<p>'Sometimes called coining, spooning or scraping, Gua sha is defined as instrument-assisted</p> <p>unidirectional press-stroking of a lubricated area of the body surface that intentionally creates</p> <p>'transitory therapeutic petechiae' representing extravasation of blood in the subcutis.'</p> <p> </p> <p>Gua sha has been used for centuries in Asia, in Asian immigrant communities and by</p> <p>acupuncturists and practitioners of traditional East Asian medicine worldwide. With the</p> <p>expansion of traditional East Asian medicine, Gua sha has been used over broad geographic</p> <p>areas and by millions of people. It is valuable in the treatment of pain and for functional</p> <p>problems with impaired movement, the prevention and treatment of acute infectious illness,</p> <p>upper respiratory and digestive problems, and many acute or chronic disorders. Research has</p> <p>demonstrated Gua sha radically increases surface microperfusion that stimulates immune and</p> <p>anti-inflammatory responses that persist for days after treatment.</p> <p> </p> <p>The second edition expands on the history of Gua sha and similar techniques used in early</p> <p>Western Medicine, detailing traditional theory, purpose and application and illuminated by</p> <p>science that focuses its relevance to modern clinical practice as well as scholarly inquiry.</p> <p>This book brings the technique alive for practitioners, with clear discussion of how to do it -</p> <p>including correct technique, appropriate application, individualization of treatment - and when</p> <p>to use it, with over 50 case examples, and superb color photographs and line drawings that</p> <p>demonstrate the technique.</p> <p> </p><b> <p>NEW TO THIS EDITION</p></b> <p>. New chapter on immediate and significant Tongue changes as a direct result of Gua sha</p> <p>. Research and biomechanisms</p> <p>. Literature review from Chinese language as well as English language medical journal database</p> <p>. New case studies</p> <p>. Over 30 color photographs</p>