"$370 for an Hour of Scratching"... The Trending Service in the US [Health Talk]

[Financial News] In the US, 'Scratching Therapy'—where practitioners scratch areas such as the back, neck, and head—is becoming increasingly popular.

According to the UK’s Daily Mail on the 18th, 'Scratching Therapy,' which involves scratching the desired area of a client for 30 minutes to an hour, is emerging as a new massage service across the United States.
Scratching Therapy is a method in which a therapist gently scratches the back, neck, or head for about 30 minutes to an hour using their fingertips or tools. Some therapists use artificial nails or massage instruments to provide this therapy.
Toni George, founder of 'Scratcher Girls,' the world’s first brand specializing in back scratching, explained, "The comfort I felt as a child when my grandmother scratched my back inspired this business idea."
She added, "Back scratching therapy is a type of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR). By gently scratching and rubbing with fingertips or acrylic nails, it can help relieve stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and promote endorphin release."
Scratcher Girls offers Scratching Therapy at $75 for 30 minutes (about 110,000 KRW) and $130 for one hour (about 190,000 KRW). In New Jersey and New York, the price can reach $250 per hour (about 370,000 KRW).
George stated, "Demand for back scratching services is so high these days that I serve more than 20 clients a day," adding, "Other suitable areas for scratch therapy include the arms, thighs, and head, in addition to the back."
According to reports, similar specialized services are rapidly emerging in Tennessee, Arizona, Chicago, and other locations.
Mary, who operates 'The Art of Scratch' in Chicago, said, "My goal is to help adults rediscover the calming effects of gentle touch that are often forgotten as we grow older."


Experts note that while there is no direct research evidence for back scratching, theoretically, it could have health benefits.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, an internal medicine specialist, stated, "There is not yet sufficient scientific evidence for back scratching therapy, but light scratching can stimulate sensory nerves and induce endorphin release, which may help the body transition to a calmer state."
He added, "It can help people relax or prepare for sleep," and noted, "Home back scratching tools can also be a safe and simple alternative."
Meanwhile, a research team led by Professor Daniel Kaplan at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) found that scratching does more than just relieve simple itching.
According to the team, scratching often brings a sense of pleasure. The act of scratching causes mild pain, which diverts the brain’s attention from itching. This pain prompts the brain to release 'feel-good hormones' such as Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT). In addition, scratching appears to boost immunity, helping to prevent bacterial infections in the affected area.
Scratching also plays a significant role in strengthening immunity, largely due to mast cells. While mast cells are the main culprits behind various inflammatory skin diseases and allergic reactions, they are also crucial in protecting the body from bacteria and other pathogens.



However, Dr. Marlis Majer, an immunologist, warned, "The fact that scratching improves defense against Staphylococcus aureus suggests it can have positive effects in certain situations, but in cases of chronic itching, the damage caused to the skin by scratching is likely to outweigh these benefits."
Excessive scratching can actually be harmful to health. Repeated scratching can make the skin more sensitive to minor stimuli, increasing the sensation of itchiness and raising the risk of wounds or pigmentation.
When you feel itchy, it may help to apply moisturizer to the skin while it is still slightly damp after bathing.

moon@fnnews.com Moon Young-jin Reporter