[PHOTOS] People In China Are Getting Their Crotch And Other Body Parts Set On Fire
In our weekly column RANDOM WEDNESDAY this week, we present to you a story about an apparent fire therapy that involves setting one's crotch region, along with other body parts, on fire.
By Sadho Ram — 18 Jun 2014, 05:30 PM — Updated almost 10 years ago
A spa in Fujian province is doing something that no one, nowhere else has done before, and we're not sure why anyone, anywhere else would actually want to
Several blogs are reporting on a spa treatment in China which could bring literal meaning to Jerry Lee Lewis’ famous rock n roll song Great Balls of Fire. While fire therapy or hua liao is not exactly new over there, a spa in the country’s Fujian province has taken it one step further.
therakyatpost.com
As noted by reporter Chris Buckley, Photo Sina has a series of picture of a type of fire therapy called "huo liao" (火疗). And it looks utterly terrifying.
kotaku.com
According to Kotaku, here's how it works:
A rope made from various herbs is placed on the patient's body and covered with plastic wrap.
kotaku.com
Then, two wet towels are placed over the wrap and the herbal coil. Alcohol is poured on the towels and then set ablaze.
gq.com
The treatment method is said to have originated from Tibet, and can allegedly cure everything from depression to infertility
Apparently originating from Tibet, this is now a form of Chinese medicine. It's like moxibustion, which has been practiced throughout Asia for centuries, but more terrifying looking.
kotaku.com
The heat apparently creates a warm feeling for the patients and can supposedly help relieve stress and, according to one clinic, everything from depression and diarrhea to indigestion and infertility.
therakyatpost.com
However, the crotch region isn't the only area where the fire therapy is used — the back, shoulders, etc. can also be effective starting points
The clinics offering this therapy should be staffed with trained professionals, as fire safety and closely monitoring the patient is of the utmost importance
However, people online in China appear equally bewildered by the practice, cracking jokes like, "Sir, how well would you like your meat cooked?"
