Gwa Sha is another technique used during acupuncture treatment used to release muscle tension, tightness and constriction.  A specialized tool is used to gently scrape or rub the skin over a problem area.  Gwa Sha feels a bit like deep massage. 

In western terms, the scraping draws out blood and metabolic waste congesting the surface tissues and muscles, promoting normal circulation and metabolic processes. Gwa Sha is valuable in the treatment of pain, in the prevention and treatment of acute infectious illness, upper respiratory and digestive problems, and many acute or chronic disorders.