Photo: Ashraf Uddin Apu
Our lives become so hectic that once in a while we seek escape to a different reality. We all crave a little ‘me time’ to chase away the worries. In times like these, a spa therapy can be a great way to unwind. One can always indulge in this much needed ‘get away’ to recharge, reflect and relax.
Who doesn’t want to take a time out and dedicate a few hours for self-pamper? Spas, mani-pedi, massage, they are all excellent means of relaxation. However, we introduce you to a new kind of therapy that is rapidly gaining attention.
From the hot springs of Turkey, Garra Rufa, better known as ‘Doctor Fish’, is a special community of toothless fish that are recognised around the globe for their rather interesting and polemical role in spa treatments.
With parlours and salons introducing the service in Bangladesh, Fish Spa has piqued the curiosity of many. Although spas and pedicures seem to be more popular among women than men, Fish Spa is not restricted to women only.
Grooming Lounge, a men’s makeover salon in sector 7, Uttara, is grabbing attention with its fish pedicure for men. Nature Aquatics, Bangladesh’s largest aquarium builder and pet store is well known as it provides a different variety of fish.
The doctor fish are imported all the way from Singapore and the clients are made to feel at home, given the salon’s welcoming ambiance. The splendour of the lounge is highly maintained with finely trained staff. The therapy takes place in a nice, quiet room, attractively decorated with greenery all around. Each session lasting a good thirty minutes and for Tk 1400 only, fish spa is a rising popular choice among clients.
What makes this fish spa so unlike any other is that, instead of being surrounded by flower petals and scented candles, you have numerous tiny fishes nibbling at your feet.
Before going through with the procedure, the feet is washed and rinsed to prepare the clients for the therapy. Once they dip their feet into the water tank, the tiny fish will settle on them. The water tanks mimic the natural tropical habitat of the fish and the warm water is frequently filtered. This ensures a hygienic and safe environment for both the fish and the clientele. A hundred little creatures peck on the feet, feasting on the dry and worn out skin that has built up. As chilling as it sounds, the experience is completely harmless. As a matter of fact, these little scavengers only nibble about and gently suck away as it detoxifies, leaving behind only a tingling sensation. An exhilarating experience indeed!
What seems like a fear factor stunt is actually a form of relaxation that dates back a long time. It is prominent in several countries like Bangkok, Japan, Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries where the Garra Rufas come from.
Although it’s an unorthodox procedure in spa, there is no harm in trying it out. Besides, the thrill of doing it overcomes the jittering that comes along when undergoing the venture.
So with this exhilarating new adventure to look forward to, enjoy a little therapeutic swim with your trusty doctor fish, for an intriguing yet delightful experience. It is an unconventional remedy, which is a soon to be popular trend, worth making an appointment for.