How to Select a Coining Practitioner

Coining is an ancient Eastern medical practice that is most prevalent in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Indonesia. It can be practiced by either a lay person or a professional practitioner. In the United States, it is typically only practiced in Southeast Asian communities, however. The best way to find a coining practitioner is to ask around in such a community. Since coining is considered folk medicine, practitioners seldom advertise.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Ask any friends you might have that are of Southeast Asian descent if they know any coining practitioners. It's possible that they may have older relatives that are familiar with this practice who can help you.

2. Visit a Southeast Asian community in your city. Many cities have a "Little Saigon" or a "Little Bangkok" district, for example, that have numerous alternative medicine practitioners.

3. Ask around the community for coining practitioners. One of the best places to inquire is at an herbal pharmacy because the owners and employees here are likely to be connected to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) community.

4. Consult the TCM directory for practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine if you are unable to find local referrals.

5. Interview prospective practitioners. Coining is not an inherently dangerous practice, but you should be sure to select a practitioner who has experience and knowledge about it.

6. Select a practitioner who makes you feel at ease. Part of the coining procedure involves massaging the skin on your back, neck, shoulders and/or chest. So, choose someone you are comfortable with having touch your body.

7. Talk about price before you select a practitioner. If the price is too high in your opinion, don't be afraid to bargain. Bargaining is a common part of a most Southeast Asian cultures.

8. Discuss expectations with the practitioner. Coining can provide relief for headaches, back aches, common colds and other minor ailments, but it is not a miracle remedy. A practitioner should be upfront about what coining can and cannot do for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't just ask where you can find someone who practices coining, ask for a recommendation. The only true way for you to know if someone is a good practitioner (other than having a treatment) is to hear from someone else.
• When asking for a coining practitioner, it's best to use the traditional Vietnamese name for the procedure, cao gio. Cao gio is pronounced "gow yaw."
• Expect any practitioner you select to work out of a modest office or even a home. Most coining practitioners do not have traditional medical offices. You shouldn't choose a location that is dirty, dangerous or makes you feel uncomfortable, however.

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Resources

• TCM Directory for practitioners of Eastern medicine