Disturbing ripples of apprehension are being caused by the burgeoning trend of an exotic wellness treatment that involves using Earth’s lowly earthworms in a spa therapy. This therapeutic trend has taken the Thai social space by storm. However, while proponents laud it for potential health advantages such as enhanced relaxation, and improved skin moisture and smoothness, detractors admonish possible hazards of indigenous contamination within the human body.
The unorthodox spa treatment of applying earthworms on the skin, has elicited concern from Arnat Tancho, Director of the Natural Farming R&D Centre at Maejo University in Chaing Mai, and a renowned authority on earthworms. He opines that whilst earthworms could conceivably be utilized for health recuperation and repair, cautionary notes must be taken into account by both spa entrepreneurs and their populace of clients.
In his discourse with ThaiRath, Arnat elucidated how earthworms could inadvertently become hosts to a myriad species of microorganisms, numbering over 500 types, imparting that this symbiosis isn’t entirely without perils. As a matter of fact, while some of these microorganisms could confer benefits, others may pose a legitimate threat to human health.
Earthworms, in their natural process of respiration through their skin, discharge mucus. This mucus teems with microorganisms, many of which have the potential to undermine human health. Arnat thus posits a word of caution to people tempted by the idea of an earthworm spa. He advises them to ensure they don’t have any open sores which could serve as easy access points for the entry of germs.
Furthermore, Arnat cautions individuals with pre-existing health conditions or weakened immune systems against dabbling with this spa treatment. Under his experienced oversight, certain studies have shed light on the existence of compounds in earthworm mucus which could indeed have a beneficial effect on the skin. However, he emphasizes these compounds should be adequately cleaned before use due to the individualistic nature of every person’s immune response.
Consequently, Arnat strongly asserts the safety of this modish earthworm spa is far from absolute and suggests its safety is subject to individual interpretation. While acknowledging the potential dangers associated with it, he notes the absence of reported adverse reactions thus far might be due to the silent nature of these risks.
In the midst of this growing ambiguity, Jedsada, a reporter from the eminent Channel 7, took matters into his own hands by personally undergoing an earthworm spa treatment. He broadcasted his experience on Facebook; although visibly anxious, he stoically endured as an increasing number of earthworms were positioned on his skin.
A captivating video link captures the entire spa process in all its glorious detail. Are you astoundingly brave or morbidly curious? Watch if you dare, right HERE.
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