Interpretation of technical operation standards for traditional Chinese medicine health preservation and wellness services (non-medical)-Guasha

Guasha, an external therapeutic modality in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is grounded in meridian and acupoint theory and demonstrates favorable preventive and therapeutic effects on painful conditions, degenerative bone and joint diseases, and other disorders. With increasing health awareness among the public, scraping therapy has gained widespread popularity owing to its simplicity, ease of application, and notable efficacy. However, the lack of unified technical standards and norms for TCM health care services such as Guasha gives rise to safety hazards and inconsistent therapeutic effectiveness. To standardize the practice of Guasha, the China Health and Wellness Service Center, the Institute of Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and other institutions jointly developed the Technical Operation Standards for Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Preservation and Wellness Services (Non-Medical)-Guasha (TOSG). Referencing the latest advances in TCM scraping therapy, this standard provides norms and guidance for the scraping procedure and its appropriate scope of application. This article summarizes and interprets the core content of the standard, with the aim of clarifying the indications and contraindications of Guasha, guiding correct operational methods, ensuring operational safety and hygiene, safeguarding the physical and mental health of recipients, and improving overall service quality. The formulation and promotion of this standard are conducive to advancing the standardized and regulated development of Guasha.