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

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.