Scraping anti-inflammatory therapy. (Chinese Gua sha.)

The scraping therapy is unpleasant but usually not very painful; in the photo, the scraping seems to be particularly violent; this is not the case!

The scraping technique (Gua sha) is often used in Chinese traditional medicine hospitals, clinics, and many massage places.

• The treatment is done by scrubbing the skin, usually using an animal's horn or polished, smooth, hard stone. 
  • Frequently, treatment is combined with cupping.
• The scrubbing operation is usually performed on the back, limbs, and chest. The therapist lubricates the area (to prevent friction wounds) and conducts a controlled pressure operation with elongated movements. The treatment is unpleasant and sometimes involves slight pain.
• I have performed the scraping treatment dozens of times over the years with no side effects; the signs usually disappear that day or the next day.
• According to the explanations I received, this treatment has no side effects.
• The purpose of treatment (according to the Chinese version) is to strengthen the immune system by removing excess moisture.
• To my understanding, the action of scrubbing the skin over large areas creates slight surface bleeding. Scraping diverts inflammations (much like cupping) from essential internal organs to the skin surface, thus helping heal faster.

Continue reading the entire article: Cupping therapy, Scraping (Chinese Gua-sha), Dipping feet in ginger water, Medical leeches.