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Exploring Gua Sha Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Single Case Report and Critical Analysis

Dan-Ni Wang

Li-Fang Lei

Jiao-Zhi Cai

Fu-Li Zhang

Hai-Xu Li

Hong Ye

gua sha, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, integrative therapy, case report
CJON 2024, 28(5), E16-E26. DOI: 10.1188/24.CJON.E16-E26

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a significant side effect of some chemotherapeutic agents. Effective treatment is limited.

Objectives: This single patient case details gua sha as an intervention to reduce CIPN.

Methods: A 38-year-old female patient received weekly treatment of gua sha in one-hour sessions for 10 weeks. The patient completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group–Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-NTX) subscale to describe her CIPN throughout and postintervention. A research assistant measured the extent of numbness or tingling along the limb from baseline to 18 months after gua sha. Descriptive data were used to summarize this case.

Findings: After gua sha, the total FACT/GOG-NTX subscale score increased from 13 to 36, indicating a sevenfold greater change than the minimum clinically important difference. The range of limb numbness and tingling decreased, and the symptoms remained stable during follow-up. Gua sha showed a positive clinical effect.

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