You don’t have to look very far at The Cool Mom Co. to see that we are huge fans of self-care. Self-care is a huge part of creating a holistic wellness routine.
While we love a chill bubble bath, or a morning yoga practice, if you are as obsessed with self-care as we are, you might be looking to step up your game. A quick trip down Google will show you that there are thousands of options when it comes to luxurious spa treatments. But how do you know which one is right for you?
If you’re looking to try something new, we’ve got all the details on the latest (and most unusual) spa trends. Keep reading to find out if they are a major win, or not worth your time!
Enzyme Bath
You might not have heard of an Enzyme bath before, but it’s been popular with athletes since it was offered as a treatment in the 1972 Olympic games in Japan.
This unique experience isn’t anything like the baths you’ve had at home. In fact, there isn’t even any water! Instead, guests are invited to bathe in a mixture of cedar wood shavings and rice bran. Sound strange? Hear us out.
The cedar and rice bran are mixed with enzymes, creating a unique fermentation process. The fermentation creates a natural warmth that can be used to relax muscles, reduce stress, and improve circulation.
While this treatment originated in Japan, you can try it out at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in California. This treatment is great for anyone who struggles with pain, such as joint or back pain. While it claims to be a detoxifying process, science tells us that our own livers detox our bodies without outside treatments.
Ayurvedic Nasal Treatment
People who love Ayurvedic treatments are super passionate about the benefits. It’s easy to see why. The unique combination of spiritual awareness, and whole-body health makes this ancient Indian healing system stand out from the crowd.
Ayurvedic medicine believes that the nose is the gateway to the brain. So it makes sense that they have a whole treatment based around the nose. This treatment, called Nasya, involved applying a unique oil blend to the inside of the nose.
This oil, called Anu Thailam, is made with a blend of 24 herbs and is designed to help expel mucous from the nasal cavity. The treatment also includes a massage for the face, neck, and shoulders.
This treatment might be for you if you suffer from congestion or chronic migraines. Those who have done it have reported greater mental clarity, sleep, and clear sinuses and ears. However, with very little scientific research to back it up, we’d say you are better off just getting a standard massage.
Crushed Pearl Facial
Facials have been getting more and more decadent over the years. From 24k gold facial masks to diamond facials, it can all seem like a bit of an expensive hoax.
But one treatment stands above the crowd. We’re talking about a crushed pearl facial.
In this luxurious procedure, skin is gently exfoliated with – you guessed it – crushed pearl. This fancy ingredient isn’t just for show, though. Pearls have been used for centuries in both traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
Pearls are filled with antioxidants and calcium, which both help promote glowing healthy skin. They also contain nacre, which can help promote collagen production and also quick healing of wounds.
We are all about this glamorous and effective treatment!
Fish Pedicures
When you think of unusual spa treatments, we bet that the idea of fish pedicures comes to mind. This unique experience has customers place their feet in a basin of water filled with Garra rufa fish, that eat the dead skin from your feet.
However, this treatment has come under fire in the past few years. As an exfoliating treatment, it actually is not all that effective. Unlike the smooth, even, texture produced by a pumice stone or other traditional tools, customers who have a fish pedicure often report that the results are uneven and bumpy.
It also is not a particularly sanitary treatment, as there is no way to sanitize the water and the fish between customers. Because of this, the treatment has actually been banned in numerous places.
The most important consideration, though, might be the welfare of the fish. In order to encourage fish to eat the dead skin cells, they are often starved. The fish also have to be imported from Turkey, and often die in the process. We’re definitely going to say that smooth feet are not worth all this stress!
Hot Cupping
Cupping is definitely one of the strangest looking spa trends out there. While it may be trendy, it is not new. Cupping can be traced back to the Middle East, Egypt, and China. The earliest documentation of cupping was in 1550 B.C. It has certainly stood the test of time!
The treatment involves lighting a small, contained fire in the bottom of the cup. As soon as the fire goes out, the cup is applied to the skin, where it creates a vacuum. Cups are left on the body for around 3-5 minutes.
Cupping is said to have a similar effect to a massage. While there is little research to back it up, cupping may be an effective way to treat back and shoulder pain.
Salt Caves
Himalayan salt has long been praised for its nutrition, healing properties, and beauty. Imagine what it must be like to be totally surrounded by it!
That’s exactly what you get to do, during a salt cave treatment. These structures – both natural and manmade – surround you with Himalayan salt. You get to sit and relax in these rooms, often in a massage chair, or with meditative music.
Spas that offer salt caves make big claims about the benefits, including relief from respiratory problems, and improved skin. Medical professionals, however, remain skeptical.
Our opinion? Salt caves are an amazing place to visit to take in the beauty, and for deep meditation. We wouldn’t expect any extreme physical results, though, outside of a placebo effect.
Mud Baths
Mud baths may not sound relaxing, but they’ve been a popular spa attraction for many years. Advocates for mud baths claim that soaking in mud can help provide your body with minerals, such as magnesium and potassium, that could help ease skin irritation and sore muscles. Allowing the mud to dry before washing off is also a great way to exfoliate your skin.
We aren’t sure we’d choose a mud bath over a nice massage, but depending on where you are traveling to, mud baths can be a great, family-friendly tourist destination. At the very least, you’ll end up with some fun photos that you can laugh about for years to come.
What is the strangest spa treatment you’ve ever tried? Share with us below!