You might not want to include some of these bazarre spa treatments from around the world at your spa, but it sure is fun reading about them.
1. England: Bull-Sperm Hair Treatment
Hari’s Salon in London offers a bull-sperm conditioning treatment for troubled tresses. Mixed with katera root, an Iranian plant, the protein-packed concoction is believed to reinvigorate colored, overprocessed, and/or frizzy hair types.
2. Israel: Snake Massage
At Ada Barak’s Spa in Talmei Elazar, Israel, slithering snakes are being used to create a therapeutic massage (don’t worry, the serpents are nonvenomous). Not convinced of the relaxation benefits of reptiles roaming your back? According to proponents of the practice, larger snakes produce a calming, kneading sensation, while smaller garden varieties provide gentle caresses.
3. Japan: Bird-Dropping Facial
Offered in spas across the U.S., facials with bird droppings originated in Japan centuries ago. Geisha and kabuki actors would use the famed nightingale droppings to remove their thick white makeup: The enzyme- and guanine-packed paste proved to be an expert exfoliator. Additionally, the high nitrogen content of nightingale droppings removes bacteria and dead skin cells from the dermis more gently than acid peels. Wary of applying bird excrement to your face? Unlike in ancient Japanese culture, today’s nightingale facials are performed using a sterilized powder form of droppings.
4. Austria: Leech Detox
If you thought the leech detox went out of style centuries ago, think again: Despite health risks, blood-sucking leeches are still used in Austrian spas today, and they even have a celebrity fan. Last March, actress Demi Moore spoke of her “leech therapy” on the Late Show With David Letterman, telling the host that the experience helped detoxify her blood (whatever that means). Moore went on to describe how four leeches got drunk on her blood (the feasting began at her belly button), how they don’t like hair and prefer waxed or shaved skin, and, yes—how she plans to go back for more. Gross!
5. Mexico: Cactus Massage and Tequila Body ScrubWhen we think of Mexico, we think of tequila and cacti. But as a spa treatment, incorporating these two entities seems pretty unusual. Enter the Hakali Body Massage and Punta Mita Margarita offerings at Mexico’s Four Seasons Resort: While the body massage involves being massaged with actual cactus (nopal) paddies, the margarita body scrub is made from tequila, salt, and fresh lime juice. The reasoning behind these two procedures? Nopal is thought to be healing and detoxifying, while the sea salts impart minerals, lime acts as a natural astringent and conditioner, and tequila purifies.
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