“Asian coining” is the Western term for Gua Sha, an ancient East Asian folk healing practice that translates to “scraping sand.” This technique involves firmly stroking the skin with a smooth-edged tool. The practice is a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and results in temporary, distinctive red or purple marks on the skin.
Traditional Use for Illness and Stagnation
The traditional application of Gua Sha is rooted in the concepts of qi (pronounced “chi”), or vital life energy, and sha within Traditional Chinese Medicine. Practitioners believe that health relies on the free and balanced flow of qi throughout the body’s pathways; stagnation leads to discomfort and illness. Symptoms like colds, fevers, headaches, and muscle aches are viewed as signs of this energetic stagnation or blood stasis. The scraping action intentionally brings this stagnation, referred to as sha or “wind,” to the surface to restore the circulation of qi and blood, thereby helping to relieve symptoms.
The Tools and Technique of Scraping
The technique requires applying a lubricant, such as oil or lotion, to the treatment area so the tool can glide smoothly. Traditional tools include household items like coins (the source of the Western nickname) or ceramic spoons. More specialized tools are made from materials like jade, rose quartz, or buffalo horn, all featuring smooth, rounded edges. The practitioner strokes the skin in a linear, unidirectional pattern, applying pressure that ranges from light to firm. This pressure causes minor bleeding from capillaries beneath the skin, resulting in temporary red or purple marks (petechiae or ecchymosis) that typically fade within three to five days.
Current Understanding of Physiological Effects
Modern research offers a biomedical explanation for Gua Sha’s effects. Studies using laser Doppler imaging show that the practice significantly increases localized surface microcirculation in the treated area, sometimes resulting in a temporary 400% increase in blood flow. The controlled microtrauma initiates a localized inflammatory response that triggers a healing cascade. This process includes the upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an enzyme that acts as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, which is associated with the reduction of systemic inflammation. Gua Sha is also believed to modulate pain by affecting mechanical and pain receptors beneath the skin, offering relief for musculoskeletal issues like tight muscles and chronic pain.
Important Safety Considerations
Safety protocols must be followed when performing Gua Sha. Tools should be thoroughly cleaned between uses to minimize the risk of bacterial skin infection. The pressure applied should be firm enough for the therapeutic effect but should not be overly painful. Individuals taking blood thinners or those with blood clotting disorders should avoid the practice due to susceptibility to severe bruising or bleeding. Scraping should never be performed on open wounds, active skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, moles, or varicose veins. Pregnant individuals should also consult a healthcare professional before considering Gua Sha.