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Fish massage (Moscow, Russia)

Where: Yoga Darshan Center, Moscow

Cost of the procedure: 2500 rubles

Small garra rufa fish have long gone beyond their natural habitat - in the hot springs of Asia - and can now be found in Russia, Greece, the USA, Great Britain and other countries where spas are trying to attract tourists and local residents with unusual treatments .

The meaning of such a massage is simple: fish feed on dead skin on the human body, at the same time providing a light massage to the surface of the skin. Garra rufa are no larger than a little finger in size, but nevertheless they manage to easily remove bacteria, dead cells and dirt from the surface of the skin, and their bites are like light, pleasant touches.

As a result, the effect is double: firstly, the procedure helps eliminate dermatological problems and normalizes sebum production, and secondly, due to the massaging effect, blood circulation improves. By the way, recently, in addition to massage and body peeling, these fish have also been used for pedicures.

More details: www.yoga-darshan.ru

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Massage with snakes (Talmey-Elazar, Israel)

Where: Ada Barak's Spa, Talmey-Elazar

Cost of the procedure : $80

Israeli spa Ada Barak's Spa will never hire professionals with herpetophobia, that is, a fear of snakes. This strange criterion can be explained simply: this is where one of the most exotic types of massage in the world is performed - with the help of snakes.

A ball of intertwined non-venomous reptiles of different types and different weights is laid out on the patient’s body. It is quite natural that the snakes try to unravel and crawl away: at the same time, heavy snakes work the muscles perfectly, and small snakes calm and relax the client’s body.

They say that the idea of such a massage came to the owner of the salon when she heard from a friend that, holding a snake in her hands, she felt like after a cold compress - relaxed and peaceful. Having previously tested the idea of snake massage on herself and her friends, the owner of the salon now offers it to everyone.

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Snail massage (Ekaterinburg, Russia)

Where: Fresh-studio, Ekaterinburg

Cost of the procedure : 700 rubles

It is known that the secretion that snails secrete when moving promotes cell regeneration, rapid healing of small wounds and skin rejuvenation. By the way, the first to notice this effect were on farms where shellfish are actually grown. The workers who were constantly in contact with snails had soft hands, like children’s, and all small wounds healed very quickly.

Now, taking advantage of the discovery, cosmetologists are actively offering massage using snails. A dozen snails are placed on the face and chest area of a visitor concerned about her beauty, after which the snails crawl away in different directions. The mucus they secrete spreads over the face and décolleté like a regular mask and stays on the skin for 10-15 minutes.

By the way, if the thought of coming into contact with snails seems too repulsive, then it is worth remembering that special creams have appeared on the cosmetic market, which contain the secretion secreted by snails. Such creams treat burns and abrasions, and also moisturize and rejuvenate the skin.

photo DR

Knife massage (Taipei, Taiwan)

Where: Most massage parlors in Taipei (such as those located in Central Station)

Cost of the procedure : from 100 Taiwan dollars

It is believed that the best way to influence the 700 acupuncture points on the human body is acupuncture. However, there are people who cannot stand the sight of a needle. It is for such people that Taiwanese massage therapists came up with an alternative - massage with knives.

For this procedure, 10-inch pruning knives are used, similar to those used to cut fruits and vegetables. First, the patient's body is covered with a thin cloth, and only after that the massage begins. The master’s movements are reminiscent of rhythmic but careful chopping.

A retired military man was the first to try this type of massage; the man suffered from severe back pain that no massage could relieve. But regular sessions of this massage managed to completely eliminate the pain.

After such success, an unusual alternative to acupuncture began to gain increasing popularity in Taiwan. The exotic procedure is a mandatory item on the program among tourists, who, however, leave very contradictory reviews, pointing out the painfulness of the procedure.

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Foot massage (Goa, India)

Where: Chavutti Thirumal, Ashiyana Yoga Retreat Center, Severny Goa

Cost of the procedure : from $1000 (including three-day accommodation and yoga classes in the center)

Foot massage, widespread in South India, combines elements of martial arts, yoga, dance and Ayurvedic medicine. It is believed that such a massage appeared in the 12th century, when warriors needed to quickly restore strength and clear their minds in between battles.

This procedure is designed to connect the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of life together. While working, the master holds with his hands a rope stretched over him and works with his feet on various areas on the patient’s body. Due to the fact that the massage is done with the feet, the depth of muscle development increases, which helps to more effectively treat back pain, relieve muscle spasms, and improve blood circulation. The massage therapist carefully moves over the patient's entire body, from neck to fingertips, while rubbing special oil into the skin. Gentle stretching during the massage helps straighten your back - after each session you feel a little taller and stronger.

More details: www.ashiyana-yoga-goa.com

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Golf ball massage (Hilton Head, USA)

Where: Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, Hilton Head Island, Southern California

Cost of the procedure : from $200 (including one-day stay at the resort)

Not long ago, cosmetologists discovered that golf balls are ideal for massage. It turns out that their shape is simply designed to work with muscle tension and relieve joint pain. A special luxury is to try this massage in a golf club. Thus, at the Westin California resort, balls are used both for games and for massage.

The massage takes place in three stages: first, the body is slightly stretched with special movements, then warmed up. Then the balls are used directly - they are rolled over the body, pressing on the desired points. The intensity of the massage depends on the patient’s preparation: it can be both soothing and tonic. Another version of this massage, aimed at complete relaxation, is the hot golf ball massage, a unique alternative to the famous hot stone massage.

More details: www.westinhiltonheadisland.com

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Lomi Lomi (Hawaii, USA)

Where: Waikiki Plantation Spa, Hawaii

Cost of the procedure : from $60 for 25 minutes

Lomi-lomi is an ancient healing art that has traditionally been associated with ritual ceremonies rather than simple healing. Before the massage began, prayers were always said, and the procedure itself prepared people to make important decisions. Travelers resorted to lomi-lomi before going on a long journey, kings before ascending the throne, and teenagers before entering adulthood. It is believed that this massage erases the fear of a new path - the healer leads a person to a clear consciousness.

During the massage, the master uses fingers, elbows, knees, feet, special stones and sticks. The massage itself resembles a graceful dance, where the master also sings special songs, trying to tune in to the same wavelength as the client and transferring power to him. However, outside the Hawaiian Islands, specialists usually skip the ritual part of the procedure, concentrating only on the massage itself.

More details: www.waikikiplantationspa.com

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Shell massage (USA)

Where: Four Seasons Resort Aviara, San Diego

Cost of the procedure : from $375 including accommodation at the resort

Philippine shell massage is similar to hot stone massage, but comparisons between the two treatments always favor the shells. Firstly, the sinks heat up more and retain heat for up to two hours, as a result of which there is no need to interrupt them to reheat them or replace them, as is the case with stones. Secondly, the shape of the shells is more convenient than that of stones. During the massage, the patient feels not only the touch of the shells, but also the fingers of the massage therapist, which provides greater relaxation. The surface of the sinks is hard enough to relieve muscle tension, while their comfortable shape and high temperature allow you to achieve complete relaxation.

After this procedure, rest and tranquility are recommended, so shell massage can mostly be found not in salons, but in spa resorts, which require accommodation and treatment for several days.

More details: www.fourseasons.com

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Watsu (Budapest, Hungary)

Where: Ramada Resort Aquaworld, Budapest

Cost of the procedure : from €70 including accommodation at the resort

Watsu, originally a Japanese massage, has now become popular throughout the world. Especially where it is common to visit baths frequently. The principles of watsu are similar to shiatsu massage, but the procedure itself is transferred to water.

The massage is carried out in a special pool, completely isolated from any irritants. To achieve the right effect, the temperature of the water in the pool should be as close as possible to body temperature. The massage itself is carried out in several stages: breathing exercises on the shore, then a slow immersion together with the master in the water and the massage itself. The patient lies on his back, supported on the surface of the water by a specialist. Feeling that the patient is accustomed to the water and completely relaxed, the master begins to move him in different directions, while slowly stretching the muscles. At some point, complete relaxation occurs: according to massage therapists, at such a moment the client should feel like a water lily.

Watsu perfectly relieves stress, relaxes the body, removes muscle tension, and improves sleep. It is also recommended during pregnancy. In addition, since water relieves pressure on the spine, watsu is useful in recovering from injuries.

More details: www.ramadaresortbudapest.hu

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Psychological massage (Sedona, USA)

Where: Mii Amo Spa, Sedona, Arizona

Cost of the procedure : from $1990 for a three-day stay and treatment at the resort

The name Mii Amo is translated from the Yuman Idean language - famous healers - as “to continue someone’s path.” It is not surprising that in addition to traditional spa treatments, the Mii Amo resort, which is located right in the Yuman lands, has become known for its metaphysical programs, such as psychological massage.

This massage is less like a traditional procedure and more like meditation. During the session, work is done not so much with the body, but with the person’s energy. And the master is both a massage therapist and a psychotherapist. After listening to the patient’s concerns, he begins the massage, tells where exactly stiffness and uncertainty are lodged in the body, what certain problems of the body mean on a psychological level, and helps to overcome them.

It is believed that during the massage the body remembers a state of complete relaxation and harmony, lets go of all worries and no longer returns to its previous constrained state. After such a session, a two-hour sleep is required.

More details: www.miiamo.com

10 most unusual types of massage