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beth_parker's Blog

by beth_parker from washington, dc

Last Post 51 days, 18 hours Ago


If you're like me, your feet take a beating. You're on the go most of the day. Maybe you exercise. Maybe, just maybe, you sometimes wear shoes that aren't exactly a perfect fit. That daily wear and tear can be eased a bit by a trip to a salon. A pedicure can at least smooth over some of the damage. A business near Fort Belvoir in Virginia is introducing our area to a new type of pedicure. It involves fish. That's right, fish. They're a species of fish called the garra rufa. They come from hot springs in Turkey. The water's so warm that there isn't much for the fish to eat. The result - they nibble on human skin. Dead skin. At Yvonne's Hair & Nails in Fairfax County they call it "Dr. Fish". I tried it. I sat with my feet in a pool for about 15 minutes. Tiny fish nibbled at my feet. It tickles a bit - kind of like when your foot falls asleep and it's tingling as it wakes up. The owner of the business - John Ho - says he uses filtered water that he cleans every day. They check all clients. Anyone with a small scrape, even a bug bite, cannot enter the water. He says they go to great lengths to keep the water clean. It costs $25 for 20 minutes. I can tell you from experience it does leave your feet feeling soft and smooth - that is if you can get past the idea of fish nibbling away at you!
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tcfmva
May 13, 2008 | 12:26 PM

I saw the story while watching Fox news yesterday. Had never heard of anything like this. I don't think it's for me though, as I honestly don't think I'd be able to sit still. Although I'm sure there are many people who could benefit and maybe even enjoy the experience, the whole process kind'a gives me the creeps!

Starrman1 read my blog view my photos
May 13, 2008 | 1:18 PM

tcfmva, I am with you, and I sure hope I don't catch any of those fish, eeeewwwwww.........

AveMaria22 read my blog
May 13, 2008 | 3:27 PM

Hmmmm. I kinda think I'll pass on this one. Didn't I read some couple of years ago about people doing foot manicures came down with some fungus that was resistant to treatment? Back several years ago, every two to three weeks I'd go to my favorite nail salon and had solar nails applied. I always saw the same technician. While I was there I noted a particular technician that had a nail fungus...and avoided her...even stopped going after seeing that she was having a tough time getting rid of it...I always worried that with all the nail files, buffers etc. that I might get one of hers...and that ended my solar nail escapade. So...nope...you'd have a really tough time convincing me that "nothing is catchy"...uh, other than the fish.

Torridawan read my blog
May 14, 2008 | 10:25 AM

Well I know that a fishy cure is not for me. I'm terrified of fish! Any size and color, fake or real doesn't matter. Is their a cure for my fish phobia?

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beth_parker

At age 9 I decided I wanted to be a reporter and here I am. I've been at Fox5 for 8 years. Covering all kinds of news - investigations, features, you name it. I've had the privilege of meeting a lot of fascinating people. Many have been kind enough to share their stories with me. In the news business, every day is a new adventure!

Member Since: 8/28/2006