Gua Sha (pronounced “gwa-shah”) is a traditional Chinese practice that involves using a smooth-edged tool, typically made of jade, rose quartz, or stainless steel, to gently scrape or glide across the skin. This motion is intended to stimulate blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote lymphatic drainage. The term gua translates to “scrape” and sha refers to a reddish rash or petechiae that can sometimes appear with the body technique, but is generally avoided with the lighter pressure used for facial gua sha.