Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Doctor Fish

Garra Rufa, also known as Doctor Fish or the Surgeon fish have been used to treat psoriasis, eczema and other skin disorders for years in their homelands of Turkey, Iran, Syria, and Iraq. They are fresh water fish which only eat the affected tissue and leave the healthy skin to continue growing.
 A member of the carp family, these little nibblers originate from Turkey, where they have long been revered for their healing powers. People with skin conditions like psoriasis, which causes red, scaly patches on the skin, were some of the first to use the treatment, finding the fish provided temporary relief.
In recent years the treatment has spread from Turkey to spas in Europe, Asia and North America. But in the U.S., it has been banned in 14 states due to sanitation concerns.
In Canada, regulation vary across the country, falling under the provinces and their local public health units.
By grahamfkerr on Flickr



Info from here, and here

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