![Garra Rufa and visitors enjoying the fish cleaning water treatment. [Photos: CFP]](U347P886T1D747F14DT20110715110923.jpg "Garra Rufa and visitors enjoying the fish cleaning water treatment. [Photos: CFP]")
Legend has it that in the early 14th century two Turkish brothers, who were fond of bathing in naturally hot waters, found a spring with a breed of tiny fish they had never seen before. After bathing, they both found that their beriberi (a disease of the nervous system) had been miraculously cured after having the dead skin from their feet bitten and cleaned off by the fish. This "fish cleaning water treatment" quickly became very popular in Turkey, and was later introduced into Japan and South Korea.
Doctor fish
The fish breed, Garra Rufa (also known as "doctor fish" or "nibble fish") bite off dead scurf (scaly matter) from the feet and the body, and any dirty discharges and bacteria. It is claimed that the Garra Rufa are able to clear the surface of the skin, prevent ailments caused by accumulated toxins.
In China, these hot springs with Garra Rufa were first found in Hainan Province, and soon caught on at natural hot springs or holiday resorts in places like Nanjing, Beijing, Guangdong Province and Zhejiang Province. Whole-body fish bathing or fish pedicures are the most popular options for this type of treatment.
In Shanghai this therapy is available at the Shanghai San Jia Gang Beach Waterpark where it has become a popular attraction in the summer along with the beach barbecue, sand-sculptures, and water amusements.
This is the second year the waterpark has promoted the fish cleaning. The water temperature is lower than that at a traditional hot spring fish cleaning. The waterpark bought about 40,000 of the Turkish fish recently, and according to the PR manager, surnamed Feng, the 30-square-meter pond which houses them can be used by both men and women. Guests must wear their swimming suits in the water. "It's as much about having fun in the pool surrounded by hundreds of small fish, as it is about any medical benefits," said Feng.
Add: 6015 Huaxia Road East, Pudong New Area (near the Yuandong Avenue Station of Metro Line 2)
浦东新区华夏东路6015号(2号线远东大道站)
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm
Admission: 30 yuan ($4.65) per hour
