Gua Sha, which literally means “friction for congestion”, is an ancient technique used to move stagnation and draw out toxins. It is both diagnostic and therapeutic.

The technique involves the use of a smooth-edged tool, typically a ceramic soup spoon, that is rubbed or scraped repeatedly over areas of the body creating heat and activity in that area. When this friction is applied in repeated, even strokes, the “sha” surfaces as tiny red dots, or petichiae. When a lot of sha appears, it tells the practitioner that there was a lot of stagnation in that area. This discoloration disappears within hours to a couple of days. Most patients find that it relieves mild to severe muscle tension, soreness, and pain in a similar way that cups do. Like cupping, gua sha is mainly used for musculoskeletal complaints, but can also be used to treat internal health problems.