One of the highlights of the Singapore/Malaysia trip was having my limbs exfoliated at the Fish Spa, by fish. It sounds as weird as it really is- there are fish which eat your dead skin cells to leave you with smoother legs. I had read about this strange obsession with fish in a SHOP TIL YOU DROP magazine. The Kenko Fish Spa (below) was featured in one the ‘Must-See’ attractions in Kuala Lumpur. Apparently it is Malaysia’s first ever Fish Spa and it is even featured in the country’s Guinness Book of Records (it was on the coffee table in the waiting room).
These photos are taken from Kenko. I spent 30 minutes (38 RM= approx. $13 AU) having my legs polished by Doctor Fish. Why would anyone want fish to be on their skin, you ask. Well, I was attracted to the benefits of this treatment:
- Natural exfoliation of dead skin – Smoother and healthy glowing skin with easy moisturizer absorption
- Promote blood circulation – Micro massage sensation from these ‘little masseurs’
- Lightening of minor scars
- Easing of psoriasis and minor eczema
- Release stress and tension – Ticklish sensation causing perpetual laughter!
I guess you could say that I got high on fish.
The first time I tried the ‘Doctor Fish’ was at the Singapore Zoo. I dunked my calves in the enormous fish tank for 10 minutes ($18 Singapore dollars). The sensation is indescribable. Only one word can encompass the brushy, tingly experience: TICKLISH! I giggled like a school girl and almost escaped from the school of fish.
After about a minute, if you just hold on, your legs and feet will tolerate the tickling process. It is like having hundreds of tiny brushes on your limbs. I still let out many bursts of laughter. A fashion magazine helped to distract my brain being glued to the hypersensitivity of my legs. I even took a photo of the magazine I was reading because I realy liked Mischa Barton’s grey suede Coach cape. Kate Boswoth looks amazing in that dress too, but the photo does not do her face justice.
There was a nearby tank with fish 3 times the size of the ones already gnawing at my stratum cornelium (outermost layer of skin), I quivered when I saw the bigger nibblers. But Hubby challenged me so I had no choice. Fearfully, I dipped my toes into the water, the big fish took their time, thank the Lord. My first bite was less painful and less ticklish than expected. It is just a bigger brush.
They are dubbed ‘the dematologists’. The scientific name for these fish is Garra rufa. Here I am giving them a feast.
My legs were really smooth and my feet very relaxed after the treatment. Hubby even got a few ‘waxed’ patches- the fish had eaten some hairs from his calves. It was quite an experience. I definitely will head to a Fish Spa again when I am abroad. Hubby wants to have our own supply of fish so we can invite friends over for ‘dinner’. Also I will never need to shave again.
Bon Appetit!
