[Gua Sha for migraine in inpatient withdrawal therapy of headache due to medication overuse]

Forsch Komplementmed. 2007 Oct;14(5):297-300. doi: 10.1159/000107731. Epub 2007 Oct 25.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Gua Sha is a therapeutic method of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) widely used in Asia, particularly in the treatment of chronic pain. By use of the surface-frictioning technique (called 'Gua') petechiae and a skin rash similar to millet-seed (called 'Sha') are induced. As first observations on the application of that method have been promising, we present the case of a 72-year-old woman. The patient who suffered from chronic headaches, highly profited from Gua Sha during her 14-day inpatient multimodal treatment. This case provides first evidence that Gua Sha is effective in the treatment of headaches. Further research and clinical trials are required to corroborate that evidence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Headache / therapy
  • Humans
  • Inpatients
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional / methods*
  • Migraine Disorders / etiology
  • Migraine Disorders / therapy*
  • Pain Management
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Treatment Outcome