Plunge in for a fish ‘pedi’
One of the latest craziest beauty trends from Japan to hit the headlines recently is the ‘fish pedicure’. The basics are simple enough, plunge your feet into a tank full of hungry little fish and as they nibble and suck the dead skin cells off to leave your feet seriously soft. In the pursuit of beauty, I am willing to try most things but a fish pedicure, surely that is just an ideal opportunity for fishes to have revenge for me being a carnivore all my life.
Despite thoughts that I was about to embark and a ‘I’m in the jungle get me out of here’ bush tucker trial, bravely off I go to the Aqua Sheko, London’s well-heeled fish pedicure spa.
Apparently these little fishes known as Garra Rufa fish, are found naturally in hot springs in Turkey where they have been softening and cleansing the skin of bathers for centuries. For fish that thrive in hot water, where nothing of much nutritional value can survive, a pair of feet is an unexpected welcome feast. Their suction-cup mouths are perfectly shaped for gently lifting dry skin away, without damaging the healthy new cells underneath, revealing soft smooth skin.
So as I plunge my feet into the tank, there’s certainly no mistaking the enthusiasm with which the little black fishies are clustering around my toes. It’s like immersing your feet in a mass of wriggling seaweed with a bizarre ticklish, fizzing sensation, which I know are not simply bubbles. Both gratified and slightly horrified that my feet are supplying such a feast, I fear they won’t know when to stop. Ignoring this thought, I begin to relax (slightly) and wait for the fishes to finish.
There is no doubt that my feet are definitely softer and smoother afterwards and the whole experience is weirdly relaxing. However I might pass on a repeat visit.
