Most Repulsive and Weird Medical Cures From Around the World

A significant section of patients around the world find cures through traditionally evolved remedial systems, not through western prescription medicines. In a number of instances the traditional cures are sought when the modern medicine fails. Below are some of the most repulsive and weird medical cures from across the globe.

A pregnant woman in Peru attends a dolphin therapy session. The dolphin's high-frequency sounds are said to stimulate the fetus's brain in utero, thereby improving neuron development.

Hirudotherapy, or the use of leeches for medical bloodletting purposes, began 2,500 years ago.

Mineral-rich mud from the "Lagoon of Miracles" in Chilca, Peru, is said to cure everything from acne to rheumatism.

In 2007 the Beijing News reported that 66-year-old Jiang Musheng, shown here, had eaten live frogs, mice, and rats for 40 years in an effort to stay healthy.

Hijama, a combination of cupping and bloodletting, is a therapy described by the prophet Mohammed and used in many Islamic societies to treat chronic pain, rheumatism, eczema, and other diseases. The procedure involves the application of cups at pain sites. A tight seal is created to stimulate blood flow, and then small incisions are made and the cups are reapplied. Pressure from the seal draws "decayed" blood from the body.

Laughter therapy, also known as laughter yoga, is said to relieve stress and increase energy. It is especially popular in India, where it was developed by Mumbai physician Dr. Madan Kataria in 1995.

A man holds a bottle of cow urine antiseptic aftershave, also intended for use on cuts.

Medicinal herbs are placed in the mouth of a live sardine or murrel fish and slipped into a patient's throat.

The facial paralysis treatment uses a walnut, placed over his eye, and moxibustion, or the burning of dry moxa (mugwort) leaves.

A man relaxes during a rheumatism sand treatment at Egypt's Siwa Oasis in 2010.