Fish Pedicure

The popularity of fish spas is increasing. If you have not experienced it, you probably are looking forward to trying what a lot of people have been talking about.

Here are a few truths about fish spas to satisfy your curiosity:

Fishes used in fish pedicure services are called Garra Rufa or doctor fish. They are bottom-feeding freshwater fish found in the Middle East. The mineral content and the temperature of the water where they live in is not the ideal environment for plants to grow in, thus causing the scarcity of food. Because of this, the fishes have developed the unusual behavior of nibbling on the dead skin of the people who are in the water.

Garra Rufa fishes are small, usually only about an inch long, and have no teeth. Their mouths are like suction cups that suck in dead skin cells.

It is said that the healing capabilities of Garra Rufa were first observed in the early 1800s in a hot spring near Kangal, a small town in Turkey. Two brothers were said to have chanced upon a hot spring in a field and were surprised to find small fishes gathering around their feet as they bathed. The fish nibbled on their toes gently and the brothers found the experience ticklish.

The brothers, from then on, came back to bathe in the hot spring. After a few trips to the spring, one of the brothers, who was suffering from a skin condition, found that he has recovered because the fish gently removed the dead skin cells in the affected area.  The news about the recovery of one of the brothers from a skin condition spread and soon people who were also suffering from skin conditions came to the spring to experience for themselves the benefits of the fishes, which later came to be known as doctor fish.

One of the trends when it comes to spa services is the fish pedicure. This service has become very popular because of its uniqueness and the benefits that it gives. Imagine little fishes nibbling on your feet! What could be more unique than that?

More and more people are trying out this new spa service because aside from being a relaxing experience, this has also been known to have many health benefits.

Fish spa promotes natural exfoliation because the fish feeds on dead skin and callouses in the feet. Dead skin is lifeless and dull, which is why we need to exfoliate once in a while to get rid of dead skin and expose young and glowing skin. Getting rid of dead skin on the surface of the feet can also lighten minor scars in the area.

The fishes used in this type of spa service are called Garra Rufa or doctor fish. They are also called “little masseurs” because, by sucking on the skin of the feet, they are also doing what is called a micro-massage. Massages are known to promote blood circulation.

Those who suffer from psoriasis and minor eczema can benefit from going to the fish spa because it is known to ease the symptoms of the said diseases. Fish spas are also known to have therapeutic effects on people who have muscle trauma, joint diseases, as well as rheumatic and neurological disorders.

Aside from being a natural exfoliant and a type of massage, fish spas can also release stress and tension and can be a great way to relax. How? The fishes nibbling on the dead skin of your feet will initially give you a ticklish feeling, which can make you laugh. Isn’t laughter considered the best medicine for all types of health conditions?

Your friends have tried it and are raving about how wonderful the experience is. You read about it a lot in magazines and on the Internet. You want to try it but have doubts because the experience is something new and you do not like the idea of fishes swimming around your feet.

Your attitude towards getting a fish pedicure is normal. Indeed, getting a pedicure from over 20 small fishes is an extraordinary experience. Your friends and the many people who have tried the experience have felt the way you do now when they first tried a fish spa.

But really, there is truth to what others are saying that a fish spa is addicting and healthy as well. Here are 5 reasons why:

1. Fish spas are stress busters. Imagine yourself giggling and eventually bursting into laughter as small fishes suck on the recesses of your feet and your toes. What a simple way to relieve stress, right? The 30-minutes or more that you spend soaking your feet in warm water is also a great way to relax.
2. Fish spas provide natural exfoliation of dead skin. When dead skin accumulates, the area becomes itchy and ugly to look at. Going to a fish spa will help you get rid of dead skin naturally because the fish will feed on dead skin in your feet.
3. Fish spas promote blood circulation. The sucking action of the fishes, though ticklish at first, is like a micro massage, improving blood circulation.
4. Fish spas can lighten minor scars and get rid of callouses.  Since the fish feed on dead skin, minor scars are lightened and callouses slowly disappear.
5. Fish spas can help ease skin problems. Many people who have psoriasis and other skin problems have reported improved conditions after going to fish spas.