Showing posts with label fish doctor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fish doctor. Show all posts

Fish Pedicures - Does Your Government Have a Right to Deny Your Option to Have Them?


The use of Garra Rufa fish to aide in the perfect pedicure is a fairly new concept in the United States, but it has been around in the eastern world for years. More than 100 years ago in Kangal, Turkey the Garra Rufa fish, and its unique healing abilities were discovered by accident. Travelers came upon a hot spring and found it soothing to bathe in before continuing on their journey. These travelers noticed swarms of tiny, toothless fish would nibble on various parts of their bodies, and when they got out their skin was smoother and healthier looking. It was subsequently discovered that the fish were eating the dead skin cells and leaving the live cells untouched. Thus, the fish massage, and more particularly the fish pedicure was discovered.

The first fish pedicure in the US using the Garra Rufa fish appeared in Virginia in 2008, and has popped up in many other states since then. However, there are about a dozen states that have banned the procedure on the basis of a statute that says all instruments used in pedicures must be discarded after each use, or sterilized before being used again on another client. This is so typical of the way government officials let their authority go to their head.

To consider a live Garra Rufa fish as an instrument in a procedure is laughable in itself, and to ignore decades of successful use in the eastern world as evidence of its safety is typical of the small minded approach so many "authority figures" in our government tend to use. This banning would be comparable to making it illegal to dangle your feet in a lake or pond because the little fishes in there could give you a disease. It also demonstrates the way government takes more stock in "mans way" than the natural way. Isn't this risk up to each of us? Where will this end? Lets face it, there is risk in everything, and we didn't form our government to tell us which risks we can or cannot take.

At the very most spas and salons offering the Garra Rufa fish treatments should be made to follow sanitation guidelines with regard to changing the water and cleaning the basin between uses (and they do) and post a disclaimer, or possibly even require the client to sign a waiver of liability, but to ban the procedure is purely dictatorial, and demonstrates the way government has transformed "of the people, by the people, and for the people" to "suppress the people."

Our country is based on a principle of freedom, and that principle should be applied to the Garra Rufa fish treatment both in terms of salons and spas being allowed to offer it, and people being allowed to make their own decisions as to whether to try it or not. It would be different if there were ANY documented cases of this treatment causing a health problem of any kind, but that is clearly not the case.

To learn more about the Garra Rufa fish treatments please visit http://www.canadianspaimports.com.

Get A Fishy Fish Pedicure


The fish pedicure has got to be the cutest foot-care treatment I've ever heard of. Before you ask, yes, the term "fish pedicure" is exactly what it sounds like: fish giving you a pedicure.

Getting Your Feet Wet

Conventionally, people would use razors to get rid of any scales or calluses they have on their feet. It's not exactly the safest or most comfortable way to go about it, but it's one of the cheapest and commonest ways to smooth down scaly feet.

A great alternative to razors is the fish pedicure. It doesn't involve any sharp objects scraping dangerously close to major arteries, just some warm water, and a lot of really small fish. Depending on where you get your underwater foot treatment, you could be plunging your tootsies into a warm footbath with a hundred or more of these tiny, toothless carp called garra rufa.

These fish thrive in hot water, which, unsurprisingly, doesn't really support much of the aquatic life they eat. So, when a tasty human foot comes along, they'll swim up to you and eat their fill of your dead skin. Usually, letting the fish go at it for about fifteen to thirty minutes is enough for most people to come out of it with really soft, completely callus-free tootsies.

A lot of spas will follow up their fish treatment with an actual pedicure, which many say becomes a lot easier because of how soft the skin becomes after the fish are done with you.

No Worries About Piranha Movies

Being toothless, these little guys won't be able to get to any of your live skin, so if you're worried about suffering the fate of a movie extra in a piranha flick, stop. Barring a really unlikely freak accident where a stray fish might mistakenly decide to swim up places where "the sun don't shine," garra rufa are harmless to humans.

And they're really cute.

On top of that, even though these guys are essentially eating your skin, a lot of customers say that it doesn't hurt when they do. They say it's more of a ticklish, tingly sensation, like your foot's fallen asleep or being really gently massaged.

Doctor Fish!

The whole fish spa thing got its start in Turkey, but it's spread to a lot of parts of Asia, and it's making a bit of a splash in the United States, too.

In the US though, even though the novelty of the fish pedicure has made it a hit among customers, US health officials are still a little worried about whether or not using skin-eating fish to clean your feet of extra stuff would be particularly sanitary. A lot of people swear by it though, and a lot of the time, customers have nothing but praise for the treatment.

Garra rufa are also referred to as "doctor fish" and "nibble fish" and for good reason: When they nibble away at your dead skin, they can also relieve some of the symptoms of skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and skin asthma. A few minutes in a tub full of these great little guys will give your smooth, younger-looking skin that all but glows with health.

What could possibly be cuter than that?
 

Garra Rufa Doctor Fish - Therapy For Joyful Healing and Delightful Fish Pedicure Treatments


The fish massage craze has swept Europe and the eastern world years ago, and is now becoming all the rage in the western world, especially in the salon and spa industry. These amazing doctor fish nibble away at the dead skin cells, and are said to have in their saliva, a therapeutic enzyme called dithranol, which aides in healing. Garra Rufa fish have no teeth, and they are only interested in the dead skin cells.

Many people use the doctor fish massage to help relieve symptoms of Psoriasis and/or Eczema. The practice originated in ancient times in a hot springs area in Kangal, Turkey, which is still a popular destination for fish therapy today, especially for those affected with Psoriasis and other similar skin disorders.

An even more popular treatment, however, is the Garra Rufa Fish pedicure or manicure. These treatments are very popular in many European and Asian countries. There are many spas there offering the spa fish pedicures. It is reported to be a very relaxing experience, like getting a gentle massage on your feet. When the hungry little doctor fish are done, your feet emerge with silky soft skin, and the Garra Rufa fish are not quite as hungry any more.

The doctor fish made their debut in the western world in 2008, where a Virginia salon first offered the unique fish massage treatment. Since then salons and spas across the country, and in Canada have popped up.

The fish pedicures have been banned in some states, based on some officials' interpretation of regulatory statutes which say that instruments used in pedicure treatments have to be sterilized between patients. It seems the little nibble fish come out of the sterilizer resembling lunch more than pedicure instruments.

Most of the states are not having a problem seeing how safe the doctor fish massage treatments are, especially in noting the impeccable record of healthiness and safety they have established for themselves on the eastern side of the world. There are many spas and salons offering the Garra Rufa fish massage treatments all across the continent, with new ones popping up more frequently in all the time.

In the Asian and European countries, the fish pedicure spas are usually communal, with several pairs of feet dangling in the warm fish habitat at any one time. The western world, however, has developed more stringent rules requiring the water to be completely purged and the basin to be cleaned with antibacterial soap between patients. Some even expose the fish to ultra violet rays to ensure conditions are completely sanitary.

If you find the millions of treatments with no reported drawbacks done on the eastern side of the globe to be convincing evidence of its safety, and think you may enjoy this exhilarating fish massage experience, then you are encouraged to give it a try. There are countless testimonials that these little doctor fish eating the dead skin that has accumulated on your feet can provide a very enjoyable and relaxing experience as well as leave your skin feeling and looking silky smooth and very healthy. These little spa fish not only remove the dead skin cells by consumption, but it is widely thought that there are healing benefits derived from the dithranol that has been found to exist in their saliva.

You can learn more about this delightful treatment at http://www.canadianspaimports.com.

Garra Rufa Fish Pedicures Are the Natural Way to Treat Your Feet


It all began years ago when 2 people were hiking through the wilds near what is now Kangal, Turkey. They came upon a hot springs. One of them suffered from a skin disease called psoriasis. They decided to stop and bathe in the hot springs for awhile. Much to their surprise, they were surrounded by little fish when they got into the water. The fish weren't biting them as far as they could tell, so they just sat back and enjoyed the soothing warm spring water.

When they got out of the water they were surprised to find out that their skin was much smoother and healthier looking, especially on the one who suffered from psoriasis. They decided to stay in the area for awhile so they could frequent the soothing hot springs a few more times. Over a couple of weeks time, the psoriasis was much improved.

Word spread quickly about the improvements to their skin from bathing in the hot springs, and people from neighboring towns began to frequent the hot springs as well. Over time, these springs became well known for their healing power, and are still frequented by many people from all over the world.

The secret to the healing accomplished in these springs is largely attributed to the little fish that swarmed the bodies of those who immersed themselves in the soothing, warm water. These fish, called Garra Rufa fish, were actually eating the dead skin cells from the skin of the bathers, leaving the healthy cells intact. These doctor fish were actually exfoliating the skin more effectively than most professional treatments performed by skin technicians today in salons and spas.

The Garra Rufa fish is now commonly used in salons and spas across the world for their amazing healing power. Garra Rufa are also known as spa fish, pedicure fish, doctor fish, dr fish, nibble fish, joy fish, massage fish, and many other nicknames. Fish pedicure treatments are common procedures in spas and salons across the world.

Fish spas have sprouted up in various states in the United States, as well as Canada since 2008. More fish pedicure treatment facilities are being added to spas and salons across the continent every day. People who are suffering from Psoriasis and similar skin disorders are particularly delighted about the benefits that are derived from the spa fish treatments.

A few states in the USA have banned the fish spa treatments, claiming that there are sanitation problems, but there are no reported cases of health issues arising from this unique spa fish treatment anywhere in the world. It seems that some state regulators in the salon and spa industry are inclined to classify the pedicure fish as instruments, and their regulations state that all instruments must be sterilized between patients. The fact is, however, that there are more health issues developed from using skin files and razors than from the Garra Rufa fish spa treatments.

These spa fish treatments are commonplace in Europe and Asia, and are becoming more and more popular all the time in the US and Canada. Many people are enjoying the rejuvenating effects of the fish pedicure experience, and Psoriasis patients are enjoying the healing effects as well. Click on the link to learn more about the Garra Rufa or doctor fish treatments.

More information about the Garra Rufa fish pedicures can be obtained at http://www.canadianspaimports.com

Creating a Splash - Fish Pedicures?!


As I walked around a local mall last weekend while traveling, I noticed an advertisement for the fish pedicure. The fish pedicure is a new type of inexpensive pedicure that is popular in Asian and Turkish countries, is starting to gain attention in the United States. It is advertised as a new way to rid your feet of dry, dead skin using fish. The pedicure involves submerging your feet in water while tiny little fish, called garra rufa, nibble away at your feet. Sound strange, well it should, as women are trying various ways to have smoother skin on their feet, why not try fish...just one more thing to add to the list of foot remedies.

Since many states don't allow the use of razors due to the sharps hazard and the sanitation issues, getting rid of the calloused skin on the feet, for some women, has become more tedious and requiring a little more work. Fish pedicures have already been banned in a few states in the United States due to health concerns. While not banned in most states, there is code in some areas that call for sanitizing of the fish but those sanitation requirements would kill the fish. So assuming until there are complaints or issues, then sanitation requirements may not be enforced.

Although there have not been any negative reports, the jury is still out on if there are any negative effects in this treatment. While this new treatment may seem harmless, there is no evidence as to whether any diseases or condition can be transmitted from fish to human, still proceed with caution. While the chances of contracting anything from the fish may be minimal, contracting something from the water may be more likely. The water in which you submerge your feet for the treatment, is supposed to be changed and clean water used for each new customer. Also, each customer's feet are supposed to be cleaned prior to the treatment and inspected for any possible infection or foot problems.

With that in mind, the question to ask yourself is: who is qualified in the salon as to whether a foot condition is infectious or not? Remember the individual performing your treatment is not a trained physician, and cannot definitively decide if a condition is infectious or not. As tinea pedis, aka athlete's foot, can look like just dry, peeling skin, to the average salon worker. Plus, with the possibly of turning a customer away may make a business owner think twice about sanitation efforts. So with all foot treatments, keep in mind your personal medical conditions, as novelty treatments, no matter how popular can be costly in the long run. If you have dry, calloused skin on your feet, consult your podiatrist for treatment. Be an advocate for your foot health.

Dr. Jennifer Feeny is a board certified podiatrist in Blacksburg Virginia. To read more of what Dr. Feeny is saying about foot health visit visit her website, Shenandoah Podiatry.

Fish Pedicure, Anyone?


For most of us, pedicures are a must. Whether you go to the salon for a pedicure once a month or once a year, chances are that you have had the experience of being pampered. Now nail salons and spas have come up with something else to draw you in-fish pedicures. Yes, you read that correctly. Fish pedicures are practiced in countries, such as China and Turkey, and are now becoming popular in the United States. Salons in Florida, Texas and DC are attracting customers with this intriguing service.

A fish pedicure is exactly what it sounds like. When you go to the salon, your feet are placed in a foot basin that contains up to a hundred garru rufa fish, also called doctor fish. These small fish nibble away at the dry skin on your feet. This is what we would call a mutual relationship in Science class. The fish get to eat and you get feet that are incredibly smooth and free of calluses and dry heels.

Fish pedicures may sound scary, but think about it as being one with nature. If you have ever gone swimming in a lake or snorkeling in the ocean, you may have observed little fish coming up to you and surrounding your body. You probably didn't mind much because the fish didn't hurt you. The fish that the salons use are toothless and people who have had the fish pedicure feel a tingling sensation. Others are tickled by it, literally. It has also been described as invigorating and a cool experience that leaves the feet feeling incredibly clean.

Salons that offer the fish service are booked for months. Apparently, people are willing to overcome their fear for beautiful, bare feet. One session will cost you roughly $35 for 15 minutes. At some salons, a technician finishes the job to slough away loosened, dead skin after the fish are done nibbling at your feet.

If you are waiting for fish pedicures to come to a state near you, think again. And if salons and spas already offer fish pedicures in your state, make an appointment pronto. Although extremely popular with the masses, many states are starting to ban fish pedicures. In fact, 14 states have already done so. The main reason for the ban is sanitation. The fish are recycled and there is no way to sanitize the fish. Providing fresh water and clean tanks are not enough to ensure that the fish won't transfer an infection from previous customers. If you are willing to try this service out for yourself, one thing is for sure-it will be the best pedicure you have ever had.

The author of this article writes on foot care, foot health, foot problems and foot decor. http://www.touchabletoes.com

Fish Pedicure Safety Called Into Question

Fish Pedicure Safety Called Into Question

It's the latest in pampering... a fish pedicure - dunking your feet into a warm water filled tank of Garra Rufa (a toothless carp) fish that eat away dead skin cells. They're very meticulous and don't miss a thing, and leave the skin of the feet (or hands) amazingly soft. Experts are checking into the safety of these unconventional procedures after worries that this bit of pampering might spread infection.

An agency in the U.K., the Health Protection Agency, had gotten a few questions and has begun investigating any possible risks of infection that come from the latest craze in pedicures. Guidelines are on the way. In the U.S., as many as 14 states have banned fish pedicures (others are looking into the procedure) because of concerns over using the same fish to clean multiple pairs of feet.

There are no infections linked to the use of fish pedis today.

The newest spa treatment is popular in Asia, Europe and parts of the U.S. and uses special fish called doctor fish to get rid of the dead skin on feet or fingers. Treatments include as many as 150 of these little fish swimming in the tank and gently suck at the feet, between the toes, at the heels and all over to remove dead skin. Since they have no teeth, they can't bite off live skin, so in as little as 15 minutes you'll be rid of three layers of dead skin.

You'll then have a traditional pedicure. The cost: $35 for 15 minutes; $50 for 30 minutes according to prices at an Alexandria, Virginia area spa.

So what's it feel like? If you can get over the idea of a bunch of hungry fish swarming around your feet and eating (gently sucking) your dead skin, the sensation is "lovely" according to a woman who has tried the procedure. Ticklish is how another client describes it. Both agree that if you don't look down, you'd never know you weren't enjoying a regular foot spa.

And then the fish are a nice alternative to the razors often used to remove dead skin from the feet in more traditional pedicures. Razors have fallen out of favor due to concerns about sanitation of the equipment.

These doctor fish can also be used to help with troublesome conditions of the skin such as psoriasis. Traditional treatments are topical or system wide medications, but more often today people are looking for more natural, side effect free alternatives. Experts believe that since the fish feed on skin scales, they will be able to reduce the scales that are part of psoriasis lesions. Resorts that offer the treatment for psoriasis are typically outside the United States.

If you do get a chance to experience a fish pedicure, you'll be smart to do some basic homework first. Ask some questions or inspect the area where the pedicures are done. You're looking for your own tank of fish, rather than a shared tank. There should be a filter for the water and the proper lighting (UV) for the fish. The water in the tank should be changed daily, and regularly checked for quality and bacteria levels. Add extra points for any salon that doesn't use the same batch of fish twice in the same day.

Washing of the feet, and a close check for open wounds should be a part of any quality pedicure. This is the most important way to keep infections from spreading.

Remember that the fish are officially considered "tools" of the trade, and can't truly be sanitized without killing them. And replacement fish are expensive. To find the status of whether a fish pedicure is available in your state, visit the board of health website for your location.

FREE Bonus Secret Health Reports - For a limited time you can grab 5 FREE essential health reports from the Daily Health Bulletin. Click through now to discover other beauty tips like having a fish pedicure to keep your skin looking great.

Why Not Try a Fish Pedicure?


It might sound a little strange at first, but a fish pedicure could be just what your feet want to get them back into shape. Using the very clever Garra Rufa, otherwise known as Doctor Fish, the dead and damaged skin cells on your feet can be removed.

Why can a fish do the job better than a qualified human consultant?
 
But, why is a fish pedicure better than a human sitting at the end of your legs and scraping away the skin off your feet?

Well that is exactly the reason. A human in effect works blindly - just removing all of the skin from a target area. Dead, damaged or healthy, that skin can be scraped or filed off. And if you remove too much good skin, that is when it can become sore.

The Garra Rufa are only interested in the skin you want to get rid of
 
However, the clever little Garra Rufa are only interested in the dead and damaged skin cells on your feet. So when your feet are emerged into their water they will set to work straight away removing those dead and damaged cells, leaving just the healthy living tissue.

Whether you have hard patches of dead skin on your feet, skin disease such as psoriasis or just fancy a tune up of your feet, the Garra Rufa fish can do the job for you.

These tiny fish are toothless and gentle
 
And whilst doing the job you should feel perfectly comfortable and relaxed. You do not need to worry about these little fish biting you - they are not "Jaws"! In fact, these tiny little minnows are toothless, normally feeding off algae they find at the bottom of the warm ponds that they live in.

Their wild cousins also spend plenty of their time treating the bigger fish in exactly the same way as they will your feet - by grooming them and removing all of the dead and damaged skin cells they find on the bigger fish.

Are you looking for a gift idea?
 
Of course, beauty treatments are often popular gifts and given that this is something of a new type of treatment, why not treat someone you love to a gift of a fish pedicure? After a short while spent having their feet pampered by the fish they are bound to be very thankful for the gift you have picked for them!

If you want to know more or to book an appointment, you can book a Liverpool fish pedicure over at Jessica Rose.
Written by Keith Lunt

Fish Foot Pedicure

Fish Foot Pedicure

Fish pedicures are one of the new fastest growing beauty treatments. Fish pedicures involve small toothless carp eating away the dead skin around feet. Recently it has come under scrutiny from health experts and animal rights campaigners.

Garra rufa lift off hard skin and it is thought by some an enzyme in their saliva called diathanol can heal conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. The growing popularity of this type of treatment has led some outlets to expand to full body immersion tanks for an all over treatment. Supports of the practise say treatments leave rough skin looking healthy and buffed and the process leaves them relaxed just like a massage.

In the USA a number of states have recently banned the practice over fears of spreading infections and disease. The practice is now being investigating for the potential risks and although a ban is unlikely in the rest of the world, guidelines are being prepared for the general public on best practices. Although there are no known cases of infection from the fish foot spas and the risk of catching infection is thought to be low there have been some inquiries from local health officials and are looking through the most up to date evidence surrounding fish foot spas. Normally cosmetologists are required to dispose of or sanatise tools after use. The fish are however too expensive to throw away after single use. this could mean that infections could be spread between people by the fish through small cuts one may have on the feet.

Some have shown concern over how the fish may be kept. As fish are covered by the animal welfare act they need a stable environment that caters to their natural habitat with the correct temperature and water quality. As people are immersing their body parts into the fish tank it is likely this will change the quality of the water also disinfectants used on the tanks themselves may prove toxic to the fish

Fish foot spa practise dates back 400 years to southern turkey where these so called "doctor fish" were used to heal skin. The Turkish government have declared the garra rufa as a protected species amid concerns they may be over exploited for the spa industry. This has lead to many US chains using a similar species called the chin chin. Although the chin chin is similar to the garra rafa it is not as effective and is more prone to dying in the process.

One uk firm has opened over 21 stores amid increasing demand. Consumers are spread across all ages and sexes some of which are there for the novelty factor while others see it as a regular treatment often returning as frequently as twice a month. A Spokesperson for these outlets claim the welfare of the fish is very high on their agenda.

Click here for more information on Foot Problems, and Insoles for Shoes.

Things You Must Know About Fish Pedicure Treatments


A fish pedicure treatment could be just what you need to get your feet fresh and feeling like new again! Garra ruffa fish, or Doctor Fish, as they are also known, remove the dead skin cells from your tired feet and leave them smooth and fresh.

Up until a few years ago fish pedicure treament was only available in part of Asia and a few select countries like Turkey. Now the benefits are knowd the treatment is widely available in all towns and cities. As well as bespoke spas, many traditional salons and spas have added Garra Ruffa fish treatments to their facilities.

People often ask how it is that the fish can be more effective than a trained consultant? Why is a fish pedicure better than a trained beauty therapist scraping away the dead skin off your feet? This simple answer is that the Doctor Fish will only remove dead skin cells and they leave the healthy ones behind with their gentle treatment action. A human can not be as accurate and removes good skin cells with the bad. The treatment isn't only for pedicures of course - manicures are commonly available and some spas now have full body tanks.

Whether you have hard patches of dead skin on your feet, some type of skin disease such as psoriasis or just fancy a freshen up of your feet, Garra Ruffa fish can do the job for you. The treatment is really fun and great as a gift or for a girl's day out!

Some people may not like the idea of little fish eating away at dead skin cells but they are toothless and very gentle and would otherwise feed on algae. The sensation is very gentle and many describe it as a light tickling or 'pins and needles.'

In a typical visit to a salon or spa your feet will be washed and dried before you take a seat in front of the tank. The water is warm and as you gently lower your feet into the water the fish start to swim closer and find the tasty skin cells. The arrangement suits both parties very well! Generally your feet are washed and dried before you leave. You may notice the difference immediately or a number of visits may be required.

There have been reports of health scares around this treatment but if you visit a reputable salon where hygiene is taken seriously there will not be any problems. A good salon will use ultra violet light in the tanks to destroy bacteria and keep the water clean and fresh.

New beauty treatments seem to be appearing all the time and I must admit I don't find all of them relaxing or effective. The benefits of Garra Ruffa fish are long proven and this is not just another fad or phase.

Fish pedicures may seem very quirky and obscure but I believe they are here to stay and I would suggest you find a local salon and treat yourself or a loved one to a session

Garra ruffa fish pedicures have exploded in popularity and I urge everyone to try them. The Doctor fish treatment is a gift from nature and one we should all enjoy