Traditional Ginger Scraping
Traditional Ginger Scraping — cạo gió — is a 50,000 ₫ add-on using warming ginger and a gua sha scraping technique to stimulate circulation. At Chạm Spa in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, it is added to any treatment.
- Session
- 1 Session
- Add-on Price
- 50,000 ₫
Looking for Traditional Ginger Scraping near you in District 1? Chạm Spa is at 82/20A Mạc Đĩnh Chi in Tân Định Ward — a few minutes on foot from Tân Định Market, and a short ride from Bến Thành and Đồng Khởi.
Cạo gió is probably the most widely practised traditional remedy in Vietnam. Most Vietnamese people have had it done by a family member; almost no visitor has heard of it. In traditional understanding the technique releases trapped “wind” — the concept used for the heavy, achy, coming-down-with-something feeling — and it is what households reach for at the first sign of it.
In physical terms, a smooth-edged tool is drawn firmly across oiled skin in short repeated strokes, bringing blood to the surface. That is what produces the characteristic marks, and it is the intended result rather than a side effect.
Ready to book?
Reserve online through Fresha, or chat with our team on Zalo or WhatsApp.
The marks: what they are and are not
Cạo gió leaves red or purplish marks along the lines scraped, usually across the back and shoulders. This is the point of the technique, not evidence of excessive force, and it is not bruising in the ordinary sense. The marks are painless to the touch, appear within minutes, and fade over roughly three to seven days.
We mention this before rather than after, because guests unfamiliar with the tradition are understandably alarmed to discover it in a mirror. If you have anything coming up where visible marks would be unwelcome — a beach holiday, a wedding, anything sleeveless — choose Infrared Light Therapy or a Herbal Patch instead. Both give warmth without a trace.
When guests ask for it
- Feeling run-down or as if something is coming on — the classic reason in Vietnamese practice.
- That heavy, aching feeling across the shoulders and upper back.
- Cold-natured bodies and people who feel chilled easily.
- Vietnamese guests who grew up with it and know exactly what it does for them.
- Curious visitors wanting to try something genuinely local — just be sure you understand the marks first.
What it feels like
A strong scraping sensation rather than pain, and many guests find it distinctly relieving as it goes. Pressure is adjusted on request. Tell your therapist if it becomes uncomfortable — there is no benefit to enduring more than suits you, and the technique works perfectly well at moderate pressure.
Afterwards, keep the area warm, avoid a cold shower for a few hours, and let the marks fade on their own. No cream or treatment is needed.
When it is not appropriate
- Pregnancy — not performed at any stage.
- Blood-thinning medication or bleeding disorders, since the technique brings blood to the surface.
- Broken skin, sunburn, rashes or moles across the area to be treated.
- Fever or acute illness where you should be seeing a doctor rather than a spa.
- Any event soon where visible marks would be a problem.
For a full session built on this tradition rather than a single add-on, Traditional Relaxation runs 90 minutes at 400,000 ₫.
At a glance
Chạm Spa is a few minutes on foot from Tân Định Market, in Tân Định Ward, District 1 — an easy stop if you are booking Traditional Ginger Scraping near you in Ho Chi Minh City. Walk in, or reserve a time before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cạo gió (traditional ginger scraping)?
It is a widely practised Vietnamese remedy in which a smooth-edged tool is drawn firmly across oiled skin in short repeated strokes, here with warming ginger. In traditional understanding it releases trapped “wind” — the heavy, achy, coming-down-with-something feeling. At Chạm Spa it is a 50,000 ₫ add-on to any treatment.
Why does ginger scraping leave red marks?
The technique brings blood to the surface, and the marks are the intended result rather than a side effect or a sign of excessive force. They are painless to the touch, appear within minutes and fade over roughly three to seven days.
Is cạo gió painful?
It is a strong scraping sensation rather than pain, and many guests find it relieving as it happens. Pressure is adjusted on request, and the technique works perfectly well at moderate pressure — there is nothing to gain from enduring more than suits you.
How long do the marks last?
Roughly three to seven days, fading gradually. They usually sit across the back and shoulders where clothing covers them. Keep the area warm afterwards, avoid a cold shower for a few hours, and let them fade on their own.
What if I do not want visible marks?
Choose Infrared Light Therapy or a Herbal Patch instead — both are 50,000 ₫ and deliver therapeutic warmth without leaving a trace. That is the right choice before a beach holiday, a wedding or anything sleeveless.
Who should not have ginger scraping?
It is not performed during pregnancy at any stage, nor if you take blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding disorder, since the technique brings blood to the surface. Also avoid it over broken skin, sunburn, rashes or moles, or if you have a fever.
How do I add ginger scraping to my treatment?
Mention it when booking through Zalo or WhatsApp, or ask your therapist during the session. Please tell them about any blood-thinning medication, and about any upcoming event where visible marks would be unwelcome. Please note we are closed on Tuesdays.