Originally found in the pools of a hot spring near Kangal, a small town in Turkey, the Garra Rufa fish or Doctor fish, as they are commonly known have made quite a name for themselves.
Discovered in the early 1800s, these amazing fish have been reported to be beneficial in battling skin diseases, muscle trauma and joint disease, as well as rheumatic and neurologic disorders. People suffering from Psoriasis have seen results after therapeutic sessions with the Doctor fish over a period of time spent in the spa waters.
What Are Doctor Fish
Doctor fish, or Garra Rufa, are unique bottom-feeding freshwater fish found living the Middle East. The mineral content and warmth of the water they live in creates a scarcity of food. It is believed that because of the limited availability of food, the Doctor Fish have developed their unusual behavior of nibbling dead skin cells from people in the water.
The Legend of Doctor Fish
The story of how the Doctor Fish came to be so beneficial began in the early 1800s. Two brothers happened upon a hot spring in a field. They jumped in and were surprised to feel a host of small fish gathering around their feet. The fish began to nibble their toes gently and swarmed around the boys, tickling them.
From then on, the two brothers went to the hot spring every day. Amazingly, the one brother suffering from a skin disease recovered after some time spent with the Garra Rufa fish gently removing the affected dead skin cells.
The news spread like wildfire and people came from all over to enjoy the unique experience. Some people found their skin problems ceased after multiple visits with the fish. Hence the name, Doctor Fish.
When Did The Doctor Fish Come to America
In 2008 the first widely-known Doctor Fish pedicure service was opened in the U.S. by John Ho in Alexandria, Virginia. With this safe, environmentally friendly pedicure, the Doctor Fish have become more popular in the U.S. Prices will vary, but in Fort Myers, Florida, at Glow Skincare, you can have a fifteen minute water pedicure for $35 with authentic Garra Rufa fish in a delightful setting.
Is a Fish Pedicure Sanitary
Ivette Cauceglia, owner of Glow Skincare, assures us it is. "The Nibbles pedicure is completely safe and sanitary. After each Nibbles pedicure, the spa is drained, cleaned and sterilized. It is then refilled with fresh, clean filtered water which is also sterilized. Our 'Nibbles Techs' are then replaced where they eagerly await the next client."
What Does A Fish Pedicure Feel Like
Once feet have been placed in the warm water, the Doctor fish begin to investigate. This pedicure is certain to bring a smile to your face. Once you have passed the point of feeling ticklish, the fish begin to act as a stimulating, yet relaxing massage with one hundred twenty five of them running their little suction cup mouths along your feet and toes. Rest assured, these inch-long fish have no teeth!
They seek out and remove dead skin, bacteria and calluses while rejuvenating healthy skin. The initial feeling of trepidation dissipates quickly as the tingling sensations mimic a massage. The only way to understand it comes from experience. Bring your camera, you'll want to share it with your friends and family! You won't regret it.
References:
- Ivette Cauceglia, owner, Glow Skincare, www.youwillglow.com
- "Toe in the Water", Baltimore Sun, Sept.15, 2008
- NPR.org/templates/story/story.php?storyid=93209785 (Aug. 4,2008)
Vicki F. Chavis - Growing up in Asia, Europe and North America left Vicki with a love of cuisine, history, language, fashion and travel. Today she writes on ...
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