Gua Sha or Scraping is a healing technique that involves rubbing/scraping the skin with a round-edged instrument. Gua means to rub or friction. Sha means congested blood at the surface of the body. When friction is applied in repeated even strokes, the sha surfaces as small red petechiae. In minutes the petechiae fade into ecchymotic patches. This patch typically disappears in 2 to 4 days. The colour and rate of fading are both diagnostic and prognostic indications.

The purpose of Gua Sha is to improve blood circulation to the muscles, tissues, and organs directly beneath the surface treated. The majority of the time, our patients experience immediate changes in stiffness, pain, and mobility. Normal metabolic processes are restored by the movement of fluids as nutrients are carried to the tissues and metabolic wastes are carried away. Because Gua Sha mimics sweating, it resolves fever. After Gua Sha/Scraping, the patient is instructed to cover the area, avoiding wind and exposure to the sun or sudden change in temperature. Stretching is recommended but not a heavy workout on the day of treatment.