Gua Sha is an East Asian healing technique. Gua means to scrape or rub. Sha is a reddish, elevated skin rash, which is also called petechiae. It is used whenever a patient has pain, whether it is associated with a chronic or acute disorder.  There is usually a tender or knotty feeling in the muscles, and there is some aching or tightness.  Gua Sha is used to treat as well as prevent the common cold, flu, asthma, and any chronic disorder involving pain and congestion of Qi and Blood.

The area to be treated is lubricated with oil, and then the skin is rubbed with a round-edged instrument in strokes.  One area is stroked until the petechiae are raised.  If there is no Blood stasis, the petechiae will not form and the skin will turn pink.

The petechiae should fade within 2-4 days, if there is good circulation in that area.

Gua Sha promotes circulation and normalizes metabolic processes.  It is a valuable treatment for both external and internal pain, and facilitates the resolution of both acute and chronic conditions.