Gua sha is a skin scraping therapy to loosen the pores to get rid of pathogens, stimulate the internal tissue and organs to improve immune system and promote self-healing. “Gua” means scraping in Chinese, and “sha” means papules on the skin. On the surface of the body, there are twelve cutaneous regions. They overlay the broad network of superficial channels and link them. Invasion by exogenous pathogenic factors through the skin can penetrate the deeper layers of the channels system. Gua sha is an acupuncture method without penetrating the skin, a bloodletting therapy without bleeding, and a massage without direct hand contact.

The skin to be treated is first lubricated with oil, and then scraped with scrapers until the papules become fully visible and coalesce. The scrapers are made from natural materials with smooth edges, such as chinaware, silver table spoons, bamboo plates, and jade. After scraping, there could be redness or slight bleeding under the skin. This treatment method could be used for many diseases, such as the common cold, fever, heat-stroke, acute enterogastritis, and musculoskeletal pain.

Gua sha has become mainstream with celebrities promoting its usage on the face and beauty brands selling the gua sha tools. Many are realizing the benefit of gua sha for lymphatic drainage, reducing facial puffiness and inflammation, and collagen production for firmer skin.