Doctor Advises Against 'Kerokan' for Chest Pain Relief

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Cardiovascular specialist Dr. Febtusia Puspitasari, Sp.JP, FIHA, FASCC has advised that the traditional medicinal method of ‘kerokan’ is not recommended as a first-aid measure for treating chest pain. “Don’t do it, because when we perform kerokan, the blood vessels on the skin’s surface actually rupture; the redness is the blood vessels. There are various kinds of blood vessels, some deeper inside,” said Febtusia during a media briefing in Jakarta on Tuesday. The doctor, affiliated with the Indonesian Association of Cardiovascular Specialists (PERKI), explained that the kerokan method, usually accompanied by a balm, applies a certain pressure to the muscles. However, the comforting sensation from kerokan is actually triggered by the warming effect of the balm. The sense of relief after kerokan can also be influenced by suggestion. She stated that kerokan with balm can temporarily widen blood vessels, but this effect is fleeting and does not address the underlying cause of the complaint, including any blockages in the blood vessels. “Balm is warm. When the body is warm, the blood vessels will dilate, but the effect is instantaneous and does not last long. Meanwhile, medications like blood thinners have a long-term effect. So balm only provides a short-term effect,” she said. Dr Febtusia offered tips for when a loved one experiences chest pain or shortness of breath, including helping them to calm down. “If the person is anxious and moves about frantically, it will actually make things worse. The priority is to make the person calm; for instance, if they are wearing a tie, we loosen it. Basically, make them comfortable first,” she added. Furthermore, administering oxygen, if available, can also serve as initial aid as it can help improve the condition by dilating blood vessels, while simultaneously preparing to transport the person to the nearest health facility for monitoring. Febtusia described the signs of chest pain that require immediate medical examination due to the risk of triggering cardiovascular disease, such as angina. Angina pectoris is a condition where the heart muscle does not receive an adequate supply of blood and oxygen, marked by chest pain as one of its main symptoms. “If the chest pain changes with position, it is usually not from the heart. But if, for example, someone cannot pinpoint the exact spot and feels it is becoming increasingly frequent and intense, accompanied by other complaints like shortness of breath, nausea, or cold sweats, we must be vigilant,” she said.