Understanding the Benefits of Kerokan for Wind-Induced Ailments: Fact or Myth?
As an Indonesian, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the term kerokan. After all, whenever you feel under the weather, especially when you have masuk angin, your parents will usually suggest kerokan as a remedy.
But have you ever wondered whether kerokan for masuk angin is actually effective or just a placebo? Let’s find out!
Benefits of Kerokan for Masuk Angin
Can kerokan really get rid of masuk angin? Although more research is needed to confirm its benefits, kerokan can indeed help improve how you feel when you’re under the weather, especially when you have masuk angin.
The effectiveness of this method is linked to the body’s response to kerokan. It involves rubbing the skin, after applying oil, with an object such as a coin, spoon, piece of onion, or ginger.
This method can have several beneficial effects on the body, such as:
1. Relieving Bloating

Kerokan for masuk angin can help relieve uncomfortable bloating.
This isn’t because wind escapes through your pores after kerokan, as many people believe, but because kerokan raises your body temperature, creating a warming effect that can help ease bloating.
2. Relieving Neck Aches and Stiffness

Neck aches and stiffness are generally caused by tight muscles resulting from poor walking or sitting posture, as well as an awkward sleeping position. Interestingly, applying gentle pressure to the muscles can help relax and loosen them.[1]
When you do kerokan on your neck, the principle is similar: gently pressing the skin can help loosen tense muscles, making your neck feel more comfortable and relieving pain.
3. Relieving Headaches

In addition to easing neck pain and stiffness, kerokan on the neck can also relieve headaches. During kerokan, the capillaries dilate, helping restore healthy blood flow and reduce the intensity of headaches.
4. Relieving Mild Fever

Kerokan may also help relieve chills or a mild fever accompanied by a feeling of warmth and nausea.
After body kerokan, blood flow throughout the body improves, helping distribute oxygen and nutrients. With this optimal distribution, the body can recover faster.
5. Helping You Sleep Better

A warm body and reduced pain after kerokan are the perfect recipe for a good night’s sleep. You’ll wake up feeling fresh and energized in the morning.
How to Do Kerokan for Masuk Angin

To avoid skin irritation or causing other problems, follow these steps to do kerokan correctly:
- Whether you use a coin, spoon, sliced onion, or ginger, make sure to clean it first to prevent germs and dirt from infecting your skin.
- Apply oil to the affected area to reduce friction, minimize skin irritation, and provide a warming sensation. You can use eucalyptus oil, telon oil, lemongrass oil, or tawon oil.
- Use light pressure when doing kerokan, and make sure to move in only one direction.
- Try not to scrape directly over bones. Instead, choose the areas alongside them to help relax the muscles more effectively.
Things to Consider Before Kerokan

Before doing kerokan, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you benefit from this method without experiencing side effects, such as:
1. Skin Condition
If you’re wondering why people with masuk angin get red marks from kerokan, it’s because of the friction against the skin.
For sensitive skin, this friction can cause further irritation. People with sensitive skin should consider a safer alternative instead of doing kerokan.
2. How Often You Do Kerokan
Kerokan can be addictive because of its relaxing sensation, but doing it too often can also be dangerous. It may cause blood vessels to rupture.[2] Make sure you don’t use this method too often!
3. Oil Used
Some people may have an allergic reaction to certain types of oil. Make sure the oil you use is suitable for you and doesn’t cause an allergic reaction.
4. Areas of the Body You Shouldn’t Scrape
Avoid scraping the front of the neck, the heart area, and the stomach. Applying pressure to these areas could pose risks that interfere with the function of vital organs.
What Not to Do After Kerokan

After kerokan, you should avoid bathing or going outside. When your pores are open after kerokan, taking a cold shower may increase the risk of muscle cramps or masuk angin. You should also avoid exposure to cold air when going outside.
Although kerokan can relieve symptoms of masuk angin, this method isn’t suitable for everyone. As an alternative, you can choose Sido Muncul Jamu Tolak Angin to help with masuk angin. Its ginger, kayu ules, and clove leaf ingredients work effectively to ward off symptoms of masuk angin.
So, what are you waiting for? Switch to Sido Muncul Jamu Tolak Angin today and take care of your health in a more convenient and safe way that’s just as effective as kerokan for masuk angin!
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