The incident sparked widespread public outrage, and the case garnered significant attention from citizens and residents
uae17 hours ago
Used to treat skin ailments in Turkey’s hot springs for the past 400 years, Garra Rufa (doctor fish) may soon make a foray into the hotel spas and health resorts in the UAE.
Best known to help alleviate a medical condition called ‘Psoriasis’, the fish feeds on diseased and dead skin. It gently sucks on and scrubs the affected areas while exuding ‘ditranol’ (a mild antiseptic) which prevents rapid development of cells on the skin.
Worldwide, especially in the US and parts of Asia, the treatment is a popular attraction in spas, manicure and pedicure centres, as well as health and beauty salons.
“Results are a smoother and softer skin after treatment,” says Kevin Tan, Business Development Manager of AquaArt, a Qatar-based distributor of aquarium brands and aquatic fish and plants which are show casing the exotic fish at the Aquariya Expo 2009 that started off in Dubai on Wednesday.
“The fish is naturally attracted to human presence in the water and starts nibbling immediately,” explains Tan. Patients do not need more than 10-20 minutes of these expensive ‘nibble’ sessions. In cases of manicures/pedicures, the fish gently exfoliates.
If used for medicinal purposes, the fish needs to be kept in UV sterlisers and aquariums with automatic water changers.
“Though there is Internet evidence that the fish provides faster healing, this has not been proved scientifically yet though it does provide significant relief,” adds Tan.
Garra Rufa grows up to 4 inches (10 centimetres) and survives in water temperatures up to 36 degrees centigrade.
DID YOU KNOW?
IN Turkey, the Garra Rufa is considered a national treasure which means no legal export of the fish is allowed.
A non-migratory freshwater fish, it is found in rivers through much of Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Turkey and Syria. They are also farm bred in Malaysia.
However, due to the popularity, over 10 look-alikes of the fish especially from China are being used to extort quick bucks.
These ‘fakes’ may, in fact, cause bodily harm if allowed to nibble.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com
The incident sparked widespread public outrage, and the case garnered significant attention from citizens and residents
uae17 hours ago
World Free Zones Organization launches key initiatives to incorporate free zones into a national economic framework
uae17 hours ago
Hundreds of vacancies at RTA, Dubai Police, the National Guard among others are up for grabs and the event lasts until September26
uae18 hours ago
Violators will be given a one-month grace period to address the offence and rectify their housing conditions
uae18 hours ago
Anyone can apply via Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism website
uae19 hours ago
The two leaders reviewed various aspects of the longstanding bilateral ties, particularly in the fields of trade and investment
uae23 hours ago
President Sheikh Mohamed and Joe Biden emphasised plans to deepen cooperation on space exploration, clean energy and artificial intelligence
uae1 day ago
Studies indicate that approximately 28.2% of schoolgoing children and 34.7% of adolescents in the UAE are classified as overweight or obese
uae1 day ago