Fishy Feet: Flattering or Foul?

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You may have heard about the newest trend in pedicures- the evolution of the fish pedicure. Would you believe that estheticians are being replaced by hungry schools of fish?  Apparently, fish do a better job at removing dead skin on the bottom of fish than estheticians.  Sound unbelievable? 

 In many spas across the USA, UK, Asia, Europe, and Canada, this type of pedicure is becoming well sought after.  Imagine this:  You enter a spa with relaxing music playing- and the background ambiance of flowing waterfalls. There are lotus flower candles floating gracefully in beautiful aqua jacuzzis, and, there are fish in the water!  You admire the beautiful fish water pools, until your hosts tell you to remove your shoes and place your feet in the water.  Upon hesitantly placing your callus filled feet into the water, a swarm of 300 tiny fish begin frantically “tickling” your feet- only what they are really doing is gently eating away your dead skin cells and essentially removing the callus buffing portion of a spa pedicure.  Apparently, the fish even know when their job is done.  When you take your feet out of the water, you notice how soft your feet feel- without the hassle of foot files and razors.  Sound like an experience you would try?

Fish therapy originated in Turkey in the 1800’s when “Doctor Fish” were found to have a profound healing effect on the body.  It is believed that when the tiny fish bite, they stimulate the equivalent of a mini electrical current that activate the nerve endings in the body and improve circulation.  To date many believe that fish treatment may treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

 As ideal as this treatment sounds, I can’t personally get over the thought of a “flesh eating” fish gnawing away at my feet- especially when they’ve gnawed on other guest’s feet. Since it is impossible to sanitize the fish in between treatments, fish pedicures have been banned in 14 states in the US. It’s been suggested that the fish may pass on bacteria from guest to guest via tiny open wounds on client’s feet that are invisible to the human eye. 

Additionally, there have been some ethical issues surrounding this treatment. Apparently, “working” fish are given very little food, which encourages them to attack the dead skin cells with more enthusiasm. 

What is your opinion?  Is this a worthwhile trend or is it a little too strange?  Would you have a fish pedicure?  Please go to like our Facebook page and take part in our discussion for a chance to win a pedicure at our spa- and sorry, we use foot files instead of fish. Perhaps if we can find an ethical and sanitary way to provide this service, you may see it on our menu in the future.

Click on the “F” to like our page and get started in the discussion!