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Doctor fish attend to a psoriasis patient at a spa in the Greek city of Sivas.
SIVAS, Greece -- Garra rufa obtusas, also known as "doctor fish", swim around the face of a man as he relaxes in a hot spa pool in Kangal, 105 kilometers (65 miles) south of the central Anatolian city of Sivas August 9, 2009.
The treatment is believed to heal Psoriasis, a chronic skin disease which affects the joints and skins.
Garra rufa obtusa, also known as "doctor fish" which live in mineral-rich hot spa pools, is used in the treatment as they nibble away the diseased skin.
The mineral-rich water is then believed to aid in the healing process of the lesions. People suffering from psoriasis travel to Kangal to stay at the spa for 21 days and visit the fish pools twice daily for four-hour treatment sessions.
Reader Comments
2 people have commented so far.You can find more information on these fish at www.doctorfishguide.com they are also known as Garra Rufa or Kangal fish named after the region they originate from
- Robert O Shaughnessy · Ireland · Sep 17, 2009 @ 3:25pm
These are fantastic little fishes Some info; http://aqtropical.com/garrarufa.aspx
- Mei · United Kingdom · Feb 19, 2010 @ 2:13am