The line between expensive modern health treatments and ancient forms of torture is a fine one. Here are some of the oddest 'rest' cures available.

1. At the Abano Grand Hotel near Padua, Italy electric charges stimulate the lymph gland and remove wrinkles. Ask for: a Myra-lift

2. A hot mud treatment at the Abano is said to reduce inflammation, relieve arthritis and cleanse your skin. Ask for: a Fango

3. Float in a pool of pure sea oil at the Hotel Meridien, Cyprus to treat arthritis, psoriasis and eczema. Ask for: Thalassotherapy

4. Have buttermilk poured on your head as part of the Indian science of Ayurveda at the Taj Ayurveda Centre, Calicut, in Kerala, India. Ask for: a Dhara

5. Let your dry, massaged body be covered in a spice paste at the Oberoi Hotel in Bali. Ask for: a Boreh

6. Be slathered in yoghurt, before having a warm bath filled with scented flowers at the Sanctuary Zara Spa at the Mövenpick Resort, Jordan. Ask for: a Mandi Lulur

7. Have fetal lamb's cells injected into your muscles at the £1,700 per week Hotel Roc Blanc, Andorra if you want to look younger. Ask for: Live-Cell Therapy

8. For spinal problems, and with the consent of their an in-house doctor, you can be hung up by the arms with your lower trunk resting (!) in a pool at the Hotel Gellért, Budapest, Hungary. Ask for: Traction Cure

9. The Hotel Gellért also offers stimulation of the body with electrodes which can prompt the body's natural electric impulses into a healthier rhythm. Ask for: Electro-therapy

10 The Rogner Bad Blumau, Austria, uses an ancient holistic treatment of Tibetan singing bowls, bells, gongs and a sound pyramid to heal. Ask for: Sound therapy

· Erna Low can arrange trips to all of these treatment locations (020 7590 1777). Argo Holidays (0870 0667070) offers resorts in Greece and Cyprus.