Fish pedicure and manicure
Fish that nibble dead skin cells from feet and hands? In the Garra Rufa spa of the Zwaluwhoeve you can use this so-called Dr. Undergo fish treatments. “An additional effect is that the hands relax wonderfully in the water, where live fish massage almost gently,” says de Zwaluwhoeve. We are curious!
What is it?
At the Zwaluwhoeve, the Dr. Fish treatment purely cosmetic, where small fish give a natural manicure or pedicure treatment.
In countries such as Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran, the Garra Rufa, a fish that can grow to a length of about 12 centimeters and is known in the Netherlands as a nibbler, has an almost sacred status. Here the Garra Rufa has been used for centuries as a medical treatment for people who have skin problems, such as eczema and psoriasis.
Safe for health?
Recently there was something in the media fuss about the fish pedicure and manicure. According to American health organizations, the fish can spread infections. Senator Jeffrey Klein therefore wants the beauty treatment in New York to be banned. But how dangerous is Dr. Fish really?
Ronald de Pender of Garra Rufa Netherlands: “With the right (water) filtering, effective hygiene measures and the use of original Turkish Kangal Garra Rufa fish, the risk is virtually nil. These fish are carp-like and suck the dead skin off. however, use other Garra species or even baby Tilapias, also called Chin Chin. The Chin Chin starts teething after 3 months and can slightly injure people and thus spread infections.”
If you use the right fish species, there is nothing to worry about. The Turkish University of Sivas recently even reported in a scientific report that nibbling the original Garra Rufa fish releases an enzyme that has a healing effect on the skin. The new skin that emerges is stronger and healthier than before. How is the hygiene at the Zwauluwhoeve? Mirande Balk: “We have special filters that continuously purify the water. Our filter system is suitable for a basin of 40,000 liters of water, while our basin is only filled with 3000 liters of water. The water is also tested twice a day for different values, such as pH, nitrate, phosphate and ammonia.The UV lamp that can be seen in our basins (blue light) also kills all bacteria in the water.
Before treatment, guests are also checked for any wounds, fungi and infections. If they have them, the treatment cannot be carried out.”
Experience
Ilona underwent the manicure for Net Tested and Maaike the pedicure. the dr. Fish treatments at the Zwaluwhoeve last 15 minutes. However, on the site of Garra Rufa Netherlands we read that “a natural peeling of the feet takes 1 hour”. Isn’t 15 minutes very short?
“It’s not just short, the effect is minimal and short-lived,” Ilona said. She continues: “I have extremely dry hands and after the treatment they even felt drier. I think because I have been in the water all this time. I have also had a paraffin hand wrap or hand mask regularly and that has helped a lot. more and a more positive effect on my dry hands. I also did not find the treatment relaxing at all and it really didn’t feel like a hand massage. It did tickle a bit, but that was not a pleasant feeling.”
Maaike: “As soon as I put one foot into the basin, all the fish swim towards it. It is a nice and funny feeling when the fish ‘nibble’ at your feet. For the treatment you have to sit on the hard edge of the basin. is not really relaxing. Furthermore, relaxing music would also have been nice. Now you are actually obliged to talk. Structurally, one Dr. Fish treatment does not offer a solution for dry skin, then you should follow a cure. although I think it’s better to go to a beautician or podiatrist, then at least you’ll be really rid of your dry skin and calluses!”
