What does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) scraping, or Gua Sha, mean?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) scraping, also known as Gua Sha, is a traditional therapy in TCM that aims to achieve therapeutic and health benefits by scraping the skin.

Specifically, TCM scraping is guided by the theory of meridians and acupoints in TCM. It involves using a specially designed scraping tool, dipped in a certain medium, to repeatedly scrape and rub the body's surface. This process results in local skin changes such as red millet-like spots or dark red petechiae, known as "sha", which helps to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. The theoretical basis of this therapy is to stimulate the body's meridians and acupoints, facilitating the flow of qi and blood, eliminating toxins from the body, and thereby balancing yin and yang.

TCM scraping is commonly used to relieve symptoms such as headaches, shoulder and neck pain, colds, heatstroke, and indigestion. It also helps to enhance immunity and improve metabolism and circulation. However, it should be noted that scraping may cause temporary skin redness or bruising, which usually disappears within a few days. In some cases, such as for pregnant women, individuals with skin lesions, those with a tendency to bleed, as well as individuals with heart disease or high blood pressure, caution should be exercised or the therapy should be avoided.

Overall, TCM scraping is a non-invasive natural therapy that, through simple physical stimulation, helps to alleviate a variety of discomforting symptoms. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Before choosing this therapy, one should consider their personal health condition and make an appropriate decision.