gua sha
Gua Sha is a technique using a tool with a smooth edge to scrape along the surface of the skin to bring stagnations and toxins to the surface. The tools range from coins to jar lids to ceramic soup spoons…anything really. There are even specially made tools for gua sha made from jade or water buffalo horn.
Gua sha is the Chinese term for this practice, but the technique is found all over the world. Gua sha, scraping, spooning, coining, cao gio (the name for the practice in Vietnam) are all referring to the same thing.
Gua sha feels wonderful, is extremely safe, and is easy to learn to do yourself.