Gua sha is a traditional East Asian healing technique defined as the “closely-timed unidirectional press-stroking of the body surface with a smooth-edged instrument to intentionally raise transitory therapeutic petechiae and ecchymosis (sha) representing extravasated blood in the subcutis.” The petechiae and ecchymosis resolve in 2-4 days.

Gua sha is used in the treatment of pain, pain on palpation, and accompanied “blanching that is slow to fade” indicating sha in the tissue. Gua sha treats both acute and chronic pain, acute respiratory infection, influenza, and fever, as well as internal organ diseases where specific metabolic processes, once stimulated, can reduce inflammation and offer immune protection.

Traditional gua sha tools have included Chinese soup spoons, edge-worn coins, various bone devices, pieces of honed jade, various stainless steel devices, or simple, round, smooth-edged metal caps. Lubricants such as oil, balms, or water are applied to the skin prior to gua sha. Gua sha is then applied in closely timed press strokes until petechiae (pinpoint, round spots) and ecchymosis (bruising) appear. Press stroking is then continued at the next stroke line sequentially until the entire region of interest is complete.