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Definition of Gua-sha
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Gua-sha: A method in tradition Chinese medicine in which the skin on the back, neck, shoulders, buttocks, and or limbs is lubricated and then pressured and scraped in strokes with a round-edge instrument. Instruments include a ceramic spoon, metal cap with rounded edge, slice of water buffalo horn or jade as is used in Asia. The method produces "sha" which are small red petechiae which fade in 2 to 4 days..