These ssssssneaky massage therapists have no hands.
People in dire need of pain relief are willing to let carnivorous reptiles slide all over their bodies – and faces – at a small spa in Cairo.
While soothing music pumps through the sound system, masseurs rub oil on the backs of customers – before introducing a combination of pythons or about 28 different types of non-toxic snakes in the 30-minute adrenaline-fueled session.
Massager and spa owner Safwat Sedki said snake massage helps reduce muscle and joint pain while improving blood circulation and releasing endorphins.
“Using snakes is a kind of massage, and it has two purposes, physical and emotional,” Sedki told Reuters in the video above. “The physical purpose is to improve blood circulation and mental stimulation, and the emotional purpose is to release endorphins that help with the ‘happy hormone’ that helps people regain confidence and strengthen the immune system.”
Following its popularity in Asia, especially in Indonesia and the Philippines, these so-called soothing snakeskin sessions have spread to other countries, including Brazil, Russia, Israel and the US, reports the Sun.
Sedki admitted that it was not easy to sell his Egyptian customers at first: ‘When we first introduced the session, a lot of people were scared. They said, ‘Snakes, how can you use snakes ?! ‘- but once our people started explaining the benefits of this massage, the idea was accepted by many people, especially those who have phobia or fear of snakes. ”
Client Diaa Zein, who came across the swinging spa service while flipping through his social media, said he experiences a “feeling of relief and rejuvenation” once the insects are placed on his back.
‘I was nervous at first [and] afraid that snakes are on my body, ”he said. “But the fear, anxiety and tension diminished and the session gave a sense of relaxation as the snakes went over my back and boosted my confidence.”
The spa owner and customers say the massage boosted confidence and a feeling of total relaxation due to the unusual sensation of snakes on the skin.
Sedki said he started by offering the sessions for free to curious patrons, but now charges about 100 Egyptian pounds ($ 6.37) for a 20 or 30 minute session.
However, tubing massage should not be used as a substitute for traditional medical care or doctor visits, Sedki warned.