Physical Wellness

Jakarta Spa Offers Snake Massage To Scare People Skinny [VIDEO]

By Christine Hsu | Update Date: Oct 30, 2013 11:57 AM EDT

An Indonesian spa is offering an exotic snake massage to 'scare' people into feeling relaxed.

While the idea of snakes offering relief is ironic, staff of Bali Heritage Reflexology Spa in Jakarta explain that the fear sparked by pythons of different sizes wiggling on your bare back is supposed to boost your adrenaline and metabolism, according to the Daily News.

The snakes slithering on your naked back will also stop your mind from wandering by redirecting your thoughts to the present moment.

While there has not been any research into the effectiveness of python massage, Medical Daily reported that a 2011 study linked increased adrenaline to a few metabolic processes like lactic acid release from muscle and lipolysis, the breakdown of fat cells.

However, other reports reveal that alleged benefits of the one-hour python massage are not backed by science. While the movement of the snakes and adrenaline triggered by fear is said to boost a person's metabolism, previous research reveals that adrenaline is released when someone is stressed- not relaxed.

According to the Daily Mail, the body releases the hormone adrenaline and other chemicals that ups heart rate, boosts blood pressure and increases energy supplies when exposed to stressful situations, like being covered by live snakes. This type of "relaxation" therapy may actually tighten instead of loosen you up.

This stressful python massage might also provide clients with a certain psychological release. Medical Daily explains that people may feel a sense of relief after the massage is over.

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