Gua Sha / Cao Gio / Scraping

Gua Sha (less known as Cao Gio) is a scraping technique of the body. It is often performed with a lubricant (oil/lotion or balm/ointment) and a smooth rounded edge (including a spoon, jade stone, coin, buffalo horn, etc.)

The instrument of choice repeatedly strokes over lubricated skin in patterns that follow muscle fibers.  This repetition produces petechiae; red or purple dots on the superficial layers of the skin. 

The technique aims to release blood stasis (stagnant blood) within sore, stiff or overworked muscles to stimulate new oxygenated blood flow to the areas treated; Thereby promoting local cellular healing and regeneration. Applying this technique to muscles that are deemed healthy/normal will likely not produce petechiae.

The depth of redness can be used as an indicator to healing time. As the body's circulation picks up the stagnant blood, the petechiae fades. 

Contraindication: if you bruise easily; are taking blood thinners; or you don't want your skin discolored for a week or two (looks like bruising without the bruise tenderness).