Unique Spa Treatments from Around the World

You might already know about cupping. Celebrities are jumping on this trend more and more. This practice began in China and involves placing around 3 to 7 cups on your back. These cups can be made of glass, bamboo or even clay. After a few minutes, they create suction, causing your skin and flesh to lift. It’s not the prettiest site in the world, but many people swear by it.

This ancient practice is said to help with all sorts of issues including blood flow and inflammation and is even sought out for relaxation. That may sound strange, considering they often use fire to start the suction process!

Hammam is a popular treatment in Turkey and the Middle East. It’s like going to a steam room, but cranked up to 11. Some are more intense than others, but the basic formula involves a steam bath followed by a massage. Traditionally, the steam bath is in a very large public room that requires a very rigid etiquette. The massage is a little less dignified.

Unlike a relaxing massage you might enjoy, the hammam massage is an intense experience that bends your body in ways you may not have thought possible. Many have described it as an lesson in contortionism and say it takes a few days for the soreness to go away. What a way to spend a vacation, huh?

A seaweed wrap is one thing. Using the natural properties of kelp to rejuvenate the skin is common in many spas. However, the Irish take it to another level. Instead of wrapping your body in the seaweed, they plunge you right into a tub full of the stuff. It’s usually plucked right from the Atlantic Ocean.

While the principles are the same as a wrap, the seaweed bath is simply a more...immersive experience. And what better way to experience a new culture than through total immersion?