Gua sha is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves scraping or rubbing the skin with a tool made of jade, rose quartz, or other materials. The term "gua sha" literally means "scraping sand," but it is also known by a variety of other names in Chinese medical texts, including "graston," "coining," or "scraping." Some English translations also refer to this technique as "skin scraping" or "spooning." Gua sha is believed to help increase circulation, relieve pain, and promote healing by releasing blocked energy and toxins from the body. While the term may vary, the basic principles and benefits of this ancient practice remain the same.