Fish Reflexology, Anyone?
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Reflexions: Journal of Reflexology Research Project
Volume 28 No. 2 |
March 2007 |
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Greetings!
Fish Reflexology and More
You just never know where reflexology might surface. In Singapore, you'll find it under the water; in Japan it's in the artificial "forest of relaxation" and in Portugal it's over a path you'll go treading on eucalyptus berries, pine needles and black sand. At venues around the world, from Underwater World Singapore to Japan's first relaxation theme park to the Hotel Jardim Atlantico in Madeira, Portugal, there's a treat waiting for your feet.
Fish Reflexology: There's something fishy in Singapore
Recent articles bring to the surface the service of fish reflexology.
Kevin Kunz
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 Fish Reflexology
· "On 6 December 2006, Underwater World Singapore launched three new attractions - an interactive stingray feeding pool, a display of small marine reef species, and 'Fish Reflexology', Singapore's first fish reflexology spa, where two species of spa fish gently nibble away at the dead skin on visitors' feet." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_World,_Singapore)
· Those who visit Underwater World Singapore can "Treat your feet to Fish Reflexology...Step into Fish Reflexology to the warmth of soft lights, accompanied by the calming sonance of a river stream. With feet relaxed in a warm pool, witness a school of Turkish spa fish swim up and gently nibble on your feet. These adorable little fish consume only the dead skin areas, revealing your smoother and healthier skin - what more interesting way to exfoliate and pamper your feet! ... Following the "nibbling massage," our qualified foot reflexologists will rub and knead your feet to good shape. A novel spa therapy first discovered in the Middle East, the well-known Turkish Garrarufa species, native to the hot springs lakes and river basins, have captured the imagination of beauty spas in many countries. ... Experience this unique and revitalizing therapy, complete with a foot massage at Fish Reflexology today. Only at Underwater World Singapore." The Fish Reflexology Session includes a 20 minute "Spa fish pool dip" and a 20 minute Foot reflexology workout for $22.75. (www.underwaterworld.com.sg)
· A recent Reuter Life article noted the Fish Reflexology service as an example of Singaporeans desire to look good, the ability to afford the search for beauty and the quest for the unusual.
"Would you let skin-eating fish nibble at your toes? Or how about shaving your eyebrows and then re-painting them back on?
"Beauty is big business in Singapore, where looking good is something of a national obsession.
"This is a society that depends on people skills more than any other, so it's not only what you have but how you present it, and the emphasis on that is quite amazing." notes Saroja Dorairajoo, sociology professor at the National University of Singapore.
"To satisfy an increasingly sophisticated clientele in a competitive market -- and in line with the national penchant for the bizarre -- beauty providers often go to extremes.
"At Fish Reflexology, clients' feet are exfoliated by tiny fish that nibble off dead skin -- a method used for decades to treat diseases in Turkey. The treatment is also available in some areas of China and Japan. The spa opened in December (2006) on Sentosa island and more than 2,000 customers have fed their feet to the fish.
"'We wanted an innovative experience," said Jezzamine Lee, communications manager of the Haw Par Corporation that brought the concept to Sentosa."
("Fish tales. Wax wails for Singaporeans beauty-mad" By Miral Fahmy Wed Jan 17, 2007 (Reuters Life!)
Link to photo: http://www.plasmetic.com/skin/spas/fish-reflexology-eyebrow-embroidery.html
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Portugal Reflexology Path
"We used to call it 'going for a walk:' Intriguing new reflexology treatment from the Hotel Jardim Atlantico (www.jardimatlantico.com) in Madeira (Portugal). It uses local ingredients, such as eucalyptus berries, pine needles and black sand. How so? You walk on them - the "treatment" is a barefoot stroll along an 800 yard path covered in the stuff. Apparently, it "stimulates the cardiovascular system and regulates arterial pressure". And if you tread on a thorn, it enhances lung capacity, too." Stephen Bleach, "Neofile," The Sunday Times (London), March 04, 2007 (http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/travel/article1462338.ece) |
Japan: Foot massage in the "Forest of relaxation"
Forest of Relaxation (Riraku no Mori)is the name of Japan's first relaxation theme park. "Eight facilities are scattered in an artificial forest, each specializing in such services as sole massage, stretching, Thai massage, and a spa featuring geranium, believed to speed up metabolism... "Since Riraku no Mori is located inside Namco's Nanja Town game park, visitors can relax between world-saving exploits in computer games ... "Riraku no Mori is crowded with couples and families, particularly on weekends, forcing some customers to wait for four hours to receive service. ("When the going gets rough, get a foot rub," The Asahi Shimbun, 8/19/2005) |
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Star Tribune Review of the Reflexology Deck
This 52-card deck offers a concise, informative guide to the therapeutic practice of stimulating "pressure sensors" to relax and refresh the body. Most of the techniques, demonstrated with step-by-step photographs, are geared toward two-person sequences.
However, with small variations and making use of the last cards in the deck, you can give yourself a calming session.
The deck contains detailed illustrations of the hand and foot, showing how the different areas of each relate to other parts of the body. The remainder of the deck is broken into "chapters" concentrating on a particular technique.
The authors have been involved in researching and teaching reflexology for 25 years and the cards are based on their book "Reflexology: Health at Your Fingertips." But better than a book, the portability of this deck allows you to practice relief virtually anywhere, making the cards an especially good addition to your work cubicle.
Reviewed by Randy Miranda, staff writer and part-time fitness instructor.
Reflexology Deck
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