Spa claims ‘python massage’ induces fear in order to boost metabolism Chill out with a fang-tastic full-body python massage

How do you feel about snakes, particularly pythons? Would you let several of them slither all over your back? If the thought of that sounds new and exciting, and not entirely terrifying, then you might want to take a trip over to the island of Bali, Indonesia, where the Bali Heritage Reflexology and Spa will allow a number of these snakes to commandeer your back for a very unconventional massage.

The full body massage consists of typical massage techniques administered by two staff members, one of whom places the pythons on the customer a few minutes into the procedure. The snakes’ movement is
ons that a massage therapist’s hands cannot, and being covered by the slithery serpents induces fear in customers, releasing adrenaline into the body — believed to positively affect metabolism, CBS reported (see photos here).

Pythons can vary in length from 23 inches to 33 feet. They are part of a group of snakes known as constrictors, which squeeze their prey until the animal is unable to breathe anymore rather than poisoning their prey with venom, according to the San Diego Zoo. Once the prey is dead, thr python begins to swallow the animal whole, by unlocking its jaws — this allows a python to consume prey up to four or five times bigger than its heads. But there’s no need to worry about any of this during the massage, because they’re fed 30 minutes prior to any therapy, and their jaws are taped shut for its duration.

A massage with a twist: A customer at Bali Heritage Reflexology and Spa in Jakarta lets pythons slither all over his body (Picture: Getty)

Most people go for a massage to relax – not to be scared witless.

But anyone daring to step through the doors of the Bali Heritage Reflexology and Spa in Jakarta will experience just that if they opt for the python massage.

Rather you than me: A masseuse works her magic with the help of a few pythons (Picture: Getty)

The Indonesian snake spa offers a unique massage treatment which involves having several pythons placed on the customer’s body.

The movement of the twisting snakes and the adrenaline triggered by fear is said to have a positive impact on the human metabolism.

Brave clients pay about £30 for the privilege of having the snakes crawl all over their bodies.

Earning his keep: A snake at the Bali Heritage Reflexology and Spa in Indonesia (Picture: Ulet Ifansasti/Getty)

But don’t worry too much – all are the reptiles used are said to be non-venemous.

People are apparently queuing up for the unconventional therapy. But it’s not a patch on Israel’s Barak’s Spa which not only offers snake massages but also places scampering mice and rats on people’s feet to help relieve the stresses of the day.

While there has been some research into the health benefits of getting a massage, the benefits of a python massage have not been explored at all. However, a 2011 study found that increased adrenaline was associated with certain metabolic processes, including lactic acid release from muscle and the breakdown of lipids (lipolysis).

It’s possible that the massages also provide customers with a kind of psychological release, in which their adrenaline builds for the duration of the massage, culminating in a sense of relief after it’s over. There are plenty of people who seek out horrific situations (and many would probably feel that having snakes poured on them would be horrific. These high sensation-seekers purposefully engage themselves in events and activities that provide heightened levels of arousal. They are also more responsive to the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is produced in high-intensity situations — these could range from watching horror films to skydiving to getting a python massage.