Beauty conscious people will always think about their beauty. They always wish that their beauty should be perfect. It may be hair, face, skin and also their feet. Having smoother skin on feet and legs has always been something people looked for. There are many spas and list of different pedicure methods, especially for beauty conscious people. Now “Fish Pedicure” is a new addition to the list.

 What is fish pedicure?

Fish pedicure is a method in which fish will do foot treatment.

 Fish pedicure Method :

In the beginning, shoulders massage will be done for about 10 minutes. Later your feet will be cleaned with soap, lotion or with ointment. Then your toes nail will be trimmed. Later your feet will be placed into a tank filled with small fish for about 10 –20 minutes.

This tank contains 100 –1000 fishes. Before placing your feet into the tank, cleaning of feet is very necessary because dust and other chemical substances of your feet may prove dangerous to fish’s health. These fish enthusiastically remove dead skin tissues on the feet leaving them softer and easier to manage. This is usually followed up by a standard pedicure method ie, after taking out your feet from the tank; light massage will be done for your feet. Later nail polish of your choice will be applied to nails.

 Fish Used for Fish Pedicure - “Garra Rufa”: 

Not all fishes are used for fish pedicure. A particular fish called “Garra Rufa” is used for fish pedicure. It is also called as “Doctor fish”, “Nibble fish” and “Kangal fish”. This fish is found in the river basins of the Northern and Central Middle East, mainly in Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. These are harmless and toothless fishes. They can live in warm water of temperature around 35C to 40C. These fishes feed on dead skin tissue (External layer of skin). They also feed on algae. However they are also given other fish foods and vitamins to stay healthy.Garra Rufa fishes are usually grow a maximum of 12-14 cm (1-3 inches) in length and they live about 4-6 years.

 Advantages of Fish Pedicure :

1. This is natural pedicure. It gives smoothness and softness for rough feet.
2. It gives relaxation and freshness for tired feet.
3. Fish pedicure is painless, as fishes don’t have tooth.
4. Many spa goers find fish pedicure to be relaxing and enjoy the slight tingling sensation created by the feeding fish
5. Fishes suck away dead skin, unveiling healthy, soft skin that lies beneath
6. Fish pedicure is not only a beauty treatment; it is used for treating skin diseases like Psoriasis, Corns, calluses, heel fissures and other foot conditions that can lead to major foot problems.
7. When these fishes nibble on dead skin, they excrete a special kind of saliva, which is rich in enzyme that helps to treat skin diseases.
8. Fish pedicure regulates nervous system and also improves blood circulation to the feet.

Origin of Fish Pedicure :

It is said that fish pedicure concept is originated from Turkey. During the year 1800, people of turkey were using these fishes to cure skin diseases. But later in 2006, Japan and Crowasia started firs Doctor fish spa resorts. In 2008, some regions of USA adopted fish pedicure. England accepted fish pedicure method very recently. But in England fish pedicure is used only for treating skin diseases and not as beauty treatment. Now countries like Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, China, Belgium, and Netherlands are also using fish pedicure therapy.

Fish pedicure in India :

Fish pedicure concept is not new in India. Here in some states, skin diseases and Asthma are treated through fish. And also Indians believe that if they place foot into lakes of temples, their skin diseases disappear. So what happens actually is, when they place their feet into the lake, fishes will come in a group and crowd around their feet and eat their diseased skin cells thereby causing the growth of new healthy skin. But people believe that God has cured their disease. Whatever, in India treatment of skin diseases with fish is not new but the concept of fish pedicure as a beauty treatment is definitely new to India.

However now fish pedicure is also gaining popularity in India. It has now emerged as a new age luxury beauty treatment in Indian spas and salons. This facility is available only in metropolitan cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi with selected spas and salons right now. These spa owners import Garra Rufa fishes from Singapore.

 Risks and Safety Concerns associated with Fish Pedicure :

Health officials are concerned about the growing phenomenon of fish pedicures.

 1. Fish pedicure can cause infection on skin

According to officials, a fish pedicure can cause tiny nicks or scratches on the skin, which have the potential to become infected with bacteria and fungus.

2. Spreading of Infection

Using the same fish to clean the skin of multiple customers could lead to the spread of infection. Though it is not proved till today, health officials are concerned about this. Due to this reason, fish pedicure is already banned in New York and Washington D C.

3. Cleanliness of water

Water in the tank in which fish pedicure is done should be clean and should be bacteria free. Water should be cleaned daily and should be sterilized in maximum temperature to remove any virus and bacteria. Water should be chlorinated.

4. Inhumane treatment of fishes

To make these small fishes more efficient at performing their job, the fish are given little food and will be kept in the state of hungry. This motivates them to attack the dead skin tissue on feet with more enthusiasm.

5. Using fake, look –a-like fish instead of Garra Rufa

Some salons are substituting the real, more expensive Garra Rufa with cheaper fish called "chin chin". Not only are clients not getting what they pay for, but also these fish actually grow teeth as they age and are potentially more dangerous because they can break the skin and therefore readily spread infection.

 People started loving this fish pedicure therapy. But they should be aware of all these risks. Fish pedicure concept is different from other pedicure concept as it is used in treatment of skin diseases also. It is also called as “Reflexology”.

• Written by Chetana Hegde.
• In category Personal Care.
• 14 years ago.

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