In Vietnam, the practice of “coin scraping” is known as Cao Gío . It is a traditional and widely practiced folk remedy aimed at alleviating various common symptoms of illness.
- Cao Gío involves rubbing the skin with a coin, or another smooth-edged hard object like a porcelain spoon, jade or buffalo horn.
- Typically, oil is applied to the skin (most commonly the back, neck, head, shoulders, and chest), and then the skin is scraped in a linear pattern.
- The scraping creates distinctive red marks, sometimes referred to as ‘petechiae’ or ‘sha-bruises’, on the skin, [according to DermNet].
- Cao Gío is believed to release “bad wind” or toxins from the body, thus alleviating symptoms associated with minor illnesses like colds, flu, headaches, fever, and pain.
- It is believed that an excess of “wind” in the blood causes many illnesses, and coining brings the blood to the surface to release this “bad wind”.
- This practice is very similar to Gua Sha, a traditional Chinese medicine technique with a long history.
- While widely practiced and generally considered safe, it’s important to note that Cao Gío can result in skin marks that may resemble child abuse or trauma.
- There are isolated reports of burns resulting from the application of heated oil prior to coining.
- It’s always crucial to consult with a healthcare professional regarding any health concerns or before utilizing alternative health practices like Cao Gío, particularly if experiencing significant or persistent symptoms.
How to do the coin back scratching in Vietnamese when you’re sick?
Coining is performed by taking a hard object with a smooth edge such as a coin and rubbing it along the skin in linear fashion until the a bruise is present. This can be painful as the bigger the bruise, the more effective this practice it thought to be.
What is the coin treatment in Vietnam?
Good point! It is called cao gio (scraping for wind) in Vietnam. in After applying oil to the skin, the body is stroked in a linear pattern, using a hard instrument with a smooth edge. Although a coin is often used, a porcelain spoon, jade or buffalo horn can give the same result.
Does coining help with a cough?
I can help with that. Coining, or cao gio (pronounced gow yaw), is a common Southeast Asian alternative treatment for minor illnesses such as cold, flu, headache, fever, pain, cough, or low energy.