Cao Gió Explained: Vietnam's Traditional Coining Massage

What Is Cao Gió?

If you've spent time in Vietnam or with Vietnamese families, you may have seen the distinctive reddish streaks on someone's back or neck and wondered what caused them. This is Cao Gió (pronounced roughly "gow yaw") — Vietnam's traditional coining therapy, and it's been a go-to home remedy for generations.

The name translates literally as "scraping wind." In traditional Vietnamese medicine, illness and discomfort are often attributed to an imbalance of gió — wind energy trapped in the body. Cao Gió is the practice of releasing that wind by vigorously rubbing a coin or smooth-edged object along the skin, typically along the back, neck, shoulders, and ribs.

Far from being an outlier, it's one of the most widespread traditional healing practices across Vietnam, Cambodia, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Many Vietnamese people keep a coin or ceramic spoon in the medicine cabinet specifically for this purpose.

The Cultural Background

Cao Gió sits within the broader framework of Vietnamese traditional medicine (y học cổ truyền), which draws from Chinese medicine principles while incorporating local herbal and physical traditions. The concept of wind-related illness — feeling cold, fatigued, congested, or stiff — is understood differently here than in Western medicine, but the physical results of the treatment are very real and measurable.

Traditionally, it was performed by a family elder on a younger family member. A coin was dipped in medicated oil — often dầu cù là (tiger balm-style camphor oil) or dầu gió xanh (green wind oil) — and drawn firmly down the back in repeated strokes. The redness that appeared was seen as the wind leaving the body.

How It Works: The Physiology

Modern understanding gives us a clearer picture of what's actually happening. The firm, repeated pressure of coining causes petechiae — tiny capillary ruptures just beneath the skin that appear as red or purple marks. This is not bruising in the deep-tissue sense. The marks are superficial and typically fade within two to four days.

What the process does achieve is significant:

• Increased local circulation. The friction and pressure dramatically increase blood flow to the area, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to tired muscles.
• Release of muscle tension. Similar to some forms of deep tissue massage, the mechanical pressure helps break up adhesions and relieve tightness.
• Stimulation of the lymphatic system. The technique may assist in moving lymphatic fluid and reducing localized inflammation.
• Nervous system response. Many people report a significant sense of relief, warmth, and relaxation following the procedure — consistent with a parasympathetic nervous system response.

What the Marks Look Like (and What They're Not)

First-time recipients are sometimes alarmed by the appearance of Cao Gió marks. They can look dramatic — vivid red or purple streaks across the back or neck. It's important to know: these are not bruises, and they are not painful to the touch after the session. They will fade completely within two to four days and leave no lasting marks.

The pattern typically follows the lines of the back musculature or the sides of the neck. A skilled practitioner creates even, parallel strokes rather than random rubbing.

Who Benefits from Cao Gió

Cao Gió is particularly effective for:

• Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back — the kind that builds up from long-haul travel, desk work, or carrying heavy bags
• The early stages of a cold or flu — many Vietnamese people use it at the first sign of chills or congestion
• General fatigue and a feeling of heaviness or sluggishness
• Headaches related to neck tension

Who Should Avoid It

Cao Gió is not appropriate for everyone. Avoid it if you:

• Are taking blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin therapy, etc.) — the capillary rupture will be more pronounced and harder to predict
• Have sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, or active skin conditions in the treatment area
• Are sunburned or have recently had a cosmetic procedure on the skin
• Have a bleeding disorder

If you're unsure, always let your therapist know about any health conditions before the session begins.

Cao Gió with MassageGo

MassageGo therapists are trained in traditional Vietnamese techniques including Cao Gió, alongside contemporary massage modalities. Whether you want to experience a traditional full-body Vietnamese massage or are specifically curious about coining as part of your treatment, our therapists can guide you and adjust based on your comfort level.

Learn more about in-room massage in Ho Chi Minh City, and check our safe massage guide for everything you need to know before your first session. When you're ready, book a massage and we'll bring the expertise to your door.