I tried Miami's viral scratch therapy — here's what it felt like
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I grew up getting back scratches from my mom, but I never paid for one until I visited the Scratcher Girls at the Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood.
The big picture: The family-owned business has helped establish professional back scratching as a hot new wellness trend with its viral ASMR videos.
- But how would it compare to my mom's scratches? I had to investigate.
What to expect: Getting a massage in a hot and noisy farmers market is not as calming as getting one in a private massage room, but I didn't want to pay up to $129 at Scratcher Girls' Miami Gardens studio — at least not without trying it first.
- At Yellow Green, you can receive a 15-minute session for $15.
The vibe: As soon as I sat down in my massage chair, my stress melted away.
- Co-owner Brittany Pashun George slipped a pair of headphones on my head and used a cool cloth to wipe my neck, arms and legs as calming music played.
Zoom in: Unlike at the private studio, clients are fully clothed at the Yellow Green location.
- But even with a button-up shirt on, I felt the back scratch just fine thanks to George's sharp purple nails.
What to try: The back, arm and scalp scratches. I drifted into deep relaxation and got a nice tingling sensation.
What to skip: Too much scratching on the same area of skin can cause some discomfort or ticklishness.
- I would ask for a combination of touch and scratch in certain areas, like the scalp and legs.
- You can also ask your therapist to skip certain body parts.
The bottom line: Overall, I had a great experience and loved meeting the George family.
If you go: Yellow Green Farmers Market, 3080 Sheridan St., Hollywood.
- Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 6:30pm.