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Scraping

By

Denise Millstine

, MD, Mayo Clinic

Reviewed/Revised Oct 2021 | Modified Sep 2022
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Scraping (a manipulative and body-based practice Manipulative and Body-Based Practices Five categories of complementary or alternative medicine are generally recognized: Whole medical systems Mind-body medicine Biologically based practices not usually used in conventional medicine... read more ), also called gua sha, involves rubbing a dull implement across lubricated (oiled or wet) 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 (1 References Scraping (a manipulative and body-based practice), also called gua sha, involves rubbing a dull implement across lubricated (oiled or wet) skin, usually on the back, neck, or extremities. Recently... read more ). Depending on the tool used, scraping may also be called coining or spooning.

Scraping can cause ecchymoses.

References

  • 1. Xu QY, Yang JS, Yang L, et al: Effects of different scraping techniques on body surface blood perfusion volume and local skin temperature of healthy subjects. J Tradit Chin Med 31(4):316-20, 2011.

  • 2. Ren Q, Yu X, Liao F, et al: Effects of gua sha therapy on perimenopausal syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Clin Pract 31:268-277, 2018. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.03.012

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