Coined

We cannot completely disregard customs just because they are based on something we do not 'believe' in or agree with.  Although Western modern medicine is science-based, most are also guilty of trying at home remedies, old wives tales, or quick fix supplies for anything and everything.  The majority of these have no evidence to support their success.  Considering ‘blood letting’ was practiced well into the 19^th Century and there are still common procedures being done that are relating to blood letting (acupuncture), we cannot assume that everything accepted in our society or culture is proven to be effective.

The first time I came to Southeast Asia I often saw people with swollen, red lines down their backs and arms.  Sometimes they looked red and sometimes they appeared to be dark like bruises. Of course I had to find out what this was and then had to try it for myself. On coining:

There are various rituals and customs practiced all over the world that seem foreign or strange to someone else but are vital parts of life to the members of the society.  I am sure you have heard of cupping, there is a similar practice here in Cambodia.   Coining or cao gio is sought out as a remedy for multiple issues including fever, the common cold, abdominal pain, chills, headache, and any general sickness. Coining involves rubbing oil or balm (such as tiger balm) on the skin, ordinarily the chest, back, and shoulders, and then VIGOROUSLY rubbing a coin over the area in a linear fashion until a red mark is seen. Cao gio is translated as “catch the wind” as it is believed to remove excess wind (one of the humors) and restore balance to the body.  Illness is a disruption in balance and coining is an attempt to restore balance to the opposing elements.  Although it’s proven that coining improves circulation and that the tiger balm (and other agents with D camphor) is effective when absorbed transdermally against aches, pains, and hypotension this practice is widely regarded in a negative light.  It has been reported as abuse, described as superstitious, and firmly disregarded by the western medical community.  I have pictures if you would like to see, it’s pretty harsh.  You might call it abuse also, but I chose to be ‘coined.’ Oh by the way, it took one hour and cost $4.

I only bring this up as a personal example of something that looked extremely painful and would appear crazy to some but was well worth the pain to have the experience.  I was able share the experience with my amazing Cambodian friend, to hear stories about growing up with this experience, as a child she associated it with pain and now she cannot wait to be ‘coined.’  She chooses to do it anytime that she is stressed, has a cold, or feels like she is getting sick.  Some may call it superstitious. Many might even think it’s ‘magic’ but to Sopheap it’s medicine and it’s life. 

From August '11