Guā-shā

Also sand scraping. A method of treating repletion heat sand shā distension patterns whereby the skin on the back, limbs, and other parts of the body is lubricated and then scraped with a ceramic spoon, the edge of a rice bowl, or similar object (purpose-made scrapers are available).

Method: The area to be treated is first lubricated with oil such as sesame oil, or nowadays often petroleum jelly (Vaseline). The area is scraped until the red papules become fully visible and coalesce. Gua-sha is usually applied to the back. Here, the area either side of the spine is scraped, working from shoulders downward. The papules may then be pricked with a three-edged needle to drain blackish purple blood and allow the sand toxin to escape. For the head, forehead, elbows, wrists, legs, and knees, etc., flax yarn or hair dipped in sesame oil can be used. Soft parts of the abdomen may be rubbed with salt. More at sand shā.