Across the United States, “sharp therapy,” which scratches the patient’s desired area for 30 minutes to an hour, is gaining popularity as a new massage service.
Scratch therapy is a method in which a therapist gently scratches the back, neck, and head for about 30 minutes to an hour using a fingertip or a tool. Some therapists provide scratch therapy by attaching artificial nails or using massage tools.
Tony George, founder of “Scratcher Girls,” the world’s first brand specializing in back scratching, explained, “The comfort I felt when I was young from my grandmother led to my business idea.”
“Back scratching treatment is a type of ASMR (autonomous sensory pleasure response),” he said. “You can expect effects such as relieving stress and anxiety, improving sleep and promoting endorphin secretion by lightly scratching and rubbing using fingertips or acrylic nails.”
Scratch Girls offers “scratcher therapy” for $75 per hour for 30 minutes and $130 per hour. In New Jersey and New York, it is sometimes operated at a higher price point of $250 per hour.
“The demand for back scratching services is so high these days that we serve more than 20 customers a day,” George said. “In addition to the back, there are arms, thighs, and head that are suitable for scratch therapy.”
Similar professional services are emerging one after another in Tennessee, Arizona, and Chicago, according to the media.
Mary, who runs The Art of Scratch in Chicago, said, “The goal is to help you feel the calming effects of forgettable soft contact again as you grow up.”
Experts say that scratching the back has not been proven by research, but theoretically, it can be beneficial to health.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, an internal medicine specialist, said, “The scientific evidence for back scratching treatment is not yet sufficient, but light scratching stimulation can stimulate sensory nerves and induce endorphin secretion to help the body transition to a calmer state.”
“It can help people relax or prepare for sleep,” he said, adding, “Scratch tools such as home lanterns can also be a safe and simple alternative.”
Meanwhile, a research team led by Professor Daniel Kaplan at the University of Pittsburgh in the U.S. found that scratching does more than just eliminate itching.
According to the research team, scratching often gives pleasure. This is because the scratching motion causes a little pain and distracts the brain from the itchiness. This pain causes the brain to release serotonin, a ‘feeling hormone’. In addition, it has been shown to help prevent bacterial infections in the area by increasing immunity.
It also plays a big role in strengthening immunity. This is because of mast cells. Obesity cells are the main culprits of various inflammatory skin diseases and allergic reactions, but at the same time play an important role in protecting our bodies from bacteria and other pathogens. However, Dr. Malis Maisel of Immunology said, “The fact that the scratching behavior improves the defense against Staphylococcus aureus suggests that it may have a positive effect on certain situations,” but warned, “In the case of chronic itching, the damage done to the skin by the scratching behavior is more likely to outweigh these benefits.”
Excessive scratching of actual skin can be detrimental to your health. Repeated scratching irritation causes the skin to react sensitively to small irritations, making it more itchy, and there is also a risk of causing wounds or pigmentation.
When you feel itchy, it is helpful to apply moisturizer when there is a little moisture left on your skin after taking a bath.
JULIE KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
