Gua Sha (pronounced ‘gwa shaw’) is an East Asian technique often used for a common cold or flu as well as chronic pain disorders, such as musculoskeletal pain. This involves a scraping or rubbing technique using a tool made of ceramic, plastic or jade.

The affected area is gently scraped with a round edged instrument. This produces a reddish, elevated skin reaction at affected areas, e.g. aching or tenderness, which in turn functions as a valuable diagnostic tool. A strong qi and blood circulation follows that can last several days, normalizing metabolic processes and encouraging tissue relaxation.

In Chinese medicine gua means to scrape and sha means red dotting and skin discoloration.