Sunday 1 May 2011

Fish And Steam

Photos Copyright: Maggie May

You may be able to make out what the first photo is about but if you have no idea, then I will explain.
I saw an advertisement for foot massage and thought that it was a novel idea. You see there were no people involved....... only fish.
I suppose you might be revolted at the thought of dozens of small fish sucking the dry skin off your feet.
However, I found it an amazing experience and for 15 minutes I sat with my feet on a grid in a tank of water up to the ankles and from the moment that I put my feet into the tank, a shoal of small hungry Garra Rufa latched on to both my feet and started to suck. They moved all over the feet and the soles and heels and uppers.
It felt like thousands of bubbles bursting about all over my feet.
I found it very soothing.
My granddaughters sat and watched while I was being devoured, keeping their own feet well hidden behind socks and shoes but they did seem very intrigued to watch me go through what was to them, torture.
I was really enjoying the sensation but my 15 minutes soon came to an end but I was really amazed at how soft my feet had become. They felt very tingly for ages afterwards.
I would love to do it again and fully intend to.



Because the girls had waited so patiently while my feet were being cleaned up, I asked them if they'd like to go on a steam train that runs along part of the waterfront in our city.
This suggestion went down very well so we meandered along looking at other things as we walked to the platform.


Once aboard, we travelled along the waterfront for a while and then branched off and went down another track through the backs of some familiar buildings, along the Avon and the whole journey lasted about twenty minutes there and back.
I think that it was a lovely trip, though we smelt a bit smokey by the time we'd finished.

Anyone remember Rosie and Jim? We didn't expect to see them looking through a barge window.

My feet felt wonderfully invigorated right through the afternoon. In fact, I felt generally more sprightly!
Has anyone else had a fishy foot massage?






28 comments:

Gail Is This Mutton? said...

Yes I had a fish foot massage in Greece last year. The village had a "Fish Spa" with a happy hour that seemed to last all day. There were constant pilgrimages from our hotel with ladies wanting to try it out. Quite a few salons are now offering the fish massages in the UK but while it was fairly enjoyable, I didn't notice much difference so I don't think I'll be trying it again.

Jinksy said...

I think I live in a backwater which is unlikely to spawn foot nibbling fish! Hehehe! But it does sound interesting...

Sueann said...

I have heard about the fish massage and would love to try it. Glad you enjoyed it. I do get regular pedicures and I love it. Esp. now that summer is approaching...wearing those sandals ya know!!??!!
Hugs
SueAnn

Formerly known as Frau said...

Maggie I have witnessed that on TV but never in person. SO interesting to hear your account, if you say it was amazing than I hope to experience it someday. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Glenda said...

I've never heard of it - my feet are so ticklish, I'm afraid my laughter would scare away the fish.

Akelamalu said...

I tried the fish bath at the Trafford Centre a while ago and absolutely L.O.V.E.D. it! I adore Reflexology too - have you ever tried that Maggie? I know this may sound revolting to some but our dog used to spend hours licking my feet and after a hard day at work it was heavenly.

CorvusCorax12 said...

never tried it, but your day sounds like it was wonderful

Clare Dunn said...

It's new to me!
Interesting.
I'm intrigued, but skittish about live creatures nibbling on me in any way, shape or form.

If plied with enough wine, however.........

Brian Miller said...

i have read about this..and slightly experienced it only so much as the fish nip my legs in the james river...this is really cool...

Irene said...

I would love to have fish nibbling the dry skin off my feet. I would definitely do it if it were possible. Especially after reading your account of it. I had seen it on television and thought I might like it.

XOX

Sally Wessely said...

I'm not sure I would go for this, but since you really enjoyed it, I might try it if I had the opportunity. I think we neglect our feet way too often.

secret agent woman said...

Did it not hurt at all, especially on the parts of your feet that are really soft already (like the arch)?

SandyCarlson said...

OK. So you are fish food, and so could I be if I had the courage! What an experience. Thanks for a great post.

Happy Frog and I said...

I know a few people who have had it done and they reported similar results to you from the fish nibblers. I really liked the Rosie and Jim photo too, brought back a few nostalgic memories. :-)

Grumpy Old Ken said...

I noticed the fish thing in Matlock last week.

CiCi said...

Hi Maggie May, I have a foot massage contraption that I put warm water in and put my feet in water and then push a button with my toe and off it goes. It vibrates the bottoms of my feet. Feels so great. It is important to keep our feet healthy. I have never heard of the fish sucking massage, but hubby says he has heard of it. Whatever works for you isn't it wonderful the have a massage?

Saz said...

hey so good someone else knows what l'm talking about!!!

its very transient...it comes and goes and this post was written 3 years ago and l adapted it for now...same old same old, how quickly we forget...

hope you are in a good place now...


saz x

Hilary said...

I've heard of this but didn't know anyone who has actually experienced it.. until now. It sounds very interesting. I think I'd try it on your recommendation. It soudns like you had a lovely day with the girls.

Roxy Carmichael said...

Sounds fascinating! Fish nibbling at your toes. But I'm ticklish so I probably would have giggled my way through it.

RNSANE said...

Well, as long as it isn't pirhana nibbling away, I'm game to try it!!!

Sueann said...

Had to come back and congratulate you on your POTW award
Hugs
SueAnn

Out on the prairie said...

A new one to me, although when swimming i have had a few come take a taste.

Suburbia said...

sort of ewwww!!

Sweet Lily said...

Yes, I tried it, it's ticklish and fun!

About Last Weekend said...

I can feel those wee fishes nipping at my heels now, though my feet are horribly blistered from hours of walking around Barcelona so Im sure they turn tail. That's sounds so tickly and fun. Love pics of your City and your grandaughters

Anonymous said...

The Japanese spa in Stockholm has just started a fish spa... I'd really love to try it out.

I do love a leisurely ride on a steam train!

Suldog said...

This is so funny. MY WIFE has talked about wanting to do that thing with fish and feet, for years now. I'm going to print this out and show it to her.

Moannie said...

So glad you have a POTW award for this Maggie. I should so love to do this, though I would imagine the tickling to be almost unbearable.