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Seven Medicine

Treatments

Gua sha

A traditional manual technique often used for neck and upper-back tension.
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A gua sha tool used along a patient's upper back

What it is

About gua sha

Gua sha uses a smooth-edged tool, stroked firmly over lubricated skin, typically on the back, neck or shoulders.

What to expect

Firm pressure that many people find relieving. It commonly causes temporary redness or small red marks (called sha) that fade within a few days.

$29.99 add-on to an acupuncture visit.

Often part of care for

Where it fits

  • Neck & shoulder tension
  • Upper-back tightness
  • Muscular discomfort
Browse conditions

Safety

Not used over broken skin, varicose veins or areas of injury. Tell us if you take blood thinners or bruise easily.

Research

What the research says

We summarize the highest-quality research we can find — systematic reviews, Cochrane reviews, guidelines and large trials — including results that don't favor acupuncture. You deserve the full picture.

Reviewed October 2026. Research describes groups of people, not guarantees for any individual. Explore the research →

Cupping & gua sha

Reviews found cupping reduced chronic pain and neck pain compared with no treatment, though it didn't clearly beat sham cupping and studies were generally low quality. A small trial found gua sha gave short-term neck-pain relief compared with a heat pad. Both commonly leave temporary marks.

3 sources
  1. [1]Cramer H, Klose P, Teut M, et al. Cupping for Patients With Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pain. 2020;21(9-10):943-956. PubMed 31982686 (opens in a new tab) · DOI 10.1016/j.jpain.2020.01.002 (opens in a new tab)· systematic review and meta-analysis
  2. [2]Kim S, Lee SH, Kim MR, et al. Is cupping therapy effective in patients with neck pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2018;8(11):e021070. PubMed 30397006 (opens in a new tab) · DOI 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021070 (opens in a new tab)· systematic review and meta-analysis
  3. [3]Braun M, Schwickert M, Nielsen A, et al. Effectiveness of traditional Chinese "gua sha" therapy in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Pain Med. 2011;12(3):362-9. PubMed 21276190 (opens in a new tab) · DOI 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2011.01053.x (opens in a new tab)· randomized controlled trial (small, open-label)

Initial consultation · 30 minutes

Start with a conversation.

Your first visit is a 30-minute consultation with Dr. Kristina Gacesa: your history, a TCM assessment, an AcuGraph baseline and a personalized recommendation with exact pricing. No treatment plan is required to book.

$49.99

Introductory rate · normally $249.99 · through Dec 31, 2026

If you continue: $159.99/visit, or $129.99/visit on a treatment plan.

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