Earthworm spa trend raises health concerns: Expert digs into risks

A health expert raised concerns regarding the growing popularity of an earthworm spa, citing potential risks of contamination within the body’s system.

The earthworm spa went viral on a Thai social media platform recently. It was said that placing the earthworms on different parts of the skin provided several health benefits, such as making the body relax and increasing the moisture and smoothness of the skin.

The Director of the Natural Farming R&D Centre of Maejo University in Chaing Mai, Arnat Tancho, is an expert on earthworms. Arnat expressed his opinion on the spa stating it is possible to use earthworms to aid health recovery and repair but highlighted crucial considerations that both spa operators and patrons need to be mindful of.

Arnat told ThaiRath that earthworms could potentially introduce harmful germs into the body, leading to systemic contamination. He elaborated that the worms host an array of over 500 microorganism species within their bodies.

While some of these microorganisms offer benefits, others pose risks to human health. The act of earthworms’ respiration through their skin entails mucus, which contains many microorganisms capable of endangering human well-being.

Arnat recommended people who were interested in getting an earthworm spa to make sure that they did not have any open wounds that could facilitate germ entry into the body. Moreover, people with health issues or compromised immune systems are strongly advised to avoid the spa.

Arnat stated that some of the studies performed under his supervision revealed that some compounds in an earthworm’s mucus can nurture the skin. However, the compounds can be used only after they are cleaned because each person has a distinct immunological profile.

Arnat emphasised that the earthworm spa was not safe at all but it depended on each person’s discretion. He said that it is dangerous but many people did not report adverse symptoms post-treatment.

A reporter from Channel 7, Jedsada, also shared his experience of getting an earthworm spa on Facebook. In the video, Jedsada looked worried but he still allowed the spa staff to pour more and more earthworms over his body. Watch the video of the spa process HERE.