Scraping (a manipulative and body-based practice), also called gua sha, involves rubbing a dull implement across skin, usually on the back, neck, or extremities. Scraping is popular in athletics, particularly weight lifting. Scraping is believed to increase blood flow to an area and enhance metabolism and healing. Depending on the tool used, scraping may also be called coining or spooning.
These therapies may have some benefit in headaches, perimenopausal symptoms, and musculoskeletal disorders such as chronic low back pain, although there is some question of the methodological rigor of the supporting studies.
Scraping typically causes bruising of the skin.
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