Mechanisms Underlying the Beneficial Effects of Scraping Therapy: A Review of Articles

Scraping therapy, known as Gua Sha in traditional Chinese medicine, spoon-rubbing in folk therapy, or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in contemporary physical therapy, entails applying controlled scraping pressure to the skin to deliberately induce petechiae and ecchymosis. This mechanical stimulus is believed to trigger a subsequent biological response that may reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. It is frequently employed to address neck pain, shoulder tension, muscle soreness, chronic pain, and related muscle problems. With the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases among aging populations, there is increasing focus on distributing healthcare responsibilities to non-physician practitioners. Nevertheless, the precise physiological mechanisms underlying its clinical benefits remain incompletely understood and warrant further scientific validation. This presentation seeks to reinterpret this traditional therapeutic approach by integrating it with current scientific knowledge and modern medical frameworks.