Something Fishy

By Lisa Shinkawa

The fish crowded around my feet and hands in a large group, nibbling and taking little bites, intent on one purpose: satisfying their hunger.

No, this is not an excerpt from Stephen King's latest horror novel, but rather a description of one of the latest spa treatments to hit Japan. Kangal fish, originally from Turkey, have long been used in parts of the Middle East for exfoliating and beautifying the skin, and even for treating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It is said that Cleopatra herself employed the Kangal Fish to help keep her skin flawless.

It all started when this particular fish developed a taste for dead skin cells. People who dipped their toes into the warm, hot spring waters in Turkey discovered that the fish were attracted to their skin, and those with any skin-related injuries found that they healed quickly with the assistance of the fish. This small member of the carp family feeds on dead and dry skin, leaving healthy skin cells to grow.

It may sound unusual, but more and more spas are offering treatments with the Kangal Fish, which have earned the title "Doctor Fish". It is under this name that one can usually find places that offer this special service. I had my first Doctor Fish experience at Odaiba-onsen Monogatari in Tokyo, but it is also available in Hakone's Kowakien Yunessun Hot Spring Resort and Oashisu Onsen in Kariya, Aichi.

At Monogatari, there are indoor tanks where visitors can get the treatment for their hands, and if it's the dry skin on your feet that's troubling you, Doctor Fish are also kept in an outdoor pool in the foot bath area. I took a friend with me, and she was a little horrified by the idea, but like any good friend, I forced her to try it. I usually rely on a lot of lotions to keep my hands soft, and often have dry cuticles so, opting for the indoor tanks, I gave these fish a chance to show me what they could do.

As I moved my hands towards the top of the tank, the fish gathered anxiously around the water's surface. It was dinner time! Once my hands were submerged, they swarmed all over my fingers, hands, wrists and lower arm. The fish are toothless, so their tiny mouths vacuuming up the dry skin is a very gentle sensation. I was fascinated; my friend was still horrified. The timer went off after the alloted ten minutes, and the fish reluctantly finished their snack.

Once my hands were dry, I was impressed by the renewed softness of my skin. These little fish did not disappoint. Admittedly, this treatment may not be for everyone (I don't think my friend will be running back anytime soon), but I highly recommend it. Whether you are looking for an all-natural way to relieve a stubborn skin condition, or just to smooth and exfoliate your epidural layer, Doctor Fish is definitely worth a try. You get great skin, the fish get lunch; it's a win-win!

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