Gua sha is an ancient Chinese healing therapy that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve your circulation. First I apply massage oil to your skin, and then uses the tool to repeatedly scrape the skin in a downward motion stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which increases blood flow. Gua sha is intended to address stagnant energy in the body that may be responsible for inflammation. Gua sha is generally performed on a the back, buttocks, neck, arms, and legs. A gentle version of it is even used on the face as a facial technique.

Pain

Gua sha may reduce inflammation, so it’s often used to treat ailments that cause chronic pain, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, as well as those that trigger muscle and joint pain.

Colds

At the onset of a cold, gua sha can be effective in shortening the duration or alleviating cough and chest congestion.

Neck Pain

Gua sha technique may also prove effective for remedying chronic neck pain.

Migraine Headaches

If your migraine headaches don’t respond to over-the-counter medications, gua sha may help.

Side Effects

As a natural healing remedy, gua sha is safe. It’s not supposed to be painful, but the procedure may change the appearance of your skin. Because it involves rubbing or scraping skin with a massage tool, tiny blood vessels known as capillaries near the surface of your skin can burst. This can result in skin bruising which usually disappears in a couple of days.