According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this therapy is “a healing technique of traditional East Asian medicine. Sometimes called ‘coining, spooning or scraping,’ gua sha is defined as instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of a lubricated area of the body surface to intentionally create transitory therapeutic petechiae called ‘sha’ representing extravasation of blood in the subcutis” (Source).
In layman’s terms, gua sha involves scraping a tool (usually wood or bone) across the skin to create petechiae (bleeding capillaries). (It’s important to note that these markings are not bruises.) While this might not sound like the most enjoyable experience, when performed correctly, gua sha is relaxing and therapeutic. In addition, Dr Kelly’s Health & Wellness only uses top branded natural organic essential oils.