Gua Sha massage is an ancient Chinese wellness practice dating back to the 14th Century, Ming Dynasty. The term “Gua Sha” means “to scrape disease or illness”. This self care massage technique involves scraping the surface of the skin to break up stagnant “chi” (energy) in the body by relieving muscle tension, flushing out toxins, and reducing inflammation. Typically, the massage stone, commonly referred to as a Gua Sha, is made from Black Obsidian (Bian) or natural jade stone. Gua Sha massage was used primarily as a body care treatment.

This creates a red mark and spots (pettechiae) where blood circulation rises to the surface (there is no broken skin however) and allows an increase of blood flow to that area. It is most often used in fascial/muscular pain conditions. The red marks only last for a few days at most and typically do not hurt.