Wonderfish Spa's treatment is essentially a foot massage and exfoliation, with the work done by little fish that suck at your heels and soles. Provided to China Daily

 

Hong Kong

Some of the most unusual spa treatments are right here in Asia. Rebecca Lo tells you more.

Wonderfish Spa began in late 2009 in a shop on The Peak. It was the brainchild of a fish-spa lover who thought the concept would take off in Hong Kong after experiencing its benefits in Singapore. Originally common in outdoor pools in early 20th-century Turkey, there are now fish spas in Japan, China's mainland and throughout Southeast Asia.

The treatment is essentially a foot massage and exfoliation, with the work done by little fish that suck your heels and soles. Garra rufa, a relative of the carp family, is known as doctor fish because it naturally gravitates towards affected areas. It gently removes dead skin to leave your skin soft and moist, allowing healthy skin to grow back. Those suffering from eczema and other skin conditions find the treatment effective.

Wonderfish Spa offers two pools that can accommodate up to eight people each. You can choose between 30- and 60-minute sessions. Some regular customers go for as long as 90 minutes each time, though Kathy Liu, Wonderfish Spa's manager, recommends 30 minutes for beginners.

"People of all ages come here - our youngest was a 2-year-old child," says Liu. "Some people are scared at first, because the fish are dark and they create shadows at the bottom of the pool. But it is a great way to relax after a long walk and it promotes better blood circulation. I think one treatment per week would be ideal."

At the other end of the spectrum is ear candling.

An alternative therapy popular for decades, fans claim that it not only draws out the excess wax from the ears, but also restores a sense of calm and balance. Some even claim to experience an increased sense of smell and taste.

The process involves a hollow candle held above the ear while you are lying on one side perpendicular to the candle's direction. As the candle burns, it draws the toxins away from your body. You hear a slight hissing sound and the sensation is deeply relaxing.

DK Aromatherapy in the busy restaurant district of Soho is an oasis of calm and offers a couple of different ear-candling treatments. The center also offers facial, neck, head and shoulder massage. You can also choose an aromatherapy treatment, with an additional clay mud mask.

The two-story shop includes a retail area downstairs that sells ear candles for those who want to try the therapy at home.