Ladies Circle visits Garrarufa Fish Spa

August 30th, 2011

Written by Sharon

On Wednesday 10^th August 2011, we ladies of St Albans Circle ventured out on our monthly social and this time we were headed for the new Garrarufa Fish Spa that has opened on Holywell Hill in St Albans.

Garrarufa fish pedicures are the latest craze to hit the UK and apparently, these little fish are naturally found in the hot spring pools in Turkey where they have been used therapeutically for decades to help sufferers of psoriasis and eczema. The little nibblers also stimulate acupuncture points on the feet which help to balance the nervous system and aid relaxation.

Our social officer, Emma Penn, had organised private use of the spa for our enjoyment and for those of us who were a little uncertain about what to expect (myself included), we were relaxed with a welcoming glass of wine and nibbles.  After completing the necessary paperwork to ensure that we weren’t harbouring any contagious diseases, we took our places on the seats in front of the fish tanks and waited for the lids to be removed – which was a little like waiting to walk the plank!

Eventually, we all agreed to place our feet in the individual tanks at the same time so after a “3, 2, 1” that’s what we did – and then I quickly pulled mine out again in fear nearly taking the fish with me!It was the mostbizarre feeling which took me quite some time to get used to and I don’t know what was wrong with my left foot, but the little critters only wanted to munch on my right foot.  After 5 minutes or so, I relaxed into the treatment and tried to stop looking down as it freaked me out so much.  The funniest part had to be the passers by stopping to peer through the window at what we were doing – the irony of suddenly feeling like we were in a fish bowl.  The piece de resistance had to be the police patrol car that had stopped in traffic right outside the window whereupon the female officer in the passenger seat wound down the window and shoved her size 9s out and pointed frantically at her feet saying “I need mine doing too”!!

The 15 minute treatment soon whizzed by and it was time to leave the fish to digest their evening meal as our feet were dried off and we compared results.  Did they feel any softer??  It’s hard to say as my own weekly pedicures keep hard skin at bay but I’m glad I tried it just to see what all the fuss was about.  Would I do it again???  Probably not.  As many people have said before me, it’s like Marmite, you either love it or you hate it and I think I’m in the latter camp.

We rounded the evening off with a good old girly chat and giggle across the road at The Peahen.  Another fabulous night and thank you to Emma for organising.