Extreme Spa Treatment #2: Fish Pedicure

What is a fish pedicure? In ‘doctor fish spas’, spa visitors immerse their feet in fish ponds containing the so-called ‘doctor fish’, which nibble away dead skin cells, invigorating tired tootsies. While fish pedicures are popular in spas in the Far East and Eastern Europe – and are increasingly popular in South Africa – they’ve been banned in most states in the USA due to health concerns. Apart from the fact that communal doctor fish spas can be unsanitary, other concerns surround the over-exploitation of natural reserves of the fish species used in doctor fish spas - Garra Rufa and Cyprinion macrostomus – and the conditions under which doctor fish are kept. Some doctor fish spas neglect to feed their fish, hoping to encourage them to scavenge dead skin from dangling feet.
Fish pedicure celebrity endorsement: Jessica Simpson
How much does a fish pedicure cost? Approximately $35 (R234.50) for a 15-minute session.

Extreme Spa Treatment #3: Leech Therapy

What is leech therapy? Widely used in ancient and medieval times to treat a variety of ailments, leeches – a type of bloodsucking worm, Hirudo medicinalis – fell out of favour as medical science questioned the wisdom of bloodletting. But now, leeches are making a comeback as an extreme spa treatment. ‘Leech spas’ are promoting the use of leeches as an extreme detox which, they say, promotes youthfulness. While plastic surgeons do use leeches in reconstructive surgery, leech therapy should only ever be carried out by qualified surgeons to aid very particular medical situations. The saliva of leeches contains an anti-coagulant, hirudin, and once bitten, a patient can bleed for hours.
Leech therapy celebrity endorsement: Demi Moore
How much does leech therapy cost? Approximately $85 (R569) for a session. Up to four leeches are attached to the body – the session’s up when the satiated leeches fall away.

Extreme Spa Treatment #4: Bull Sperm Hair Treatment

What is a bull sperm hair treatment? If thick, luscious locks are what you’re after, perhaps you should try the ultimate organic hair care treatment – bull semen. The high-protein treatment acts as a hair mask – after shampooing, the semen conditioner is massaged into the hair and scalp, hair is popped under a steamer to maximise the treatment’s efficacy, before being rinsed and styled. Enthusiastic users claim that hair is left healthy, soft and shiny - say scientists, this is because the proteins in bulls’ semen closely match the proteins which comprise hair, making it an excellent restorative conditioner for frizz-prone, over-styled and damaged hair.
Bull sperm hair treatment celebrity endorsement: The Rolling Stones (who else?)
How much does a bull sperm hair treatment cost? Approximately £100 (R1080) for the goods produced by thoroughbred Angus bulls.

Extreme Spa Treatment #5: Snake Massage

What is snake massage? For a spa massage with a difference, book yourself in for a squirmy snake massage. As you relax on the massage bed, a variety of snakes writhe over your body – the heavier snakes apparently kneading your muscles, giving a deep massage, and the lighter ones giving a more subtle massage sensation. Fans of snake massage say the non-venomous reptiles soothe body, mind and soul, imparting a sense of tranquillity and connectedness to The Universe, and healing everything from muscle aches to migraines. And lest we sceptics forget, the international symbol for medicine is the Asclepius wand, featuring an Asclepian snake curling around a staff. These snakes were considered by the Ancient Romans to have healing properties, so perhaps there’s a method in the madness.
Snake massage celebrity endorsement: While no celebrities have been brave enough to try a snake massage (yet), Gwyneth Paltrow enjoys her snake venom facials – in a manner similar to Botox, a type of paralysing snake venom is injected into the facial muscles as a wrinkle prevention treatment.
How much does a snake massage cost? Approximately $80 (R536) a session – until you can stand no more or the snakes slither off into the sunset....