Eyes closed, deep breathing punctuated by a regular groan of ultimate pleasure, and a feeling of real ecstasy. I could suffer this pleasure for eternity. Ooh ─ a virgin piece of skin – keep going! During this special, intimate, time I don’t have a care in the world, and the wish to be reincarnated as a cat is my ultimate desire. Having my back scratched is my personal height of pleasure ─ without climaxing! But why does this activity (and to be fair, any part of my body works) have such a pre-orgasmic effect on me? Sex is great, but then again…
My love affair with the intimacy of a wonderful back scratch started as a kid with my mum introducing me to this unique pleasure sensation, but the baton was passed on to lovers who just couldn’t get it wrong, since a back scratch cannot – in my humble opinion – ever be fucked up. If all else fails, effortless DIY is a reasonable backup plan, and I have often – Baloo style – found an edged surface to gyrate against; I haven’t – as yet ─ been arrested for the behaviour that elicits the same verbal and non-verbal behaviour. But is it just me, or is there a biological explanation for my love affair with the big back scratch?
Michelle Pereira, Clinical Researcher and graduate in Life Sciences from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, cuts to the chase: “The act of scratching results in an increase in the flow of blood to the area, while also releasing serotonin, which subsequently eases the muscles being physically stimulated.” The physical act of scratching – if done with care – causes a degree of pain just below the normal human threshold that nonetheless causes the brain to release the happy neurotransmitter. Serotonin is pretty sensational and supports several important processes, including mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, and blood clotting. It’s also a natural aphrodisiac, since it enhances sexual desire. Forget red ginseng, pistachio nuts, or saffron, a good back scratch wins hands down. The release of dollops of this natural drug just gets better, since a temporary addiction occurs whereby continued scratching just keeps encouraging the command centre to release even more of the feel-good hormone, thus explaining why I can submit to continuous scratching on the same area of skin. A sudden connection with a previously untouched piece of epidermis is almost climactic.
In the wonderfully titled research paper, “Brain’s Reward Circuits Mediate Itch Relief. A Functional MRI Study of Active Scratching,” the authors explain that a back scratch connects with the primary mechanisms of the brain’s reward system, and since these regions accelerate the feeling of pleasure, it’s as good as any other delight you may care to think about; even sex – well sometimes! The science that underpins the health benefits of a good back scratch addresses the need to regularly engage in this uncomplicated treat. Our many seated routines lead to a gradual build-up of stress, especially in the muscles in our backs. By scratching – even in the absence of an itch – sexy serotonin not only soothes us, but increases blood circulation, which, in turn, alleviates pressure and eases stress. Back scratching is an all-rounder; a titan of titillation; the god of glee; the slayer of stress.
I would definitely rate a back scratch given by another as the best – assuming its mutually desirable. A spontaneous scratch from a stranger may engage with some form of criminal offence ─ although, so hooked am I on the rear rake, it probably wouldn’t bother me. If all else fails, and given the limited reach of one’s own hands, there is – of course – always assisted DIY. On occasions of lone working that’s often the only certain way of reaching the spot, including back scratching. Although a fairly good option when the need is obvious, there are at least a couple of drawbacks. Firstly, the limited reach, and secondly, the absence of the element of surprise that always sends me into new depths of delicious delight. The initial problem can easily be remedied with the use of a long-handled back scratcher; the second is not so easily rectified!
Back scratcher historian Bill Grant contends that this tool of titillation can be traced back to primitive man who aped the apes with a stick. As human development soared after discovering fire, more ornamental versions followed, evidenced by the jade-back number owned by Chinese Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty. The Inuit variety, called Kumakssium, was made of bone with a tuft of bear fur on the end. In more contemporary times, commercial opportunities were exploited with a handful of inventors seeking to improve on rudimentary perfection. According to author Marc Zorn, in 1967 Henry Wedermyer patented “The Back Scratcher Shoe Horn,” that leaves little to the imagination. In 1975, Adey Garcia patented his electrical version that was designed to “simulate human fingernails,” with two speeds. In 2001 Albin Chaplin added his invention, “The Brushing Back Scratcher,” to the patent records. Resembling a huge toothbrush, this bad boy could be used in the shower too. Personally, I don’t think any of these gadgets outdo the simple elongated stick with a toothed top, reminiscent of the first one that my grandma bought me many moons ago. A modest wooden one, this did me proud for years until the end split, and I had to retire it. A replacement soon followed, although I never emulated American Manfred S. Rothstein who appears in the Guinness Book of Records with a staggering collection of six hundred and seventy-five examples from seventy-one countries that he has been collecting since the 1970s. Even Elvis Presley had a view on the subject, “Make me feel at home, if you really care, scratch my back and run your pretty fingers through my hair.”
As I dream about my next sensual scratch – hopefully from the fingers of a friendly scratcher ─ the proverb, “Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours,” is my ultimate mantra.
© Ian Kirke 2023
Title Photograph by Emiliano Vittoriosi on Unsplash
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