Gua sha Massage Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach me at aninnerpeacellc@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Is Gua sha the same as the facial Gua sha I've seen on social media?

No. What I do is body Gua sha, a therapeutic technique applied to the back, shoulders, neck, and other muscle areas. I don't do Gua sha on the face. The beauty trend you've seen online uses gentle, light strokes for cosmetic purposes. The bodywork version uses firm, directional pressure to address muscle tension and fascia restriction. They share a name and a general technique, but the application, intent, and results are completely different.

Is Gua sha/ Scraping going to hurt?

It's firm, more so than a relaxation massage, but it shouldn't be painful. I use a heated scraping tool, which softens the tissue and makes the work more comfortable than a cold-edge tool. The pressure should feel productive, like something is releasing. If anything ever tips into actual pain, I back off. You're always in control of the pressure.

What are those marks? Are they bruises?

The marks are called petechiae, and they're not bruises. They're a normal response to the technique, a sign of circulation being brought to the surface of congested tissue. They're flat, not raised or tender to the touch, and they typically fade within two to five days. They look more dramatic than they feel. First sessions tend to show more marks; they get lighter with regular work as your circulation improves.

How long do the marks last?

Typically two to five days, depending on your circulation and how much restriction was in the treated area. Areas with significant tension tend to show darker marks that take a bit longer to fade. The more regularly you have Gua sha, the lighter and shorter-lived the marks become.

Can I combine Gua sha/ scraping with cupping or regular massage in the same session?

Yes. I often combine both, and cupping and Gua sha work well together, cupping lifts the tissue, Gua sha presses and glides through it. They're complementary tools. In an Integrated Massage, I can use whatever combination makes sense for what your body needs that day.

How is Gua sha/ scraping different from cupping?

Cupping uses suction to lift the tissue; Gua sha uses a tool pressed firmly against the skin in directional strokes. Both address muscle tension and circulation, but they feel completely different and work on tissue in different ways. Cupping is better for broad areas of tension and decompression; Gua sha is better for fascial restriction along specific lines of tension. When appropriate, I use both in the same session.

Who should not get Gua sha?

Gua sha is not appropriate over broken or irritated skin, active rashes, sunburn, open wounds, or varicose veins. If you're on blood thinners or have a clotting disorder, please contact me before booking. If you're pregnant, let me know, back and shoulder work is generally fine, but there are areas I avoid. If you're unsure about your situation, email me first.

Where in Indiana can I get body Gua sha?

I offer body Gua sha at my Carmel location (10411 N College Ave, Thursdays and Fridays) and my Cicero location at Hope Family Clinic (509 N Peru St, Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Body Gua sha, the therapeutic bodywork version, not the facial cosmetic version, is still relatively hard to find in this area. If you've been looking for it, this is it.

Money in Your Pocket

Monthly Subscriptions

The easiest ways to save money with An Inner Peace Massage + Reiki is to sign up for a monthly subscription plan. Plus, a monthly massage is a great maintenance plan! This is perfect for Relaxation or Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, Reiki, chakra balancing, crystal healing, prenatal or pregnancy massage, cupping, scraping, and anyt

Once a month, your payment of choice will be charged a discounted rate. You then have that credit to your An Inner Peace account. Sessions do not expire and there is no commitment to the monthly subscription. If you cannot make it in that month, the credit remains on your account.

60 minutes

Regular: $100

Subscription: $85

90 minutes

Regular: $140

Subscription: $115

120 minutes:

Regular: $185

Subscription: $150

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We accept HSA/ FSA

Monthly Subscriptions

An Inner Peace Massage + Reiki accepts Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). The NPI# is 1881267235.

Massage Therapy Services in Carmel & Cicero, Indiana

What is Gua Sha/Scraping Massage Therapy?

Benefits of Gua Sha/ Scraping Massage

How to Book Your Gua Sha/ Scraping Massage

What to Expect During Gua Sha/ Scraping Massage

Who Benefits from Gua Sha/ Scraping Massage

Important Considerations

Serving the Carmel and Cicero, Indiana

Frequently Asked Questions

Happy Clients

Schedule an Appointment

Money in Your Pocket

Monthly Subscriptions

Monthly Subscriptions

Monthly Subscriptions

We accept HSA/ FSA

Monthly Subscriptions

Monthly Subscriptions

Schedule an Appointment