Have we got a treat for our clients this month???Yes we do!!! July sees the arrival of the Fish Pedi to Pure Escape!!! I’m sure you have all seen it on tv or in magazines and have wondered what it would be like???
THE TREATMENT
The treatment will gently exfoliate your skin in the most natural way possible without the use of chemicals or scrapers.
- Visitors will receive a towel and on arrival and will be asked to fill out a short health questionnaire
- (If you are wearing nail varnish we can remove that in the spa but its best to have it removed before hand. We also recommend that you have not applied fake tan in the last five days. It is important that you have no fresh cuts on your skin as the fish are “cleaner fish” and will concentrate on these areas which can be uncomfortable)
- You are then guided to your personal tank where in your own time you can immerse your feet gently into the warm water tank full of our Garra Rufa fish which will immediately begin to exfoliate and massage your feet by gently sucking on your skin.
- After the treatment you are provided with some moisturiser for your feet
Who is it for?
All age groups men and woman
- People on their feet allot in need of some tlc
- Sports people particularly Rugby and GAA players with tough skin built up over the years
The Background
Originally from southern Turkey and northern Syria, for centuries Doctor Fish™ have been known for softening and cleansing the skin of people who bathed in hot springs where the fish darted about. As the legend goes, the healing powers of the fish were discovered in modern times by a shepherd and his flock in Turkey in 1917. Apparently he stumbled into marshy ground with an injured foot and found the open wound besieged by these little fish. The wound healed and eventually word got out
to the outside world about these efficacious little “man-eaters”.
Worldwide, these Dr. Fish have made a name for themselves as “bio-therapists”, “dermatologists” and “pedicurists”. Members of the carp family, this species of fish thrives in hot water (up to 43 degrees centigrade!), which make them ideal “hot plunge pool companions”.
It sounds crazy, but don’t knock it until you try it – it is surprisingly fun. These normally vegetarian fish home in on areas of dry skin, especially around heels and soles of the feet and finger nails. For a psoriasis sufferer, the fish target the plaques — areas of sore, red and thickened skin.
The British Association of Dermatologists, avers that this removal of superfluous skin flakes aids exfoliation, particularly with psoriasis sufferers, since “it may help topical medications to penetrate, which is why some people may notice some improvement, but we are not aware of other proven benefits”.
THE FISH
Scientific Information
- Garra rufa (Heckel, 1843)
- Family Cyprinidae (Carps)
- Size up to 15cm, according to museum records, but usually around 10cm
Origin
A non-migratory freshwater fish found in rivers through much of Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Turkey and Syria. There are also unconfirmed reports of the species in Oman and Saudi Arabia, but these aren’t considered compatible with the distributional range of the species.
Habitat
According to Krupp and Schneider, most Garra rufa are found in small muddy streams, rivers and lakes. However, the fish is also found in hot pools and locals bathe there in an attempt to get the fish to remove scales from their skin caused by a range of dermatological conditions.
Water
Temperatures in the natural habitat are said to range from 15-28C. In hot pools, the fish is said to live at a temperature around the 37C mark.
Garra Rufa Origins
Originally from southern Turkey and northern Syria, for centuries Garra Rufa, have been known for softening and cleansing the skin of people who bathed in hot springs where the fish thrived. As the legend goes, the healing powers of the fish were discovered in modern times by a shepherd and his
flock in Turkey 1917. Apparently he stumbled into marshy ground with an injured foot and found the open wound besieged by these Doctor Fish™. The wound healed and eventually word got out to the outside world about these incredible little “man-eaters”.
Worldwide, Garra Rufa have made a name for themselves as “bio-therapists”, “dermatologists” and “pedicurists”. Members of the carp and tilapia family, the Garra Rufa thrive in hot water (they can withstand up to up to 43 degrees centigrade!), which make them ideal “hot plunge pool companions”.
How the Garra Rufa Work
The treatment itself even has a name – “ichthyotherapy” – which is defined as “ the use of fish to treat illness, e.g. certain members of the family Cyprinidae such as Garra rufa and Cyprinion macrostomum living in hot springs near Sivas, Turkey nibble at skin lesions and are said to cure psoriasis. Probably exposure to UV light and to selenium in the water is aided by removal of dead skin”.
When kept in the correct conditions, Garra Rufa home in on areas of dry skin, especially around heels and soles of the feet and finger nails. For a psoriasis or eczema sufferer, the fish target the plaques — areas of sore, red and thickened skin.
Some Other Facts about Garra Rufa
They hide in and adhere by suction to stones and vegetation with their ventral crescent-shaped mouths and are bottom dwellers. They feed on algae, phytoplantons and zooplanktons but these are at times scarce because of the high temperatures of the water they live in. Garra Rufas are harmless and toothless fishes. These hardy fishes can live in warm waters of temperatures around 35 C to 43C.
Garra rufa is legally protected from commercial exploitation in Turkey due to concerns of over harvesting for export. As such this fish is not often seen in the aquarium trade.
References
- Ichthyotherapy as alternative treatment for patients with psoriasis: a pilot study, Grassberger M, Hoch W
- Fish Base, Garra rufa, Heckel 1843
- The distribution of taste buds in Garra rufa, Cinar K, Senol N, Kuru N.
FQA
Fish Spa, what is it?
A natural pedicure method originating from Turkey and practised all over the Far East. This unique skin treatment massages your feet using Garra Rufa fish. It is a great individual or group pampering experience which is something new that feels fantastic!
What are the benefits?
During a treatment the fish nibble away the dry skin from your feet leaving you with healthy, rejuvenated skin. Your feet will feel amazing, refreshed and healthy.
These clever fish can also stimulate acupuncture points, helping to regulate the nervous system, relax the body and release fatigue. Your blood circulation and flow is also greatly increased during the treatment.
What does it feel like?
The treatment can be a little tickly to start with, which is great, because we can all do with a laugh once in a while! You will feel a light tingling sensation and enjoy a relaxing foot massage.
Does it hurt, Can they bite?
No! The fish have no teeth so the treatment works by them gently sucking away at the dry skin which is a lovely experience.
Also we use only genuine Garra Rufa fish and not fake imitation Chin Chin or Nile Tilapia commonly used in dubious treatments in South East Asia and the US.
How clean is the treatment, is it sanitary?
After liasing with the UK council and health authorities we have arrived at a filtration design that not only meets current EU regulations but surpasses them. We employ a state of the art filtration system to ensure the utmost safety for our customers and of course for our workers! The water is filtered and also sterilized 5 times an hour using a high powered UV light which kills off bacteria, ensuring the highest standard of hygiene.
Secondly we use only authentic Garra Rufa fish which have been utilized for hundreds of years not imitation fish which can grown teeth and have been used in south east asia and the US in the past as a cheap alternative. Garra Rufa have no teeth and only utilize gentle suckers to exfoliate the skin this is how they got the name kissing fish.
How much does it cost?
Amazingly it costs a lot less than you may think! Treatment starts at just 15 euros.
