A new foot therapy is coming to Newbury town centre at the end of August.
Footfetfish will be appearing initially for 2 weeks (30th August 2010 - 12 September 2010) at Newbury's Kennet Shopping centre (Opposite Mon Cherie, the florists) where they will be demoing the latest in foot pedicure therapy.
Bizarre and unique foot pedicure therapy involving hundreds of fish sucking on peoples feet. Having recently arrived from mainland Europe and the Far East, these fish nibble away at the skin leaving the skin feeling fresh and clean.
This treatment improves the skin for sufferers of eczema and psoriasis and other forms of dermatitis. Ultimately it is a lot of fun and fascinating to watch.
As a promotional offer for Newbury's Kennet Shopping centre the treatment costs only £10 for 20 minutes.
It's amazing that this has been viewed 250 times and nobody can think of anything to say about it. Perhaps it is just too far fetched to be believable. I don't think I will offer my feet, as all the fish would end up floating on the surface after a few minutes.
"While legal and largely unregulated in some countries, North American health bodies have questioned the safety of using the fish for beauty treatments. As Joanne Woodward Fraser with the Canadian Ministry of Health argues, the use of these fish constitutes a health hazard: "Fish used for pedicures can't be disinfected or sterilized without causing harm to the fish. Using the same fish to clean the skin of multiple spa clients could lead to the spread of infection" For this reason, up to 14 states in the US have banned the use of fish for spa treatments and in Canada the treatment falls under the individual provincial health units. Salon owners are working with health authorities to reduce risk by changing the water in-between clients, using filtration systems or even replacing the fish with each pedicure, but at a price of approximately $2,500 for the fish, this is not likely to be economically feasible.
A second safety concern is the use of look-a-like fish. Some salons are substituting the real, more expensive Garra Rafu with cheaper fish called "chin chin". Not only are clients not getting what they pay for, but these fish actually grow teeth as they age and are potentially more dangerous because they can break the skin and therefore readily spread infection. Clients seeking a fish pedicure should be very wary of impostors. The only way to be safe is for clients to purchase their own Garra Rufa and keep them well fed with a regular diet of dead skin".
I searched for where you got that quote from and noticed you missed out one line from between all that, must have dropped out while you were copying and pasting . Here it is To date, there is no evidence that infections have been spread from client to client through fish pedicures
I'm sure if you got in touch with the person at Footfetfish he would explain the precautions they take and the fish don't have teeth. Best to research properly I find.
I've seen this a few times on the television, fascinating
Just out of interest I Googled for other dangers in Beauty Salons. There's loads of examples of course, mostly from the USA, I'll refrain from quoting the nasty infections to be caught in nail salons.
Could using the dryers at nail salons—you know, the ones you stick your finger or toes under so you mani-pedi dries faster—lead to skin cancer? That’s the buzz we’ve been hearing lately; that since the bulbs in these dryers emit UV light, they’re practically as dangerous as indoor tanning.
So we checked in with dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD, author of Simple Skin Beauty and chief of dermatologic surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York City. Dr. Marmur told us that our fears are warranted.
There is substantial and long standing evidence on a wide range of toxic effects in salon workers, particularly hairdressers and beauty stylists. These include nausea, sleep disorders, fatigue, and numbness and pain in the fingers. They also include allergic dermatitis, acute lung irritation, asthma, and chronic bronchitis.
modern technology I suppose, whats wrong with the good old pumice stone? something else to worry about-what if some of these fish get flushed down the sewers and find their way back up into toilet pans, they might start nibbling bums, so next time you use the loo, particularly public ones examine the bowl carefully before you sit down..........
How true. Can we take it then that Kennet Shopping were already aware that this stuff had been banned in a number of States and yet were still happy for it to go ahead? I mean, as you say, it's best to research properly, so I'm sure you did.
modern technology I suppose, whats wrong with the good old pumice stone? something else to worry about-what if some of these fish get flushed down the sewers and find their way back up into toilet pans, they might start nibbling bums, so next time you use the loo, particularly public ones examine the bowl carefully before you sit down..........
Quote from the internet The pumice stone (like the kitchen dish rag) could harbor all kinds of germs and fungi. If you are determined to use one, I would make sure it is sterile before each use. This could best be accomplished by boiling the stone before each use. For this and the other reasons mentioned in this thread, I would consult doctor for advice before using pumice stones, especially if you have impaired sensation in your feet.
It's a minefield out there is't it?
Back to the fish, they come from the sea right? Let's all stay away from the sea, goodness knows what would happen if we stuck our feet in there!
"Can we take it then that Kennet Shopping were already aware that this stuff had been banned in a number of States and yet were still happy for it to go ahead? "
Those fish popped up in Camden last December. At the time I thought it so odd I never expected them to last more than a month. But 8 months later and they're doing well.
They're tiny little fish and look quite cute while they're about their business. Not man eating monstrosities of the deep!
Sorry, you said " back to the fish", and since the topic was the Garra Rafu it seemed reasonable to assume you meant back to them. When you then said "they come from the sea right?" I felt that clarification was needed, and pointed out that the Garra Rafu do NOT come from the sea, being, as they are, freshwater fish.
Threep.
oh, and for the third time of asking....(since you pointed out it was always best to research properly)
"Can we take it then that Kennet Shopping were already aware that this stuff had been banned in a number of States (14) and yet were still happy for it to go ahead? "
This is a great idea that could catch on; particularly if we made it bigger. I know several people I'd like to see swimming with fish. Perhaps move the venue to Northcroft? I'm willing to donate the fish....
Sorry, you said " back to the fish", and since the topic was the Garra Rafu it seemed reasonable to assume you meant back to them. When you then said "they come from the sea right?" I felt that clarification was needed, and pointed out that the Garra Rafu do NOT come from the sea, being, as they are, freshwater fish
Stop fretting Threep, I already agreed you made a good point. In fact I've never seen such a good point made, you should be proud of yourself. Did you get my point about feet in water (freshwater or otherwise)?
oh, and for the third time of asking....(since you pointed out it was always best to research properly)
"Can we take it then that Kennet Shopping were already aware that this stuff had been banned in a number of States (14) and yet were still happy for it to go ahead? "
A simple Yes or No will do...
I have to come clean. I've written my response to this with the last few comments I made since you asked the first time. I deleted it each time because I know how you love to keep niggling away when you think you've cornered someone on the forum by your cleverness.
Kennet Shopping are like all other shopping centres in the UK and won't take risks. You should give them a visit if you have several hours to spare to have a look at their intensive H&S procedures and policies to ensure the wellbeing and safety of their visitors.
Its interesting reading the comments, especially about the States.
So let me get this right. 14 states in the US have banned this treatment because they believe that it is possible to catch something from the fish? Or have them catch something from a person and then pass it to another person?? Thats fair enough but I think the point that is being missed here and as Factfile picked up on earlier "To date, there is no evidence that infections have been spread from client to client through fish pedicures". I think the other point people are missing or may not even realise is this treatment has been around for 30 years. Now if you take all the people all around the world in 30 years who have had this treatment I am pretty sure that it is safe based on that logic??
Also I just had a look at Footfetfish' website. They have already covered this for those who have not read their pages yet, but they cover the issues and background of mimic fishes and also disease etc, I hope they make a CD of the music they have on their too it sent me to sleep . Either way I think its great and will definately be having a go. Its pretty cool to have something funky in the shopping centre as it is quiet there at the moment.
....... "To date, there is no evidence that infections have been spread from client to client through fish pedicures". I think the other point people are missing or may not even realise is this treatment has been around for 30 years. Now if you take all the people all around the world in 30 years who have had this treatment I am pretty sure that it is safe based on that logic??
No evidence is a frequently used term that has little value. All it really says is no one can prove it. You would have got a similar response regarding smoking and asbestos many years ago!
However I don't expect the risks are high and it is up to the individual to make up their mind.
On a similar subject there was a programme on BBC4 about river swimming this week (which I missed) did they highlight the risks of catching Wiels disease on the programme??
I agree with what your saying nobby, its just amusing that people read an article and believe it instantly without actually weighing things up themselves. At the end of the day its the individuals (like you say) choice.
My thoughts are I have probably got a higher chance of catching something off someone else in everyday life than I have doing this thing. People just read stuff and believe it, instead they should go investigate themselves one minute alcohol is bad the next minute its good one day beetroot is great for us the next its not.
I just got back from spain and a few of my friends were swimming in the river, it looked discusting, I wouldnt like to catch Wiels disease : )
Now if you take all the people all around the world in 30 years who have had this treatment I am pretty sure that it is safe based on that logic??.
Absolutely......and that's the same logic the tobacco companies hid behind before peeps started popping their clogs.
And yes yes yes, I do realise that there is a huge difference between lung cancers and ichthyotherapy, all I wanted to know was whether Kennet Shopping were aware that it had been banned elsewhere before they gave permission for this company to go ahead.
well I dont know if they have taken into account that it is banned elsewhere. I think what they would have done is taken into account that this busniness has been established in the UK for sometime now and they are operating all over the place as well as competitors, plus the majority of these places have worked with the council, environmental health and animal welfare to make sure everythng is fine. We are a totally separate country so would take into account what we are doing at home first. However I would have thought that seeing the business is going ahead they would have at least have to propose the idea and go through the details of set up etc.
And why would they ban it even if they did know about the bans in the states? There is no valid reason really?
well I dont know if they have taken into account that it is banned elsewhere. I think what they would have done is taken into account that this busniness has been established in the UK for sometime now and they are operating all over the place as well as competitors, plus the majority of these places have worked with the council, environmental health and animal welfare to make sure everythng is fine. We are a totally separate country so would take into account what we are doing at home first. However I would have thought that seeing the business is going ahead they would have at least have to propose the idea and go through the details of set up etc.
And why would they ban it even if they did know about the bans in the states? There is no valid reason really?
well I dont know if they have taken into account that it is banned elsewhere. I think what they would have done is taken into account that this busniness has been established in the UK for sometime now and they are operating all over the place as well as competitors, plus the majority of these places have worked with the council, environmental health and animal welfare to make sure everythng is fine. We are a totally separate country so would take into account what we are doing at home first. However I would have thought that seeing the business is going ahead they would have at least have to propose the idea and go through the details of set up etc.
And why would they ban it even if they did know about the bans in the states? There is no valid reason really?
well I dont know if they have taken into account that it is banned elsewhere. I think what they would have done is taken into account that this busniness has been established in the UK for sometime now and they are operating all over the place as well as competitors, plus the majority of these places have worked with the council, environmental health and animal welfare to make sure everythng is fine. We are a totally separate country so would take into account what we are doing at home first. However I would have thought that seeing the business is going ahead they would have at least have to propose the idea and go through the details of set up etc.
And why would they ban it even if they did know about the bans in the states? There is no valid reason really?
On a similar subject there was a programme on BBC4 about river swimming this week (which I missed) did they highlight the risks of catching Wiels disease on the programme??
It was only mentioned in passing. Concerning given that it is a nasty disease. Even more concerning as the presenter was swimming in rivers while she was 4 months pregnant. Given that rats are hardly uncommon around our waterways, it was surprising that the subject wasn't really touched on.
Something I do know is that the guy who set up Footfetfish is that he is working with Environmental Health to bring in stricter legislation towards the end of the year having run numerous spas in Europe historically even though this business looks like it has been set up in 2010 in the UK it looks like he has been doing this for about 4 years now.
Something I do know is that the guy who set up Footfetfish is that he is working with Environmental Health to bring in stricter legislation towards the end of the year
Why would he need to do that if all this stuff is tickety-boo then?
Since he's based in Reading with only one employee which Environmental Heath Department is he working with? ('cos it aint Public Protection at West Berks, that's for sure) http://www.linkedin.com/companies/footfetfish.com
Probably the same reason Appy Feet are too, to make sure that the trade isnt damaged by people trying to set up the business without running it efficiently. That linked in site shows nothing? All it shows is that its on Linkedin? So of course it shows 1 employee, it will show more if people used linkedin from the company.
And how can you be so sure he isnt working with EH at West Berks?
It's Tony McEvoy. (and he's NOT public protection)
I'm sure Tony will be thrilled to learn that he's now working with this company to bring in "stricter legislation" by the end of the year. Looking forward to hearing about it in the Queens Speech.
Dont understand what all the sarcasm is for? What seems to be an interesting business seems to have just turned into unnecessary sarcasm. I wish them the best of luck, its nice to see new ventures coming out rather than the same retail outlets appearing all over the place.
I have just checked the Footfetfish site, there is a cool promotion on the home page hidden behind the Goldfish I dont think you can print it off though unless you are on their Facebook page.
I have just checked the Footfetfish site, there is a cool promotion on the home page hidden behind the Goldfish I dont think you can print it off though unless you are on their Facebook page.
I am very suspicious of this "Local Lad" I think that he is using this forum to promote his own venture. Too many posts on the same topic. I am surprised that admin is allowing him to get away with it.
I am very suspicious of this "Local Lad" I think that he is using this forum to promote his own venture. Too many posts on the same topic. I am surprised that admin is allowing him to get away with it.
If this was my venture I certainly wouldnt use a forum to promote it, personally, no offense. And seeing this forum topic is on the subject of fish spas im not suprised they are all related to this topic. I could be suspicious of Threepwood having a relationship with a fish spa himselve and seeing this as a threat to his business links by posting an article regarding bans in the US, but I dont? I just discuss the topic. Feel free to be suspicious though it makes me smile.
And I just wrote to the owner and got myself a free go hopefully they dont have piranhas in really.
I just saw that clip Threepwood, so, are you going to be hitting the cinema when Piranhas 3D comes out? I really do wonder how these movies get onto cinema. Has anyone heard of a movie called Teeth, I believe released in 2007, I mean seriously, what is going on.
So who is promoting this site then? Its quite amuzing that a topic is posted and we are allowed to comment on it but all of a sudden it changes into a promotion? All I said was that there was a voucher on the website? Thats through me just visiting and having a look around as I am sure a few other people have done. This is the reason I havent got involved in forums before, you cannot just have a conversation without it turning into something nasty, it seems the way of us brits.
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. Either way I think its great and will definately be having a go. Its pretty cool to have something funky in the shopping centre as it is quiet there at the moment.
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