Discusses the health care practices of Southeast Asians and the misconceptions surrounding them, as exemplified by the traditional practice of cao gio, a dermabrasion therapy. The widely used treatment, involving intense rubbing of the skin in proximity to an ailment, is considered a form of child abuse, according to a literature survey. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological methodology in 2- to 3-hour videotaped interviews. The 19 women were Vietnamese, Cambodian, or Laotian women between the ages of 21 and 67. The technique cao gio is passed from mother to mother. Study participants expressed conflicting views about the relative effectiveness of cao gio and the more expensive Western medicine. Moreover, many Western doctors have a negative view of the use of cao gio, and participants said they went to great lengths to avoid shame and judgment. Health care providers need to develop cultural sensitivity to understand that the practice is based on ancient healing philosophies and is not child abuse. (33 references)
