From chocolate to wine, you can opt to treat yourself to some of the most unusual (and sometimes) delicious pampering sessions at the spa. And yes, they slather all that on you.
Meanwhile, some can be just downright shocking.
1. Snake Massage
Israeli spa owner Ida Barak usese snakes for her massage. She believes that they have a calming effect and can alleviate joint pain. (Photo:Reuters)
2. The Geisha Facial
Clearly, some animal's waste matter can be our skin's saviour.
At the Shizuka Day Spa in New York, they use (according to the Web site) “traditional and natural Japanese ingredients” to make skin vibrant and soft. That sounds good, until you know the treatment includes nightingale droppings. The treatment, uguisu no fun, incorporates powdered (and sanitized) nightingale feces into a facial mixture that revitalizes skin. The birds' droppings contain natural enzymes that act as exfoliants and skin brighteners.
3. Aberdeen Organic Bull Sperm Treatment
Hari's Salon in London offers a bull-sperm conditioning treatment for troubled tresses. The treatment is mixed with katera root, an Iranian plant, the protein-packed concoction is believed to reinvigorate coloured, over-processed, and/or frizzy hair.
It's also nicknamed Viagra for hair.
4. Fish Reflexology
Tiny little fish swim around your feet and nibble off dead skin in this treatment that has Turkish origins. Get your very own team of doctor fish to slough off all those dead skin at the Underwater World in Sentosa or Kenko Wellness between Marina Square and Millenia Walk.
5. Bathe in Your Favorite Beverage
I enjoy a good glass of wine, but I’ve never considered bathing in it. At the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun spa in Japan, you can soak in a big pool of red wine. If alcohol’s not your thing, how about green tea, coffee, or sake? Each liquid offers therapeutic benefits for the skin—for example, green tea contains immune-boosting antioxidants, and red wine has skin-restorative properties. I’m not sure how refreshing the treatment actually is, but standing under a huge, pouring bottle of vino sounds mighty relaxing.
6. Chocolate Spa
Chocolate has well-documented benefits for your coronary health. But besides tasting good, it does wonders for skin too. No wonder there is a plethora of chocolate based spa treatments you can choose from. From facials to manis, pedis and full body treats, there's a chocolate treat to suit all tastes and provide anti-ageing benefits.
7. Beer Bath
You love to chug down bottles of it, but bathing in beer warmed to hot-tub temperature may give you soft skin and a calmer mood too.
A spa in Germany offers this Jacuzzi-like treatment that is designed to soothe skin with B vitamins, biotin, and protein compounds in beer that are believed to cleanse and nourish too.
8. The “Other” Face Lift
Toned tummy? Check. Slender arms? Check. Now, a New York spa says you need to get your vagina toned too. It offers pelvic services to new mums who just gave birth, those with bladder control issues or may just want to restore firmness down there
9. The Fanny Facial
It's like an ordinary facial, but for your butt. New York spa owner Melissa Tara claims her fanny facial exfoliates, softens, and cleanses, leaving a smooth-looking derriere.
The same process as your facials apply, but there is an added step of massage to stimulate circulation in order to reduce cellulite
No more ugly-looking spots.
10. Venik Massage
Take a fragrant bundle of leafy birch or oak tree twigs and stroke your back with it. Venik massages, popular in the US and Russia warms up the body and improves blood circulation and metabolism.
Venik leaves are said to release phytoncides - a biologically active substance that kills or depresses the growth and development of pathogens. Essential oils released by venik improve metabolism and prevent premature aging of the skin.
There are several venik massage techniques: waggling, compress, stroking, lashing, rubbing and stretching. The best approach would be to carry out these techniques one after another.
The massage is said to be helpful against muscle and joint pains.
11. Tequila and Cacti Treatment
What would it feel like to be treated like a pin cushion? At the Four Seasons Punta Mita resort in Bahia de Banderas, Mexico, tequila and cacti are the highlights in an 80-minute treatment meant to heal, detox, and purify. Thankfully though, the treatment, which has its roots in indigenous Huichol tribal lore, has the spines of the cactus removed.
12. Leeches Treatment
Some 3,500 years after Egyptians began applying them medicinally, leeches are back in fashion. The actress Demi Moore raved about her hirudotherapy treatment in Austria, involving four "highly trained leeches" and a turpentine bath. Leeches' saliva, containing anti-clotting, painkilling and antiseptic enzymes, is said to increase circulation.
The Welsh company Biopharm Leeches proudly affirms that the marsh-dwelling blood-suckers - with three jaws, each with 100 teeth - are regularly used in plastic surgery and in osteoporosis research.
You can buy and apply your own leeches, or receive a one-on-one leech consultation in various US states, with Ala-Med Hirudotherapy.
