GUA SHA
“Scraping sand” is the literal translation for Gua Sha. This is an ancient Chinese technique for releasing tension, tight muscles, and releasing toxins from the body. It also can be used to prevent colds and to boost the immune system. It consists of gentle scraping along the body (usually the back) with a ceramic tool, traditionally a spoon. This scraping brings out reddish marks that are the sha or toxins that are trapped beneath the skin. The darker the color of the marks, the more toxins are stuck there and need to be released. Gua Sha feels like a deep massage but only is used at specific areas on the body.