Science till date, cannot fully explain tickling. Theories abound, of course one of them claims it's the body's reaction to external stimuli, especially against a predator threat. Tickling is one of the reasons why I usually stay away from spas and their massages. While most clients slip into deep slumber, my nerves go berserk in there.


Before rubbing the hot pot, the masseuse kneads the body with her hands to remove the knots 

So, I am a nervous wreck when I walk into the sprawling 7,000 sq ft Thai Privilege Spa at Inch by Inch, Versova. I am to take a Hot Salt Pot Treatment, an ancient Thai remedy that begins with acupressure to soothe body tension and balance energy lines. Kalsang Dorjee, the spa manager, tells me, "A warm Thai clay pot filled with sea salt and lily leaves is massaged on the body to assist detoxification and reduce water retention. The high temperature of the salt crystals re-energises the body and wards off flu and common cold."