Complaint body weakness, aches, and rheumatic painOf course it can be annoying we in doing aactivity. Traditionally, alternative scraping therapy is often chosen as a way to reduce these complaints. However, are scrapings medically useful or dangerous?
Scraping is one of the traditional alternative therapies that is often used in Asian countries, including in Indonesia. Therapy using a special tool or a coin rubbed on the surface of the skin is also found in China. By the Chinese community, scrapings are called cave sha.
The Effect of Scraping on the Body
Scrapings are believed to relieve complaints of aches, weakness, and body aches. Scraping is done by rubbing a coin or a special scraper with a blunt edge, onto the surface of the skin that has previously been smeared with massage oil.
Meanwhile, cave sha made with ceramic spoons, coins, pieces of buffalo horn, or jade. The coin or instrument rubbed will form red streaks or spots on the skin which usually disappear after 2-4 days. These reddish spots are called sha in terms of traditional Chinese medicine.
The friction of the coins and the tools actually injure or break the blood vessels that are under the skin. This process gives rise to reddish lines which are medically called petechiae or ecchymosis.
Traditionally, this technique is believed to increase the flow of blood or energy called "chi", as well as reduce inflammation which is believed to be the source of pain and soreness. It is also believed that the healing process will run faster with this technique. Coins can be rubbed on the back, buttocks, arms and legs.
Medical Benefits of Scraping
Some studies suspect that this technique produces pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and improves the performance of the immune system. Unfortunately, scientific research examining the medical benefits of scrapings is still very limited.
Here are some of the medically studied benefits of scrapings:
1. Relieves headaches and migraines
If you have headaches or migraines that don't go away with regular medications, scrapings may be an alternative to relieve them. Scrapings are thought to improve blood flow in the body, thereby helping to relieve headaches.
2. Relieve neck pain
Scrapings can also reduce complaints of long-standing (chronic) neck pain. One study showed that scraping therapy can relieve neck pain, although this effect lasts quite a bit.
3. Reduces breast engorgement
Breasts that are swollen and painful are often experienced by nursing mothers because of increased milk production. This complaint can certainly complicate the breastfeeding process.
One small-scale study showed that cave sha or scrapings can reduce breast engorgement in new mothers, making breastfeeding easier.
4. Reduces lower back pain
Scraping therapy can reduce chronic low back pain. According to a study, scrapings are useful for reducing the severity of low back pain and making it easier for sufferers to return to their activities.
However, the effectiveness and safety of this scraping therapy is not yet known in low back pain caused by injury, pinched nerves, spinal deformities, spinal narrowing, rheumatic diseases, and tumors or cancer.
5. Overcoming perimenopause syndrome
The perimenopause period is the time before menopause. During this period, changes in the level of the hormone estrogen in the blood can cause various complaints, such as:
- Easy sweating and face becomes red (hot flashes)
- Irregular menstruation
- Muscle and bone pain
- Tired easily
- Insomnia
- Dry pussy
- Often feel anxious
Several studies have shown that scrapings combined with conventional treatment are more effective in treating perimenopausal syndrome than conventional therapy alone.
Keep in mind, scrapings should not be done on people who have certain health problems, such as:
- Blood clotting disorders
- Diabetes
- Weak immune system
- Are taking blood thinners
In general, scrapings can be considered a safe therapy, especially for minor complaints, such as aches, muscle aches, and headaches. Even so, scrapings should be carried out by masseurs or acupuncture practitioners who have competence for this therapy, in order to avoid things that are not desirable.
In addition, the cleanliness of the tools used for scraping also needs to be considered so that infection does not occur on the skin. If after the scraping, there are problems with the skin, such as a burning sensation, the scrapings don't go away, or an infection, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Written by:
dr. Alya Hananti