Fish Spa Craze Splashes into Manchester

A new beauty craze popular with the beauty elite is set to make a splash in the UK as Manchester’s first ever ‘fish spa’ opens at The Trafford Centre.

An organic alternative to standard pedicures, this unique skin treatment massages and removes dead skin from the feet using Garra Rufa - also known as Doctor Fish. Though it may sound wacky, this innovative concept is hugely popular throughout the Far East and has recently enjoyed a successful transition into the US and Europe with ‘fish spas’ available in Virginia, New York, France and Germany. During the treatment the fish suck and nibble away the dry skin from the feet leaving you with healthy, rejuvenated skin. These clever fish can also stimulate acupuncture points, helping to regulate the nervous system, relax the body and release fatigue. Sensation The fish, which originate from Turkey, will only work on unhealthy or dead skin, so that all healthy skin is left untouched. Appy Feet was the first spa to bring this concept to the English market, and founder Christina Wright describes how, after experiencing the phenomenon while holidaying in the Far East, she felt compelled to bring the sensation to the UK. Said Christina: “Having toured the Far East and experienced the fish foot spa in Okinawe, Japan I decided I needed to get involved and made it my mission to bring the concept to England. My idea was to make the fish spa experience available, approachable and affordable to all. For me, The Trafford Centre store will appeal to all the health-conscious people of the Northwest, who are known as early adopters for any new and intriguing treatment. My plan is to go nationwide with the fish spa concept over the next 12 months – we currently have 18 areas across the country earmarked.” This is not the first time the Garra Rufa fish have hit the UK headlines, with the BBC featuring a story about a woman forced to travel to Turkey for this treatment in a bid to cure her psoriasis. Christina concludes: “The benefits of the treatment have been scientifically proven, and we want to put an end to people having to travel to feel the benefits of this organic therapy. The treatment is not only for psoriasis sufferers and can have an impact on anybody who suffers with dry skin on both their feet and hands.” Innovation Gordon McKinnon, Director of Operations at The Trafford Centre said: “Our customers are amongst the most discerning in the world – and we are confident they will take this amazing fish spa concept to their hearts. It’s such a unique way to treat an age-old problem, and this new addition really adds to our reputation for providing innovation for our customers.” The Trafford Centre attracts some of the top retail and restaurant brands from around the world, including Molton Brown, Lipsy, Radley, Abercrombie & Fitch’s Hollister, Armani, Calvin Klein, Vivienne Westwood, DKNY, Ted Baker, and eateries including Carluccio’s, KRO Bar, TGI Fridays and Pesto. With the most varied designer shopping outside of London’s Oxford Street, the Centre continues to refresh its retail mix to appeal to the modern shopper. ***ENDS*** Media stories on the Garra Rufa pedicure concept: 1) Time Magazine Top Ten Alternative Therapies 2) MSNBC Poll in favour of fish spas 3) AquaArt showcase the health benefits of Doctor Fish at the Aquariya Expo 2009 4) Oxford Journals present a study of doctor fish curing psoriasis. 87.5% of participants stated positive results. 5) New Scientist talk about the Garra Rufa fish used in fish spas 6) BBC news talk with a woman whose psoriasis was cured by Garra Rufa fish 7) NPR talks about fishy feet pedicures CLICK HERE FOR MEDIA STORIES Notes to Editors: • Journalists and editors wishing to review the new Trafford Centre Appy Feet spa can be amongst the first to try the treatment by calling the head office on Tel: 01246 439111 (Head Office, 8 Gosber Street, Eckington Business Centre, Eckington, S21 4DA) • TV and radio crews are welcome to the store to film and record. Please contact head office for an appointment. Christina Wright is available for interview. • Set on the edge of the UK’s second city, Manchester’s iconic Trafford Centre attracts over 30 million visitors each year. Housing over 230 stores, many of them flagship, 50 places to eat, an 20- screen Cinema, 11,000 free car parking spaces and a transport interchange, The Trafford Centre is the North’s premier shopping centre. • Home to a huge array of international shops and designers such as Karen Millen, Hollister, French Connection, Hugo Boss, All Saints, Baby Dior, Kurt Geiger, Ted Baker, and the new arrivals of Lipsy and Radleys, The Trafford Centre is “always ahead” of the fashion pack and overflowing with the latest fashion trends. • The entertainment centre includes The Orient food court, with a large range of restaurants and food outlets including Nandos, Pizza Express, Frankie and Bennys and the new Zizzi’s. Just next door is the fine dining experience of The Great Hall, with highlights including KRO Bar, Carluccio’s and Pesto. The Centre also boasts The Trafford Centre ODEON, a 20 screen cinema right next to Paradise Island Adventure Golf, and our climbing wall. • The Trafford Centre is at the heart of the Trafford Quays Leisure Village, a new concept in shopping, sports and entertainment, with Airkix indoor skydiving, ChillFactore real-snow indoor ski-slope, Playgolf driving range, and a host of Premier Inn hotels just a short stroll from the Malls. • Visit http://www.traffordcentre.co.uk for further information.

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