The effects of scraping therapy on local temperature and blood perfusion volume in healthy subjects

Abstract

Objective. We aim to study the therapeutic effects of scraping by investigating the changes of temperature and local blood perfusion volume in healthy subjects after scraping stimulation, and to explore the mechanism of scraping stimulation from the points of microcirculation and energy metabolism. Methods. Twenty-three health subjects were included in this study. Local blood perfusion volume and body surface temperature was detected at 5min before scraping stimulation, 0, 15, 30, 60 and 90min after scraping using Laser Doppler imager and infrared thermograph. Results. Significant increase was noted in the blood perfusion volume in the scraping area within 90 minutes compared to the baseline level and non-scraping area (P<0.001). Compared with non-scraping area, an increase of body temperature with an average of 1()C was observed after scraping stimulation (P<0.01). Conclusion. Scraping can significantly improve the blood perfusion volume and increase the temperature in the scraping area, promoting the local blood circulation and energy metabolism. Copyright © 2012 Qin-Yan Xu et al.