Must have pedicure - Fishy fun
By: Niamh, February 10
You may remember that I told you all about Ireland's very first fish pedicure last week, well today I took the plunge and tested it out... and it was amazing!
When I first arrived I was warmly greeted my Margarita the owner of the Salon and two fish tanks. What struck me first was the size of the fish, they were really quite small. I had somehow imagined huge piranha type fish with giant tentacles and suckers... okay that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but nevertheless I was amazed at their small size and cuteness. Margarita suggested that I put my hand in the tank to get the feel of the fish. So I bravely dipped my fingers in and within a split second I had dozens of Doctor fish nibbling my hands. I shrieked at first, not because it was unpleasant or painful, but just because the sensation was so unusual and tickly and let’s face it I had fish gobbling my hands!
After braving the hand test, it was time to get down to business and put my piggies in the smaller tank. I moved my left foot in first very slowly followed by my right and once again it was as if my skin was a magnet for these little creatures as they rushed over to my skin. The sensation was like little vibrations all over my skin; it felt tingly and tickly and was really very pleasant. At first, I could not stop giggling, but once I relaxed I realised it was like the best foot massage I've ever had.
Garra Rufa fish or Doctor fish as they are also known, have been used for centuries in the treatment of skin problems such as Psoriasis and eczema. They are fantastic at removing dead skin, bacteria and callouses – so if your feet have taken a battering this treatment is going to work wonders.
Visually these fish are amazing to watch. I was totally fascinated as they nibbled around my feet and ankles and in between my toes (really tickly!) They seemed to work in a pattern and knew exactly where to go. I was actually quite sad when it was over, but my feet were left feeling smooth and soft.
I absolutely loved this treatment and really fell for the super cute fish (I so want some as pets). The whole thing was very soothing and made me smile from start to finish! While I am a total fish convert now, I think some people will still find the concept a bit odd and some of us in Beautycouture.ie HQ could barely look at the pictures of the fish nibbling my hands/feet at all! But if you are looking for something unique, totally natural and huge fun I would urge you to give this a go, it’s a fantastic experience.
The fish pedicure is €60, call 01 8399299 or see www.margaritabeautysalon.com for booking information.
