Something fishy!
- 12 August 2010 07:5765065I'm always up for trying out anything new and interesting so I jumped at the chance to experience the new phenomenon of a fish pedicure. Yes that's right I said fish, or to be more precise Garra Rufa fish. They are a small fresh water species native to the Middle East and sometimes called Doctor fish. Basically you take a seat, submerge your feet in a warm (35c) tank of water which is continually pumped through a filtration system and ultraviolet sterilisers. Lots of tiny fish nibble away any dead skin leaving feet smooth and soft. They don't have teeth so they don't bite; they simply snack on dead skin cells.
When I first told my friends where I was going I had the usual jokes - "good cod", "it's a load of carp", "I'd try it too just for the halibut", "I've been herring that there's a plaice that does the sole of the foot as well as the 'eel" - and so it went on! One person asked what happens when the fish get full, but let's not go there!
Once you are past the initial 'what am I doing/this is weird/it tickles' 30 second mark it's actually quite relaxing. I love reflexology and though this is very different, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It feels like fine vibrations over your feet. Some people prefer not to watch the fish do their stuff so they read or use their laptops but I was completely fascinated.
30 minutes later my feet emerged feeling baby soft. It definitely warranted a 10/10 and I can't wait to do it again.
- 12 August 2010 08:0165066Sounds (and looks) fascinating.
No point in repeating all those fishy jokes.
Is it expensive Jeane ?
Roger - 12 August 2010 08:5965074Roger, try it for free with a paddle in the harbour - all those bits of seaweed you feel around your feet, some of them have teeth!
- 12 August 2010 09:0965076But surely, 30 minutes soaking in water at 35 degrees is going to make ones feet soft anyway? So, doesn't that make the fish a bit redundant? But i suppose, if asked to fork out hard-earned money to soak ones feet, one might cock a snook perhaps. So the purpose of the fish becomes purely marketing?
Sceptical? You bet!
- 12 August 2010 10:1065087Sid - "one might cock a snook perhaps"
(wasn't snook the word for whale-meat in the war!!) A bit big for feet I guess!---------------------------------------------------
Lincolnshire Born and Bred - 12 August 2010 10:2865091Roger I didn't have to pay but its £10 for 15 minutes or £18 for 30 minutes.
I was a bit skeptical too Sid and undoubtedly there is a novelty factor, but my feet definitely seemed softer and felt good afterwards. - 12 August 2010 10:4165099The treatment sounds lovely.---------------------------------------------------
Lincolnshire Born and Bred - 12 August 2010 11:0165105Yes I enjoyed it Kath. Apparently it's very good for anyone who has psoriasis and eczema.
- 12 August 2010 11:0565108Eugh not for me thanks.
- 12 August 2010 13:3165138No it's not for everyone Melissa.
There is a place where you can get completely in a tank with them but I'll just stick to feet thanks.
- 12 August 2010 17:4665185Would it work with gold fish ?
- 12 August 2010 17:5865187No they have to be Garra Rufa fish!
- 12 August 2010 18:0265190They must be tough fish at that temp ?
- 12 August 2010 18:0465192They are a fresh water species native to the Middle East so I guess they like it hot!
- 12 August 2010 18:0965194As long as the fish dont mind , it sounds quite nice .
- 12 August 2010 18:1265198They seemed quite happy. They do get fed nutrients every day so they don't just dine on hard skin.
- 12 August 2010 18:1665202So we wont have to get the rspca in then .
- 12 August 2010 18:2065205 No it's all good.
- 12 August 2010 18:2865209I might give it a go , me and Mel are going to a wedding next month , my feet will need a pampering after a night dancing .
- Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,835
12 August 2010 19:0065225Jeane...
I have seen this on TV and would love to have a go. Did you have to go far to get the nibbling treatment?-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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