These ssssssneaky masseuses have no hands.
People in desperate need of pain relief are willing to let carnivorous reptiles slide over their bodies – and faces – at a small spa in Cairo.
While soft music pushes through the sound system, massage therapists put oil on clients’ backs – before introducing a combination of pythons or about 28 different types of non-poisonous snakes into the adrenaline-driven 30-minute session.
The masseuse and owner of the spa, Safwat Sedki, said that snake massage helps to reduce muscle and joint pain, improving blood circulation and releasing endorphins.
“The use of snakes is a type of massage and has two purposes, physical and emotional,” Sedki told Reuters in the video captured above. “The physical goal is to improve blood circulation and mental stimulation and the emotional goal is for it to release endorphins that help with the ‘happiness hormone’ that helps people regain confidence and strengthen the immune system.”
After gaining popularity for the first time in Asia, especially in Indonesia and the Philippines, these supposedly soothing snakeskin sessions have expanded to other countries, including Brazil, Russia, Israel and the United States, Sun reported.
Sedki admitted that at first it was not an easy sale for his Egyptian clientele: “When we presented the session for the first time, many people were afraid, they said: ‘Snakes, how can you use snakes ?!’ – but once we started explaining to people the benefits of this massage … the idea was accepted by many people, especially those who have phobia or fear of snakes. “
Customer Diaa Zein, who came across the sliding spa service while surfing on his social media, said he experienced a “feeling of relief and rejuvenation” as soon as the creatures were placed on his back.
“I was nervous at first [and] fear of snakes on my body, ”he said. “But the fear, anxiety and tension were reduced and the session gave a feeling of relaxation as the snakes passed by my back and having them increased my self-confidence.”
The spa owner and customers say the massage gave them a boost of self-confidence and also a feeling of total relaxation due to the unusual sensation of snakes on their skin.
Sedki said he started offering sessions free of charge to curious customers – but now he charges about 100 Egyptian pounds ($ 6.37) for a 20 or 30 minute session.
However, snake massage should not be used as a substitute for traditional medical care or visits to the doctor, warned Sedki.