Fishy Pedicures?

This is just one of those are-you-kidding-me kind of stories. Florida regulators have banned a certain type of pedicure treatment that involves having fish nibble dead skin from the feet or other parts of the body, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The Asociated Press reports that the reason for the ban is because the water that the fish are in cannot be disinfected before the next client's feet go in it. But some salons believe this is a successful way to remove dead skin from their clients' feet. Well, guess it saves on labor... wonder if there's a fish union? Guess the real fish benefit is the epicurean delight.

This unusual trend reminds me of the movie Finding Nemo and the scene where the bottom-feeder shrimp are cleaning up the windows of the old ship-wrecked carcass. Apparently, this type of pedicure is popular in Asia and has spread to some U.S. cities (Virgina for one). So, if you've had a fishy pedicure, drop me an email, I'm curious to know:

does it hurt?
what kind of job those fish do?
what type of fish do the nibbling?
do your feet stink more than when you came in to get the pedicure?

While I wait for those emails to pour in, I did a little Internet research. A salon in Virginia uses this method and this school of fish ain't stupid. They're called "doctor fish"! The salon owner is quoted as saying, "This is a good treatment for everyone who likes to have nice feet."

And according to the owner, the carp fish have no teeth so they can't bite live flesh (whew!). By the way, they say it doesn't hurt--it tickles.

Watch the fishy pedicure in action here.

Phoebe Chongchua
		About the author:
		Phoebe Chongchua is an award-winning journalist who appears on TV, in print, and on the Internet. She's a former ABC affiliate News Reporter/Newscaster who founded Live Fit Magazine in 2004, recognizing how the journalism industry is rapidly moving online. The magazine has evolved frrom producing content only for LFM to producing much-needed video feature news stories and documentaries for companies and associations. Phoebe discovered an unfulfilled niche market and expanded LFM in order to meet the needs of a growing marektplace. Her clients are happy she did! Live Fit Magazine produces video news stories that entice viewing audiences to watch the video, spread the message, buy the product or visit the establishment. It's a creative, credible approach to marketing companies, products, and services. Few companies offer what Live Fit Magazine can do for your company in a single feature video story. Phoebe works with clients to seamlessly integrate their newly produced video into their current marketing materials. She offers expert advice on new marketing strategies and call-to-action campaigns including the Live Fit Magazine Hot Buy program. Her innovative efforts keep companies positioned for success and their customers regularly watching new and informative videos.
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