua Sha Massage Therapy, including its history, theory, and practical applications. Health and Wellness Coaches can use this knowledge to enhance their coaching programs and help clients achieve their health and wellness goals.
Yoga Teacher
Yoga Teachers guide students through yoga poses and breathing exercises. Gua Sha Massage Therapy can be a beneficial addition to a yoga practice, as it can help to release muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Gua Sha Massage Therapy, including its history, theory, and practical applications. Yoga Teachers can use this knowledge to enhance their yoga classes and help students experience the benefits of Gua Sha Massage Therapy.
Fitness Instructor
Fitness Instructors lead group fitness classes and provide instruction on exercise and nutrition. Gua Sha Massage Therapy can be a beneficial addition to a fitness routine, as it can help to reduce muscle soreness, improve circulation, and promote recovery. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Gua Sha Massage Therapy, including its history, theory, and practical applications. Fitness Instructors can use this knowledge to enhance their fitness classes and help clients achieve their fitness goals.
Spa Therapist
Spa Therapists provide a variety of spa treatments, including massages, facials, and body treatments. Gua Sha Massage Therapy can be a valuable addition to a spa menu, as it can help to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve skin health. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Gua Sha Massage Therapy, including its history, theory, and practical applications. Spa Therapists can use this knowledge to enhance their spa treatments and provide clients with a unique and beneficial experience.
Holistic Health Practitioner
Holistic Health Practitioners use a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on the prevention and treatment of illness. Gua Sha Massage Therapy is a natural therapy that can be used to treat a variety of conditions, and it can be a valuable tool in the practice of Holistic Health. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Gua Sha Massage Therapy, including its history, theory, and practical applications. Holistic Health Practitioners can use this knowledge to enhance their treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.
Alternative Medicine Practitioner
Alternative Medicine Practitioners use non-traditional methods to prevent and treat illness. Gua Sha Massage Therapy is an alternative therapy that can be used to treat a variety of conditions, and it can be a valuable tool in the practice of Alternative Medicine. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Gua Sha Massage Therapy, including its history, theory, and practical applications. Alternative Medicine Practitioners can use this knowledge to enhance their treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Gua Sha Massage Certificate Course.
Comprehensive guide to Chinese medicine, written by a world-renowned expert. It provides detailed information on the history, theory, and practice of Chinese medicine, including Gua Sha.
Comprehensive guide to Chinese medical qigong therapy, written by a world-renowned master. It provides detailed information on the history, theory, and practice of Chinese medical qigong therapy, including Gua Sha.
Comprehensive textbook on Chinese medicine, written by a world-renowned expert. It provides detailed information on the history, theory, and practice of Chinese medicine, including Gua Sha.
Comprehensive manual of acupuncture, written by three experienced practitioners. It provides detailed information on the use of acupuncture in a clinical setting, as well as case studies and research on the benefits of acupuncture.
Comprehensive history of Chinese medicine, written by the British scientist Joseph Needham. It provides a detailed overview of the development of Chinese medicine over the centuries, including the use of Gua Sha.
Comprehensive introduction to Chinese medicine and acupuncture, written by the American acupuncturist Bob Flaws. It provides a clear overview of the history, theory, and practice of Chinese medicine, including Gua Sha.

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