Gua sha is an ancient technique where the skin is scraped with a blunt edged tool to produce a therapeutic effect. With gua sha short or long strokes are scraped on your skin increasing circulation and creating petechie (sha) —or the redness that forms on the skin. Gua sha improves local circulation and breaks up scar tissue or adhesions in the muscles and connective tissues. Studies have also shown that gua sha can help with respiratory conditions, such as the common cold. This treatment can be done anywhere on the body but is most commonly done on the back, neck and shoulders.