Move over talk therapy and physical therapy, a surprising new wellness trend is making waves across the Atlantic. Professional back scratching therapy, an unconventional treatment promising deep relaxation and stress relief, is rapidly gaining popularity in major American cities.
The Rise of Professional Scratching
Specialist clinics now offer dedicated scratching sessions lasting from 30 minutes to a full hour, where therapists gently scratch clients' backs, necks, and heads. Some practitioners use long acrylic nails specifically maintained for treatments, while others employ professional massage tools to deliver the unique experience.
Leading this emerging industry is Scratcher Girls, which boldly claims to be 'the world's first and only scratch therapy professionals and influencers'. Operating primarily in Florida, the company charges $75 for a 30-minute session and $130 for a full hour of therapeutic scratching.
Founder Toni George explained her inspiration to the Daily Mail, recalling how she cherished childhood back scratches from her grandparents. This childhood passion eventually transformed into a successful business venture that now serves more than 20 customers daily.
The Science Behind the Scratch
This unusual therapy falls within the Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) category of treatments. ASMR refers to the pleasant tingling sensation some people experience in response to specific gentle sounds or touches, typically beginning on the scalp and travelling down the neck or spine.
'Scratch therapy is a gentle and relaxing type of therapeutic touch,' George elaborated. 'It helps to relieve stress and anxiety, improves circulation and sleep whilst also boosting your mood as your brain floods your body with endorphins, leaving you with a sense of calm and peace.'
Medical professionals acknowledge potential benefits despite limited formal research. Dr Raj Dasgupta, an internal medicine specialist, told Daily Mail he can understand 'how it could help people unwind or prepare for sleep'.
'Light, gentle scratching can stimulate the skin's sensory nerves and trigger the release of feel-good hormones [endorphins] that help the body shift into a calmer state,' Dr Dasgupta explained.
A Growing Industry With Emotional Benefits
The scratching phenomenon extends beyond Florida, with Scratcher Girls also advertising services in New Jersey and New York for $250 per hour-long session at discreet locations disclosed 24 hours before appointments.
Other established businesses in this niche field include Lather Head Spa in Tennessee and The Scratch Spa in Arizona. Chicago's The Art of Scratch offers sessions starting from $150 per hour, extending to $200 for 90-minute treatments.
Founder Mary describes her service as filling a void many adults experience: 'the calming, tingling, soul-soothing power of touch, the kind that makes your whole nervous system go "ahhhh"'.
George emphasises the emotional dimension of the treatment: 'Many of our clients report feeling emotional relief during or after the session. The therapy helps release stored stress, anxiety, or even emotional blockages, leaving them feeling lighter and rebalanced mentally and physically.'
In New York, Rebecca Benvie of Whisper Wave Spa incorporates scratching into her sensory services, noting it 'helps regulate the nervous system, ease stress, and release tension'. Her treatments begin at $150 for sensory therapies combining soft touch and sound.
For those intrigued but without access to professional services, Dr Dasgupta recommends trying a simple back scratcher at home as a safe and affordable alternative to experience similar relaxing benefits.
