For many Indonesians, especially Javanese, kerokan (or "coin rubbing" in English) is more than just a quick fix for feeling under the weather; it is a ritual deeply rooted in everyday life. With only massage oil and a coin, the back is gently scraped until reddish lines resembling fish bones appear. The result? A soothing warmth, lighter body, and often, a deep restful sleep.
Although modern medicine does not recognize the term masuk angin (literally "trapped wind"), it is similar to the English term "catch a cold". Indonesians firmly believe that kerokan relieves common discomforts like nausea, dizziness, muscle aches, and the flu. This belief has allowed the practice to endure through generations, retaining its popularity even today.
Why Is Kerokan So Popular?
The magic of kerokan lies in its simplicity. When a coin is scraped against the skin, it stimulates nerve endings and triggers the release of endorphins—the body’s natural painkillers that bring comfort and relaxation.
The red marks that appear are not, in fact, “wind leaving the body,” as commonly believed. They are the result of dilated blood vessels, which improve circulation and distribute oxygen more efficiently. The body then feels refreshed and revitalized.
Still, science alone doesn’t explain kerokan’s enduring appeal. What keeps it alive is the cultural narrative—that kerokan literally pushes harmful wind out of the body. Sweating profusely or passing gas after a session is often taken as proof that the illness has been expelled.
More Than Just a Traditional Cure
Kerokan is not only about physical relief; it is also a social and emotional experience. The ritual is rarely done alone. It is often performed by a family member or a traditional masseuse. For around 30 minutes, the body is scraped while casual conversations flow—about health, daily struggles, or neighborhood gossip.
Medical anthropologists George M. Foster and Barbara G. Anderson describe this as a form of psychosocial support in traditional healing. Similarly, Susan R. Whyte in The Art of Medical Anthropology notes that social interaction is often central to a therapy’s effectiveness. In this sense, kerokan heals not only the body but also provides comfort to the heart.
A Cultural Perspective: Between Java and China
In Javanese cosmology, masuk angin is seen as a disruption of balance between the body (microcosm) and the surrounding environment (macrocosm). This imbalance is believed to affect blood circulation, causing symptoms such as chills, bloating, and soreness. Kerokan is regarded as a simple and affordable way to restore harmony.
Atik Triratnawati of Gadjah Mada University, in her 2011 article in Jurnal Humaniora, observes that Javanese people have long categorized masuk angin as a common ailment. Kerokan became the remedy of choice because it could be performed by anyone, embedding itself into everyday tradition.
Chinese influence is also evident. Since the 5th century, the yin-yang philosophy spread across Southeast Asia, emphasizing the balance between heat and cold in the body. From this worldview came gua sha, a scraping therapy meant to restore harmony.
This concept was later absorbed into Indonesian practice. Illness was thought to be caused by cold wind entering the body, while the red marks from kerokan symbolized its release. Even sweating or passing wind afterward was perceived as undeniable proof of recovery.
Not Only in Indonesia
Interestingly, kerokan is not unique to Indonesia. Similar practices thrive across Asia:
- Vietnam & Cambodia → Known as cao gio, meaning “scraping the wind.” The process is almost identical to kerokan, using coins and oil to ease fatigue, colds, and body aches.
- China → The practice of gua sha dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Unlike kerokan, gua sha is not limited to treating colds but also used to boost immunity, ease muscle pain, and even as facial therapy.
- South Korea & Southern China → Variations of scraping therapy use tools made of buffalo horn or jade.
Together, these practices show that the idea of “scraping out wind” is not exclusive to Indonesia but part of a shared Asian healing heritage with different cultural flavors.
From Tradition to Global Trend
While masuk angin does not exist in the lexicon of modern medicine, kerokan and similar practices continue to thrive. Through Asian diaspora communities, both kerokan and gua sha have spread worldwide.
In the West, gua sha has even transformed into a beauty trend. Jade and rose quartz tools are now marketed as skincare essentials for a glowing complexion. What once belonged to traditional households in Java has now found its place in high-end wellness spas in New York and Paris.
