Cupping and gua sha are two therapeutic techniques used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Cupping: Cupping is a therapy in which cups, typically made of glass, plastic, or silicone, are placed on the skin to create a vacuum.

The cups are usually left in place for several minutes, and the therapist may move them around to cover a larger area of the body. Cupping is often used to relieve muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and address conditions like pain, inflammation, and respiratory issues.

Gua Sha: Gua sha is another traditional Chinese therapy that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool, typically made of bone, jade, or stone, to release tension and promote healing. The word "gua sha" literally means "scraping sand." Here's how it works:

1. A lubricant, often oil, is applied to the skin to reduce friction.

2. A flat, smooth tool is used to scrape the skin in long, sweeping motions. The therapist applies pressure and scrapes the skin in a specific direction, usually along the muscle fibers.

3. This scraping creates red or purplish marks on the skin known as "sha," which is thought to be the release of stagnant blood.

Gua sha is typically used to address pain, muscle stiffness, and conditions like headaches or respiratory issues. It is believed to improve blood circulation and the body's natural healing processes.

Both cupping and gua sha can leave temporary marks that look like bruises on the skin, but these usually fade within a few days.