Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medical treatment in which the skin is scraped to produce light to dark discoloration. This discoloration, known as “sha,” is metabolic waste that is being released from stagnant areas, promoting blood flow and healing.

Your acupuncturist will first apply organic body oil to the treatment area and will then begin scraping the skin using long strokes with a gua sha massage tool.

This stimulation will increase blood flow in the soft tissue, reduce inflammation, and promoting healing. Gua sha can be used on the back, buttocks, neck, arms, legs and even the face, for cosmetic and anti-aging benefits.

Similar to cupping in concept, however gua sha is especially beneficial at treating smaller areas of tension, since the tools used vary in size. It’s also more successful at pulling out inflammation and heat.

Gua sha is most often used to relieve muscle and joint pain. Some examples include back pain, tendon strain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Gua sha has also been recognized to benefit the immune system and reduce inflammation.