Author: Mark Parzynski, DAOM, L.Ac.

Gua Sha: An Essential Diagnostic Tool for Acupuncturists

Gua sha is an East Asian medicine technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and treat internal diseases. In addition to its therapeutic benefits, gua sha can also be used as a diagnostic tool to identify the underlying cause of a patient’s symptoms. By observing the color and appearance of the sha, as well as the time it takes for the sha to appear and fade, practitioners can gain valuable insights into a patient’s condition and the effectiveness of treatment.

In this article, we will explore the use of gua sha as a diagnostic tool, including the importance of consistent technique and the selection of an appropriate gua sha tool. We will also discuss the different color patterns of sha and how they can be used to diagnose various conditions. Finally, we will explore time-based diagnosis in gua sha and how the time it takes for sha to arrive and fade can provide additional insight into a patient’s condition. If you are interested in the history of gua sha check out this article. Overall, gua sha is a valuable tool for traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and can provide significant benefits for patients.

What is Sha?

Sha is a term used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to describe the visible rash-like mark that appears after using the gua sha technique. In scientific terms, sha results from the extravasation of cellular material with a localized inflammatory response that begins a targeted healing cascade. As the metabolic waste from the procedure is reabsorbed into the body, circulation increases, and the body’s anti-inflammatory chemicals are upregulated, systematically reducing inflammation.

In TCM, illness can arise from xie qi (evil qi) or pathogenic influences lodged in the channel systems of the body. Gua sha is a technique used to open the pores and release the exterior while moving qi and blood internally. These actions remove the latent pathogenic influences and leave behind visual markers called sha. These pathogenic influences are classified as one or more of the six pathogenic influences: wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness, and summer heat. As these pathogens are dislodged, the law of signatures takes effect, leaving behind visual clues. An astute clinician can determine the pathogenic influence’s type, strength, and channel location by observing and understanding these clues.

In this context, channel location refers to the channel system in which the xie qi is lodged and not a physical location on a primary meridian pathway. From the most superficial to the deepest, the five-channel systems are the sinew channels, luo channels, primary meridians, divergent channels, and eight extraordinary vessels. Understanding which channel system is involved will determine the best course of treatment. For example, a stiff neck caused by acute wind cold invasion differs significantly from a stiff neck caused by a lingering divergent channel pathogen. Wind cold evasion should be a straightforward course of treatment, whereas a divergent pathogen can be challenging to treat effectively.

Consistent Technique

Having a consistent technique is essential when using gua sha for diagnosis. If the clinician’s technique varies greatly in terms of pressure or speed from one treatment to the next, it will be difficult to establish a baseline for comparisons. The key is to use consistent, even strokes to understand how different patients will react and how individual patients change from treatment to treatment. As clinicians, our patients can be our best teachers if we take the time to observe, listen, and understand how they respond to our treatments. A consistent, systematic approach is best, and clear; honest self-assessment is crucial for learning from our patients.

Hand-Made Solid Silver Gua Sha Tool

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Selecting the Proper Tool

The type and quality of the gua sha tool used for treatment are important factors to consider. Implements with rough edges can cause abrasion to the skin, which is commonly seen with some stone, porcelain, and horn tools. Using a magnifying glass to closely examine the surface of a poorly made gua sha tool or one made with the wrong materials, you will see a rough, sandpaper-like surface that is often not visible to the naked eye. These tools will bring up redness and petechiae with only a few passes, but this is not sha. This is skin damage, and the clinician must stop treatment before true sha is present. To achieve accurate diagnostic results, it is essential to use a high-quality gua sha tool. A metal tool with a polished edge that is not sharp or too thick is ideal. A tool with a wide edge may be useful for treating muscle-skeletal conditions, but it will not be easy to bring up sha. These wider-edged tools are commonly sold as IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) tools, but they are unsuitable for diagnostic purposes or treating internal diseases.

Diagnosis by Color

Fading sha revealing a yellow ghosting color.

Sha is a term that often refers to two distinct color patterns that can occur during or after gua sha therapy. The primary color pattern forms during the therapy and can continue to develop for up to an hour after the procedure ends. This color is related to blood levels, cou li (a term referring to where the xie qi may be lodged in the body), or problems with the sinew channel. The second color pattern, known as “ghosting,” appears as the primary color fades and may indicate an underlying condition. For example, a primary color pattern of deep purple likely indicates blood stagnation and a yellow ghosting color points to a warm phlegm condition. The ghosting pattern is often related to the overall constitution of the individual, but it can also reveal lingering pathogenic influences in deeper channel systems within the body. See chart below for detailed diagnosis by color.

Diagnosis by Time

The amount of time it takes for sha to arrive or fade is an important diagnostic marker. The arrival time of sha is related to the depth of the pathogenic influence. Sha that appears quickly is more superficial than sha that takes longer to form. For example, if a patient has an acute wind invasion, sha is likely to appear quickly because the pathogenic influence is near the surface. However, since the divergent channels are one of the deepest channel systems in the body, xie qi located there may take several minutes or even multiple treatments before sha appears.

The fading time of sha is related to the strength or amount of pathogenic influence. If sha fades quickly, a shorter course of treatment may be necessary, but if sha lingers for several days or more, the pathogenic influence is strong, and a longer course of treatment will likely be needed. The patient’s constitution can also affect fading time. A more vibrant and active individual may be able to clear sha faster than a sedentary patient with weak wei qi. See chart below for detailed diagnosis by time.

Conclusion

Gua sha is an effective treatment option and a valuable diagnostic tool when used systematically. Proper technique and a high-quality gua sha tool are essential for achieving consistent results. By analyzing the color and appearance of sha, as well as the time it takes for sha to arrive and fade, practitioners can gain valuable insights into a patient’s condition and the effectiveness of treatment. Overall, gua sha is a valuable tool for traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and can provide significant benefits for patients.

References

Xiuqin Z, Wanshan, Hao. Holographic Meridian Scraping Therapy. Beijing: Foreign Languages Press; 2000.

Cecil-Sterman A. Advanced Acupuncture: A Clinical Manual. Ann Cecil-Sterman, PLLC; 2013.

Nielsen A. Gua sha Traditional medicine for pain, inflammation and immune support. 2012;412(August 28):1.

Unschuld PU, Tessenow H, Jinsheng Z. Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen, An Annotated Translation of Huang Di’s Inner Classic – Basic Questions. Berkely: University of California Press; 2011.

December 13, 2022
AcuArtistry Tool Care Guide: Gua Sha, Teishin, and IASTM
Copper, silver, and gold are resilient and corrosion-resistant metals. With proper care, your AcuArtistry gua sha tool, teishin, or IASTM tool will last several lifetimes. There are two main cleaning methods, one for home use, when the tool is used only for self-care, and one for a clinical setting where cross-contamination is a concern.

Facial Gua Sha is popular both at home and in the clinic.

For home use, first, wash the tool with soap and water. Make sure to remove residual oils or lotions. Next, rinse thoroughly to clean all soap residue. Finally, dry the gua sha tool completely. Depending on location and water quality, stains can occur if the item is not thoroughly dried.

In a clinical setting, where cross-contamination is a concern, we have an extra step. First, clean the tool as described in the home use section. Next, use a hospital-grade disinfectant. These products vary greatly, so follow the instructions for your chosen product. Avoid bleach or ammonia-based products as they can affect the integrity of the metal. Finally, re-wash the tool to remove any disinfectant and dry it thoroughly.

Things to Avoid

Copper, silver, and gold are resilient and corrosion-resistant metals, but there are a few things to avoid.
- Bleach and ammonia-based cleaners can degrade the metal and cause pitting on the item’s surface. Please avoid using these cleaners.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners that will put micro scratches on the surface of the tool. They will slowly wear away the metal and damage the finish over time.
- Most autoclaves will not damage your tool, but the process will cause extreme water stains and discoloration. These stains may be permanent, so be sure you are okay with changing the look of your tool before this method is employed.
Color Changes in Copper

AcuArtistry Gua Sha Tool after nine years of daily use and abuse in a teaching clinic.

Over time and use, the color of your tool will change. Eventually, with proper care, copper can develop a beautiful patina revealing deep blues, greens, and reds in the metal. Often copper will go through a slightly “ugly” period before beautiful color variations reveal themselves. These color changes are a perfectly normal process that all copper will undergo. A high-quality jewelry polish can be used if you want to restore the copper to its original shine.

Special Notes On Silver and Gold Items

Custom Silver and Gold Guide Tubes

Silver and gold are soft metals that can scratch or bend easily. Therefore, take extra care when storing or handling them and strictly avoid abrasive cleaners. Silver tools can tarnish. A silver tool that sits unused for a long time or is stored in an oily environment (e.g., some types of leather cases) will discolor faster. Use a high-quality jewelry cleaner to remove the tarnish.

“Live quietly in the moment and see the beauty of all before you. The future will take care of itself.”

— Paramahansa Yogananda
November 9, 2022
Copper Gua Sha; An Antimicrobial Therapeutic Tool

Guest writer: Tatiana Parzynski, N.D.

Physical medicine has always been a part of my medical practice and when I want to increase fascial glide or mobilize soft tissue I always reach for my copper gua sha tool. I learned about gua sha early on in my medical training and started using AcuArtisty’s copper gua sha tool as soon as I started seeing patients. I liked the ergonomic feel of the tool, but more than that, there was something about the copper itself that seemed to make a difference that I just couldn’t put my finger on.

My knowledge of copper as a metal and its deep historical uses in medicine was limited. I knew copper is used as a very effective contraceptive device and that for some individuals wearing copper bracelets helps their arthritis. I had little knowledge that copper has been gaining substantial attention in the medical community due to its natural antimicrobial properties. The more I learned about this metal, and its history, modern uses, and future potentials, the more my appreciation for copper grew. Turns out, my favorite copper gua sha tool is even shinier than it appears to be.

As naturopathic physicians, we are taught that copper is an important micronutrient for almost all living things. Humans require a small amount of copper every day and become ill if deficient. While it varies from country to country, in the United States the recommendation is about 900 micrograms per day, and for most people, this amount is easily obtained through diet although, unfortunately, deficiencies still occur.

Copper has a complex enzymatic activity in the human body that regulates many vital physiological pathways. Copper provides us with antioxidant defense, produces energy, and utilizes iron so that we can do things, it also helps our nervous system function properly. The list of copper’s functions in the body goes on but the main point is that we can’t live without copper and remain healthy.

Interestingly, the role of copper as an essential trace mineral in the human body was not recognized until 1928 and its benefits continue to be uncovered to this day. However, it is the oldest and 25th most abundant element found in the earth’s crust, and its use by people dates back to the 5th and 6th millennia B.C. Some sources even say that copper was the first metal used by humans to make things like jewelry, utensils, and weapons.

One way or another, we learned about copper’s antimicrobial properties a long time ago and used the metal to sterilize wounds, purify drinking water and treat diseases. These early uses date back to the 26th century B.C., and copper continued to be used as a biocidal agent until antibiotics became available in the 1930s.

Since germs, bacteria, and fungi developed abilities to resist antibiotics in the decades to follow, copper with its natural antimicrobial qualities got a chance to shine once again. In 2008, copper gained a lot of attention in the medical community when its extraordinary ability to kill 99.9% of pathogenic bacteria within two hours of contact was officially recognized.

Presently, hospitals use copper to control and combat the often deadly spread of healthcare-related infections. Pathogens can be effectively inactivated on frequently touched surfaces made of copper alloy materials, and the term “contact killing” has been coined for this process. Medical textiles (hospital sheets, patient gowns, etc.,) infused with copper compounds are being tested and utilized in some US hospitals to control bacterial contamination. Although research is ongoing there is no denying that the uses of copper in medicine are extraordinary.

These and future antimicrobial uses of copper in public health are of special importance with the current and continual threat of novel viruses such as coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Promisingly, recent studies already demonstrated that on copper surfaces the Covid-19 virus was active for less than 4 hours whereas it lasted for 3 days on other surfaces like stainless steel and plastic.

For healthcare providers who use physical medicine, working with ergonomically designed tools like AcuArtistry’s copper gua sha tool is a joy. It is comfortable when used and efficient therapeutically; it helps get things done without fatiguing the practitioners’ hands. Additionally, the use of copper in this tool gives the practitioner another level of therapeutic confidence and empowerment. It is naturally antimicrobial, and when cleaned properly and kept dry in between uses, it provides a safe effective way to treat a plethora of conditions. Copper has been our go-to metal for a long time and it has an even brighter future.

References:

https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/copper#function

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Copper-HealthProfessional

Govind, V., Bharadwaj, S., Sai Ganesh, M.R. et al. Antiviral properties of copper and its alloys to inactivate covid-19 virus: a review. Biometals (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10534-021-00339-4

Besold, A.N., Culbertson, E.M. & Culotta, V.C. The Yin and Yang of copper during infection. J Biol Inorg Chem 21, 137–144 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00775-016-1335-1

Grass G, Rensing C, Solioz M (2011) Metallic copper as an antimicrobial surface. Appl Environ Microbiol 77(5):1541–1547. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.02766-10

Butler JP. Effect of copper-impregnated composite bed linens and patient gowns on healthcare-associated infection rates in six hospitals. J Hosp Infect. 2018 Nov;100(3):e130-e134. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2018.05.013. Epub 2018 May 24. PMID: 29803808.

Grass G, Rensing C, Solioz M (2011) Metallic copper as an antimicrobial surface. Appl Environ Microbiol 77(5):1541–1547. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.02766-10

Balasubramaniam B, Prateek RS, Saraf M, Kar P, Singh SP, Thakur VK, Singh A, Gupta RK (2021) Antibacterial and antiviral functional materials: chemistry and biological activity toward tackling COVID-19-like pandemics. ACS Pharm Transl Sci 4(1):8–54. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsptsci.0c00174

December 31, 2021
Teishin – A Brief History

The teishin is a gentle and effective tool for treating patients without inserting acupuncture needles. It is popular in Meridian Therapy and other styles of Traditional Japanese Medicine. Using a teishin causes no pain or discomfort, allowing practitioners to treat even the most sensitive of people. With guidance, patients can learn to use teishin at home as a self-care tool, prolonging the therapeutic benefits of their treatment between appointments. This aspect of teishin not only empowers patients to take charge of their health but improves treatment outcomes making acupuncture more effective and affordable.

Anatomy of a teishin

History of the Teishin

Bian Stone

The teishin can be traced back to the late neolithic period in China, where bian stones were used medicinally by pressing, rubbing, incising, and lancing specific areas of the body. However, bian stones were different in shape and constructed from different materials than the modern teishin. These tools were likely part of China’s early shamanic traditions and had spiritual significance as well as being practical medical devices.

The first written documentation of the teishin can be found in the Huang Di Nei Jing Ling Shu (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic Spiritual Pivot). This is the oldest technical manual on acupuncture and is attributed to Huang Di, the semi-mythical first emperor of China who reigned from 2697 BC–2597 BC. However, it is likely that the manuscript was actually written during the Warring States period (481 BC – 221 BC) and attributed to Huang Di to bolster credibility and emphasize its importance. At present, the true author and precise publication date remain unknown.

The Ling Shu emphasized the importance of the nine needles and the techniques that are associated with them. It should be noted that these are not what we think of as needles. The first three of the nine needles, the zanshin, enshin, and teishin, did not penetrate the skin and were more akin to massage tools. The second three of the nine needles were lancing tools used to drain blood, pus, and other body fluids. Only the last three needles most resemble what we currently think of as acupuncture needles.

Unfortunately, there are no actual archaeological examples of the nine needles. All images, whether from a museum or book, are artists’ reinterpretations.

The importance of the nine needles is repeated throughout the Ling Shu, starting with the very first words spoken by Qi Bo, the emperor’s court physician. Huang Di asked Qi Bo what the best way to deliver healthcare to his people was, and Qi Bo replied, “You want to know about the nine needles and their ways.” The significance of the nine needles can not be under-emphasized as they were at the very heart of early Chinese medicine. The third of the nine needles, the teishin (di zhen in Chinese), is described as “…having a head like a grain of millet” and “…controlling the channels by touch, not penetration, to bring about the qi”.

In China, over the course of several centuries, the use of acupuncture needles consolidated to very few designs, and the seventh of the nine needles, the goshin (hao zhen in Chinese), became the dominant tool used in acupuncture. The goshin closely resembles the modern filiform needles currently used by most contemporary acupuncturists. The teishin and other needles seemed to be lost to history.

Various Styles of Teishin

During Japan’s Edo period (1603 -1867), there was a shift in acupuncture. Japanese medicine, isolated from exterior influences, began to evolve in various ways. During this time, blind acupuncturists became common in Japan, making palpation and touch the primary modes of diagnosis and treatment; Waichi Sugiyama invented the guide tube influencing modern acupuncture in ways that could not be anticipated, and the nine needles of the Ling Shu began to re-emerge. The teishin was back and would continue to evolve in Japan to the present day.

These days, the use of the teishin has spread around the world. Renowned contemporary educators like Takahiro Funamizu in Japan and Jeffery Dann in the United States are teaching the art of the teishin as a primary treatment modality. The teishin, as well as the other nine needles, have been reborn, offering a gentle and effective alternative to needle insertion. These elegant tools are helping modern acupuncturists expand their patient base and reach a wider population that would normally not seek out acupuncture.

Bronze Teishin

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December 19, 2021
Shiunko Recipe for Skincare
Shiunko or Purple Cloud Ointment, was developed in Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1868) for the treatment of skin disorders. In Kanpo (Japanese herbal medicine), shiunko is still a popular skincare remedy. It is used topically for eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, scars, chapped skin, burns, frostbite, bedsores, skin ulcers, hemorrhoids, and much more. Shiunko should not be taken internally and is used topically as directed by a licensed healthcare professional.

Shiunko – Purple Cloud Ointment

Modern acupuncturists commonly use shiunko when applying direct moxibustion cones to a patient. If used for this purpose, a little shiunko goes a long way. It is important to use only enough ointment to adhere the cone to the patient and no more. Shiunko has a high oil content and should not be used as a heat barrier between the skin and the burning moxa. Too much shiunko can retain heat even when the moxa cone is removed, increasing the likelihood of burns.

Shiunko can also be used with a copper gua sha tool for the treatment of scars. The actions of gua sha will open the couli and drive the shiunko past the dermal layer. The thermally conductive properties of copper and the healing properties of shiunko make it an ideal combination for the treatment of scars. Stay tuned for a detailed article on the use of gua sha in scar therapy.

Most store-bought versions of shiunko are not therapeutically potent enough to treat skin conditions and often have the wrong consistency for moxibustion applications. They can be too waxy and dry or, conversely, too greasy and sticky. Perfect shiunko should have a smooth, fluffy texture with a potent but pleasant smell.

Luckily, making your own shiunko is not difficult or expensive. Shiunko ointment is relatively shelf-stable and can last a long time when stored in an airtight container and kept in a cool dark place. Listed below is a simple but effective base formula for shiunko. It can be used as-is or modified depending on your needs and skill level as an herbalist.

Dang Gui

Zi Cao Gen
Recipe Ingredients:

1 liter of sesame oil (not toasted)

100 grams Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)

100 grams Zi Cao Gen (Lithospermum)

380 grams of beeswax

25 grams of lard (leaving this out will result in a greasy feeling balm)

Directions:

Heat the sesame oil, Dang Gui, and Zi Cao Gen in a slow cooker for 4 hours.

Remove from heat and mix in the beeswax and lard until melted.

Strain mixture through cheesecloth and let cool until warm, but not hot.

Use an electric mixer and whip air into the warm mixture. Optional – If a mixer is unavailable, you may use a whisk to whip by hand until smooth.

Allow to cool and use.
Gua Sha Tool

This modern take on the traditional Gua Sha Tool is an essential part of any acupuncturist’s toolkit and is handmade with care from copper or sterling silver.

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December 9, 2021
The Energetic Properties of Metals in the Healing Arts

Metals have long been used in the healing arts for their unique properties and energetic qualities. In Japan, the type of metal used in teishin-based acupuncture techniques, such as shonishin, Tyohari School, or Funamizu Style treatments, is often a primary consideration. The best metal used for a facial gua sha tool can be determined by the user’s complexion, and creating the correct bronze alloy for a singing bowl is a critical factor in its resonant qualities. Each metal has its unique personality that can be enhanced or shaped using the appropriate techniques.

In this article, we will explore the energetic qualities of different metals commonly used in the healing arts, such as copper, silver, gold, bronze and platinum, and discuss their uses and benefits. We will also discuss some scientific evidence supporting the use of metals in this way and provide tips for incorporating metal-based therapies into your healing practice.

Silver is a cool nourishing rain washing away the dirt on a warm summer day.

One of the most widely used metals in the healing arts is silver. This precious metal is known for its potent antimicrobial properties, which make it an effective tool for fighting infection. In fact, silver has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a wide range of health conditions, including wounds, burns, and even cancer. In addition to its antimicrobial properties, silver has calming and soothing effects on the mind and body. Some healing arts practitioners even use silver to help promote restful sleep and reduce anxiety.

Fine silver taishin hand crafted for Dr. Higuchi Hideyoshi

Silver in East Asian medicine is traditionally considered sedating and can easily transmit the practitioner’s intention. Since silver takes on the practitioner’s intention so well, it is often the best choice for a first teishin. From a physics standpoint, silver is the most thermally and electrically conductive metal. The two types of silver used are fine silver and sterling silver. Fine silver is over 99.9% pure and is slightly softer than sterling. It offers purer energetics and is somewhat more sedating. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). Sterling has a flatter, energetic feel but offers slightly superior durability making it ideal for tools used for scraping and rubbing. Silver is often used as a polarity agent or Yin-Yang pair with gold.

Gold is a bright ray of the sun over a fertile field.

This precious metal is known for its lustrous yellow color and its versatility. In east Asian medicine, it is thought of as tonifying, slightly warm, and easy to manipulate. Solid gold teishin are heavy in weight and have a bright, lively feel. They are fast-acting, so practitioners must be careful not to over-treat patients when using teishin or other tools made from gold. Gold is traditionally linked to longevity, clarity of the soul, and spiritual enlightenment.

Gold-plated healing implements are popular for their cheap price, but this comes with a significant drawback. Gold plating is extremely thin, usually 0.25 – 5 micron range (0.00001″ -0.0002″), and has little effect on the energetics of the metal. In fact, the material that has been plated, usually aluminum or pot metal, will have more impact on the tool than the tiny amount of gold used to plate it. Gold-plated teishin with lightweight aluminum cores have become popular in recent years due to the lower price. Unfortunately, these teishin usually have the dull energetic quality you would expect from aluminum.

Silver and Gold as a Yin-Yang Pair

Yin-Yang pair of Silver and Gold acupuncture guide tubes.

In Japanese acupuncture, silver and gold are often used together as a yin-yang pair. This is because the two metals have opposing, yet complementary, effects on the body. For example, silver has cooling and soothing properties, while gold has warming and stimulating effects. Therefore, practitioners can provide a more balanced and effective therapeutic approach by combining these two metals.

Silver and gold teishin are often used as polarity agents for Manaka-style acupuncture treatments to stimulate the flow of qi in specific directions through the channel systems. This approach is commonly used to balance the Eight extraordinary vessels.

Copper is warm blood continuously cycling through the body.

This reddish-brown metal is known for its ability to conduct electricity and heat, which makes it a popular choice for various therapeutic applications. In East Asian medicine, copper is considered slightly tonifying without being too warm. In addition, it has an affinity to the blood level, which makes it an excellent choice when treating Luo Channel issues. In Traditional Chinese medicine, the luo channels are connected to memory and mental health. When these channels become blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to various mental health problems, such as memory loss, confusion, or anxiety.

Copper offers excellent corrosion resistance and has potent antimicrobial and anti-viral properties, which make it an effective tool for fighting infection. Hospitals and medical clinics have recently started coating door knobs and other commonly touched items with a thin layer of copper to help fight the spread of infections. This property makes copper an ideal choice for acupuncture guide tubes.

Pure copper facial gua sha tool.

The antimicrobial properties and blood level actions also make copper the perfect choice for gua sha tools. Copper is also often used in teishin by students who are not ready to invest in gold. This is better than gold plating for a practitioner on a budget.

Zinc is empty, like a dry riverbed waiting to be filled.

This bluish-white metal is known for its versatility and ability to resist corrosion, making it a popular choice for various therapeutic applications. Zinc is often taken as a supplement to boost the immune system and protect against infection. Topically, zinc is used to help improve skin health and reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes.

Copper and zinc as polarity agents.

Copper and zinc discs are often paired in Manaka-style polarity treatments. If you remember 6th-grade science class and potato batteries, you know zinc and copper are often used in a dielectric to produce an electrical charge. Zinc is used as the negative electrode, or anode, while copper is used as the positive electrode or cathode. By combining these two metals, scientists can create a simple battery using a potato as an electrolyte. In Manaka-style acupuncture treatments, the patient is the dielectric. Dr. Yoshio Manaka originally developed this treatment method to speed healing in patients suffering from burns and later adapted it to his acupuncture system.

Platinum is a singularity with all its potential; explosive and life-giving.

This rare, silvery-white metal is known for its strength, durability, and ability to withstand high temperatures. Platinum is very tonifying, hot, and difficult to control. It is often used to improve mental clarity and focus. Care should be taken with platinum as it is easy to over-treat when using tools made from this material. Platinum tools are often prohibitively expensive, not only because of the cost of the material but its exceptionally high melting point (3,215°F) makes it difficult for artisans to work with it.

Bronze is full of potential, waiting to be forged into resonance.

Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, and possesses a stiff, resonant quality. While copper itself has a warm, tonifying nature, the addition of tin gives bronze a neutral feel that is brimming with potential. Historically, bronze was among the first materials used for acupuncture needles, though it was eventually superseded by the stiffer and more durable steel. The original Nine Needles described in the Huang Di Nei Jing Ling Shu were likely forged from bronze.

The tradition of using bronze for singing bowls and bells dates back centuries and highlights its unique properties. These instruments, when played by a skilled musician or practitioner, produce intricate harmonic vibrations. Singing bowls, in particular, generate a soothing sound known for its therapeutic benefits. Beyond their sonic qualities, singing bowls hold a rich spiritual history, often integrated into various meditative and ceremonial practices.

Iron is a soft muddy field; it is difficult to traverse but will eventually bring new life.

Iron is a key component in our blood. It is neutral in its unoxidized state, but as it rusts, it becomes warmer. Magnetite is one of the main iron ores, with the chemical formula Fe3O4, and is used extensively in the healing arts to neutralize negative emotional states such as fear, anger, and depression. Magnets are also worn to relieve inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

Iron is not generally used in modern acupuncture tools, probably due to its ease of corrosion. It was, however, used in ancient times before the development of high-quality steel. Please note only some steel contains iron; therefore, steel is only a reliable replacement for iron if the exact composition is known.

Steel is a clear, crisp winter night spent gazing at the stars.

Steel is an alloy, and its exact combination of metals will differ from steel to steel. The steel used in your kitchen knife differs from the steel used in your frying pan. They have been formulated for different purposes and require compositions of base metals. Steel is generally neutral and tends to feel flat and cold unless manipulated. Most modern acupuncture needles are made from steel. Modern surgical tools are often made from stainless steel for their durability and ease of sterilization.

Titanium is inert and unmoving, like the universe before the first sound.

This metal is very durable and lightweight but has very low electrical and thermal conductivity. It is incredibly flat and neutral energetically and is not commonly used in traditional healing arts. However, its often used in surgeries and prosthetics due to its inertness.

The Physical Properties of Metals

The chart below compares the physical properties of metals commonly used in the healing arts. For example, the most frequently used metals for teishin (silver, copper, and gold) are also the most electrically and thermally conductive. On the other hand, the materials used in most modern medical applications (titanium and stainless steel) have the least electrical and thermal conductivity and the highest hardness. The last column in the chart lists the traditional ideas on sedation versus tonification and is given as a frame of reference for comparative purposes.

Conclusion

The use of metals in the healing arts is a centuries-old tradition that is still relevant today. Each metal has unique properties and energetic qualities that can promote health and well-being in different ways. Some metals, such as silver and gold, are known for their conductive properties and make excellent teishin. Others, such as copper, with its antimicrobial properties and affinity to the blood, make excellent gua sha tools. Bronze is known for its resonant qualities and is often a choice material in sound healing. Choosing the most suitable metal for your healing implements can create a synergy that can bolster and amplify your work as a healing practitioner.

Whether you are a seasoned practitioner of the healing arts or simply looking for new ways to promote your health and well-being, exploring the energetic qualities of metals can be a valuable addition to your wellness routine. By learning about the unique properties and uses of different metals, you can make informed decisions about which ones may best suit your individual needs healer.

December 3, 2021

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