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. Scraping is popular in athletics, particularly weight lifting. Scraping is believed to increase blood flow to an area and enhance metabolism and healing (1). Depending on the tool used, scraping may also be called coining or spooning.
These therapies have been studied in musculoskeletal disorders such as chronic low back pain, headaches, and perimenopausal symptoms, with some questions about the methodological quality of the studies and need for more rigorous trials (2–4).
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. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(12)60011-9
2. Wang XQ, Duan PB, Zheng M, Yang LH, Wang AQ, Zhang M. Effect of Scraping Therapy on Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2021;44(3):255-270. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2020.08.003
3. Yuan QL, Guo TM, Liu L, Sun F, Zhang YG. Traditional Chinese medicine for neck pain and low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 10(2):e0117146, 2015. Published 2015 Feb 24. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0117146
4. 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
