Massages are such a stress reliever. Imagine getting a good massage after you are back from a hectic day at work. Getting a good body massage or spa is enough to relax your muscles and make you feel all fresh and fine again. While you may have heard of different massages based on the types and stuff used, there are certain countries which have a variety to offer, that you might not have even imagined. There are many techniques used around the world which are just as bizarre.

These are some of the weird massages around the world:

1. Snail Facial: We all at some point have carefully observed the slithering snakes in monsoon but would every fancy few of them over your face? Well, that’s what the snail massage is all about. Certain spas in Russia, Japan and UK offer the special snake massage. This massage eliminates wrinkles scar and marks. It is effective in the regeneration of skin.

2. Elephant Massage: This is a speciality in Thailand and although at first, it may seem immensely dangerous, it is not. In this massage, a trained elephant keeps his leg on your back and the pressure is just perfect to get you rid of all your pain. If you are not too sure then some elephants use their trunks to gently massage your back.

Elephant massage in Thailand (Twitter/GoogleTcm)

3. Slap Massage: Slapping, one of the instant reactions to display anger. But in Thailand, slapping is used as a technique to remove wrinkles. In fact, it is said that this massage can make you look much younger than your age. This technique was first started in California by a Thai spa expert. The process can be traumatic at first but it is said to increase blood circulation and stimulate anti-ageing.

4. Knife Massage: This is an ancient Chinese technique which is currently being revived in Taiwan. This technique too may seem utterly dangerous given the instruments include two cleavers. These cleavers are used to pound your back and shoulders and relieve you from pain. But sometimes even observing this massage can look painful.

Knife massage therapy (Twitter/INSH)

5. Cactus Massage: Cactus massage is a speciality at the Four Seasons Punta Mita hotel in Mexico. But if you are worried about the thorn itching thought then don’t. Because the thorns are removed and the cactus is then heated in warm water. The gluey inside is then rubbed on your body. It helps to detoxify and heal your sunburns very quickly.

6. Fire Treatment: This technique from China is said to be a healing activity. In the process, your body is covered with few towels dipped in alcohol and they are then put on fire! The therapist then uses a wet towel to smother the flames within a minute. Some of the benefits if this massage includes reliving joint pain, ease insomnia and help to facilitate the digestion process. This is usual practice in the winter season because it is said to provide the heat from your body pores. The technique opens the pores and soothes the skin.

7. Tickle Massage: If you are someone who is extremely ticklish then chances are you will hate this massage. But if you have tried fish pedicure then you know the little ticklish feeling that you get? Well, the tickle massage is something similar. This spa is available in Madrid, Spain. It has obvious benefits like it takes away your stress. But what is more relieving is the ambience they do the tickle spa in. you are usually in a dark room with soft music and the masseuse uses a feather on some specific points on your body. One thing for sure, you are going to come out of the room with all goosebumps and smiles.

8. Snake Massage: This massage is in Israel uses snakes to give a massage! They use a combination of 6 non-venomous snakes to massage to give pressure on your back. The bigger the snakes, deeper is the massage. This pressure is said to relieve you from muscle pain and soreness.

Snake massage therapy session (Photo credits: Twitter/RickDeesDaily)

These are some of the weird massage services available around the world and as much as bizarre it sounds, maybe you should try getting at least some if not all. Also, recently it was found that a new technique of sensual massage has become popular among the women. It is called the Yoni massage and it is specifically for the erogenous areas, which involves massaging the vaginal walls! Have you tried any of the above-mentioned massage techniques or do you now wish to relieve and relax by trying these weird options? Do let us know.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 27, 2018 08:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).