The Garra Rufa fish, also referred to as the Doctor Fish, is a toothless member of the Carp family. The fish were first used in Turkey in the early 1800's as a treatment for skin conditions such as psoriasis - quickly becoming a popular therapeutic skin treatment throughout the Middle East and Europe. The fish sucking away dead skin where damaged or dead skin is shed proved to be beneficial in the healing of skin problems - because the fish produce enzymes which slow down the development of skin cells where problems occur.
These days Garra Rufa fish are part of a popular spa treatment in Europe, Asia, parts of the United States and Canada, used for manicures and pedicures. This is considered to be a natural organic form of pedicure that improves circulation, leaves feet feeling rejuvenated and provides general relaxation. Your hands and feet are immersed in water and are exfoliated by the fish sucking away dead skin. Some spas provide facilities for the immersion of your whole body - imagine that.
 |
The fish are starved before going into the foot
bath so that they are ravenous and do a good
job eating the dead skin, fungus and other crap
from your feet.
|
There is no way to sterilize fish since you can't boil the little suckers. So it is no surprise that the Garra Rufa fish pedicure is banned in many US states and Canadian provinces due to public health and sanitation concerns - one of them being, the the use of the same fish to clean the hands and feet of multiple clients and spreading infection.
I personally find this creepy. How about you - would you try a fish pedicure?
0 comments:
Post a Comment