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. Recently, scraping has become 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 have shown benefit in musculoskeletal disorders and pain.
Scraping typically causes bruising of the skin.