Fish Pedicure

Fish pedicure , well what is that all about?. Sounds kind of unbelievable doesn't it but this is the latest in pedicure treatments around at the moment. It's out with the stones, emery boards and creams and in with the garra rufa fish spa treatments that are causing such a stir at the moment. So how does this pedicure treatment work?. Well it generally involves visiting a salon and putting your feet into some warm water. The little fish will soon realise that your feet are there and start nibbling away at the dead skin areas of your feet which will hopefully leave them smooth to the touch refreshed. The Doctor Fish themselves are a breed of carp and can vary in size but look like small tiddlers you would usually find as a child when searching through rock pools.

The fish themselves seem to get excited when they see the submerged feet in the tank but don't worry too much they have no teeth and the sensation is more akin to a gentle tickle rather than a ravenous bite.  Fish pedicure sessions generally last between a half hour and an hour. One of the most popular questions that gets asked about fish therapy is in relation to the risks involved to the human.  Following many enquiries to the Health Protection Agency from local environmental health officers here in the UK. At present there haven't been any direct cases of infections spreading from human to human or from the fish themselves however the investigation is ongoing.

As well as possible risks although not proven there are on the flip side many health claims made in relation to the fish pedicure.  The garra rufa exfoliation treatment is said to stimulate blood flow and improve circulation. Foot odour too can be eradicated along with the removal of bacteria and helping with athletes foot. The biggest claims come from people who suffer from eczema and psoriasis  although the Chief Executuve of the National Eczema Society and Information Officer at the Psoriasis Association have been luke warm in response about these potential benefits.  So like anything in life taking a fish foot spa is a personal choice, I mean there are dangers all around us and it's all about weighing up the pros and cons.

The fish pedicure is a novel idea and given the right health and safety standards can benefit the human and the fish I believe. Like with anything in life there will be people trying to exploit the market and do things the wrong way but this doesn't mean that we should immediatly put a stop to this like they have done already in the U.S. I am a liberal at heart and I do believe in personal freedom of choice, if you choose to have your feet nibbled by garra rufa fish then why not?