In modern megacities, stress levels among the population are reaching critical points, forcing entrepreneurs to look for unconventional business niches. A striking example is a new service that emerged in China, where clients are willing to pay money just to have their bodies gently scratched. The founder of this unusual venture is 32-year-old businessman Zhang Xiaochao, who managed to monetize a simple childhood memory of his father stroking his back before bedtime.

Background and Birth of the Business Idea

The idea of creating specialized establishments came to Zhang after watching a short video on social media. The footage showed a wife gently scratching her husband's back, and in the comments, users massively noted that they would gladly pay for a similar service. Recalling his own childhood experience when such touches helped him relax and fall asleep quickly, the entrepreneur decided to take a risk. Prior to this, Zhang had been going through hard times: after changing seven jobs in a year following graduation and facing the failure of two previous startups, he desperately needed a breakthrough.

Essence of the Service and Specifics

The first establishment was opened in the Bao'an district of Shenzhen in May 2026. The service process is extremely simple: visitors lie face down on a couch, and trained staff use special tools with soft or plastic elements to delicately scratch the body. Since there were no ready-made analogues or training manuals on the market, Zhang independently developed unique techniques for applying soothing scratching movements. The cost of a one-hour session is 300 yuan, which is approximately equivalent to 40 US dollars.

Financial Success and Scaling Plans

Despite the apparent eccentricity of the concept, the business quickly proved its viability. Today, Zhang already runs two successful establishments that together generate over 100,000 yuan in net profit monthly. The project founder notes that residents of large Chinese cities experience colossal pressure at work and study, which is why the demand for relaxing procedures is steadily growing. Many clients claim that such a service helps them combat insomnia more effectively than traditional massage. The entrepreneur's plans include a large-scale expansion of the network to 100 locations across China and official recognition of this practice as a separate type of massage therapy.

Controversial Data

Despite commercial success and enthusiastic reviews from regular customers, heated debates continue in expert circles and social media around this business model. Critics question the hygienic safety of the procedures as well as the long-term sustainability of the trend, considering it temporary hype. While the founder insists on the therapeutic effect and high demand among tired office workers, skeptics fear legal risks and regulatory barriers from authorities when trying to turn a spontaneous service into an official profession.