What is gua sha?
Also called scraping, spooning or coining, Gua Sha is a healing technique of traditional East Asian medicine. It is the practice of using a tool to apply pressure and scrap the skin to relieve muscle tension and pain. It helps break down scar tissue and connective tissue to improve movement in the joints. Gua Sha also removes pooled or stagnated blood allow for better circulation, removal of inflammation and relieve symptoms such as pain and/or illness such as a cold, fever or problems with the lungs.
Gua Sha causes tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin, called capillaries, to burst leaving distinctive red or purple bruises known as sha. These bruises can last anywhere from a couple of days to a week and can be a bit tender while healing.