KÁYUS (scraping) and AKDUT (pinching) are another traditional Kapampángan therapy for a number of ailments. Culturally, Kapampángans believed that certain sickness were caused when “Métiúpan yang ÁNGIN PAKARIMLA (cold air) ó ÁNGIN PAKAPÁLÎ (hot air)” (When cold or hot air enters the body.) This ÁNGIN (air) is sometimes identified with ghosts or spirits.
The “therapists” often uses an instrument that serves both as a PÁNAKDUT (pincher) and PÁNGÁYUS (scraper). Traditionally, this instrument was made of the tip of a SAGUNG DAMÚLAG (carabao horn), where the pointed end serves as the PÁNAKDUT and the smoothened wide end serves as the PÁNGÁYUS. A wooden version is later used. Nowadays, grandparents who practice this therapy simply uses a SUKLÉ (comb) or a PÉSUS (one peso coin).
Bergaño also recorded KÁYUS (cayus) as a form of cleansing and remedy for certain ailments in his 1732 Vocabulario.
Reference:
Bergaño, Diego. (1732). [Reprinted 1860]. Vocabulario de la Lengua Pampanga en Romance. Manila: Imprenta de Ramirez y Giraudier.
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