Ichthyotherapy: what is it?
Ictiotherapy is an ancient discipline originating in Japan, although its practice in the West has only been gaining importance for a few years.
In ichthyotherapy, the healing agents in charge of regenerate and cleanse the skin are small fish, generally of the species rufous clawand the whole therapy revolves around a symbiotic process in which both the fish and the person benefit.
As practiced
The way of practice fish therapy it is very simple, because all you have to do is submerge yourself in a specially heated pool, with several dozen, or hundreds, of fish so that they immediately begin a skin treatment.
The risks of ichthyotherapy
Although it is a technique that has no contraindications, various organizations such as the Valencian Foot Institute have warned of possible complications in ichthyotherapy treatments.
It seems that the greatest risk that exists is to use other types of fish. Whose maintenance is cheaper, called Chin Chin. This species, of Chinese origin, has small teeth with which it bites, so there may be a risk of infection.
On the other hand, to carry out an ichthyotherapy treatment it is necessary to go to a center that gives us all the hygienic guarantees. Because it is necessary that the fish tanks have a constant flow of water and the fish are frequently replaced.
Well used, ichthyotherapy is relaxing and leaves our feet soft for weeks. Complemented with other treatments, such as the permanent pedicure, it ensures us to show off perfect feet throughout the summer.
Fish used in ichthyotherapy
The Garra rufa fish, better known as the «Doctor Fish», belongs to the Cyprinidae family and is native to Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey. It was discovered around the year 1800 and for several centuries. This species of fish is used to improve various dermatological conditions. Such as eczema, dry skin, acne, psoriasis or calluses, among other skin problems.
This fish is used in fish therapy treatments. In which the fish perform a natural peeling function by sucking up dead skin. and generating dithranolan enzyme that rejuvenates the skin and has properties against psoriasis.
In addition, this treatment can be performed on any part of the body, although the most popular is usually on the feet.
The Garra rufa is a protected species, so in countries where there are territories of natural distribution, it cannot be captured or exported. In this way, what is used in aesthetic farms comes from captive breeding in fish farms in Israel and Thailand.
Benefits of ichthyotherapy
- Exfoliating. Eliminates roughness and dead skin cells.
- regenerative. Helps to heal wounds and in case of skin problems such as psoriasis.
- Relaxing. The suction of the minnows on the feet creates a slight tingling that transforms into a pleasant feeling of well-being.
- Stimulating. Thanks to a gentle massage, it is able to improve circulation and stimulate acupuncture points on the feet.
Where to do it?
Beauty centers or Spas that offer ichthyotherapy must be very rigorous in terms of caring for the fish. As well as in the hygiene of the tanks so that the treatment is effective.
This is why people with exposed wounds, weakened immune system, recent infectious processes. Skin diseases, diabetes or other contagious condition in the area to be treated, they cannot have contact with the fish.
The water sources do not have chlorine or other harmful chemicals. It is filtered after each treatment. And there are about 100 fish in each to prevent them from being overfed or passing infections between customers, though this rarely happens. Sometimes the rufous claw they are put in aquariums so they can have rest periods.
The prices of this treatment vary depending on the duration and additional services included. It is recommended that after exposing the skin to the Garra rufa, a pedicure is performed. So it is common for both services to come in a pack. And wait at least 24 hours before waxing the area that has been treated.
recommendations
Because this process is not harmful to fish or people, it can be done as many times as required. However, the ideal recommendation is a session of 30 minutes each week. Most people comment that even after the first session the skin is much softer and smoother.
You have to be alert about the quality of the site where the treatment is going to be carried out. Since some beauty centers do not have expertise in what is ichthyotherapy by definition.
Garra rufa are quite expensive, and to cut costs they buy fish of similar appearance. But they are unable to perform the treatment well because they have teeth. So the skin is damaged, you feel discomfort and you are much more prone to infections.
In other cases, the water is not constantly filtered. As a result, fish feces and dead skin from other customers remain stagnant in the tank.
On the other hand, it can also happen that the fish are overexploited. By depriving them of a normal diet, so that they are hungry enough by the time the customers arrive.
With its pros and cons, ichthyotherapy is a procedure that, if carried out with all safety measures, is extremely beneficial for the skin and health in general. For your additional benefits. And also the fun feeling of having lots of little fish swimming around your body.
Disadvantages of ichthyotherapy
Many say that since they are toothless fish, the practice is completely safe. However, in some cases, ichthyotherapy has caused outbreaks of infections, caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria causing sores and scarring. For this reason, many states in the United States have banned ichthyotherapy.
It is considered that all possible hygiene is not maintained. Since the water should be changed between patient and patient. The same fish is used, which is logically not sterilized. In some cases, another type of fish similar to the garra rufa is used. But with teeth, they can hurt and infect the skin, and many people consider the practice animal cruelty.
However the risk of infections it is very low. Although of course it exists. But in any case, it is recommended for people with very weakened immune systems. And with diseases like diabetes, psoriasis, cuts or a recent hair removal that avoid these foot spas.
Since the bacteria deposited in the water can cause pneumonia. Infections in the bones, joints and blood. Some strains were even resistant to important drugs.