Food Coma 911

Tree’s Shadow (나무 그늘)

Address: 1305-3 Seocho-dong 2F, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Telephone: 02-1644-2633
Website: http://www.restree.net/
Directions: Line 2 Gangnam station (강남 역) exit 6 walk straight about 150 meters and it’s on your left above Teenie Weenie on the second floor. Also, the store is in line with CGV movie theater on the other side of the street (map).

So, what is Doctor Fish exactly? They are two species of fish that belong to the Cyprinion Family; Garra rufa obtusa and Cyprinion macrostomus macrostomus. The former are known as “Lickers” and the latter are known as “Strikers.” The main difference is that Lickers have ventral mouths and Strikers have terminal mouths. They have several nicknames including Nibble Fish, Little Dermatologists, Kangal Fish (where they originated), and Reddish Log Suckers. These toothless fishes are true Little Dermatologists because they only nibble at dead skin cells and leave the living, healthy skin behind. It has been scientifically proven that this treatment can naturally cure skin disorders and is especially popular with Psoriasis patients.

However, there is some fishy business. Imposer fishes are being used instead like the Chin Chin Yu and claiming to reap the same beneficial results. This is not the case because when the Chin Chin Yu reach a certain size their teeth become sharp enough to bite even the healthy skin. There have even been reports of them biting so hard to cause cuts and wounds. Typically, the spas remove them before they reach this stage and replace them with smaller ones. Regardless, no scientific research has been done on this species and those with skin disorders should inform themselves before dipping.

Not too sure which species this is, but is one of the two used at Tree’s Shadow.

Tree’s Shadow is a book and spa cafe with Dr. Fish located at the back of the store in Gangnam.

First Step: To have a 15 minutes session with Dr. Fish for a mere 2,000 won, you must also purchase either a drink or food item (between 4,500 to 10,000 won). Your Dr. Fish session starts once you’re finished with your drink/meal. Below are some food options, nothing was really phenomenal though.

While waiting for your food, you will be tempted to check out what you signed up for.

Second Step: After finishing, just let an employee know you’re ready for Dr. Fish. You will be advised to take off your shoes and socks, so they can wet your legs before dipping them into the Dr. Fish pond.

TIP: It’s best to wear bottoms that are easy for you to scrunch up.

Fourth Step: After your time is up, they wet your legs once again and spary what I believe is some kind of disinfectant. The results are smooth and healthy looking feet!

Want to make a spa trip out of it? Check out Termeden Spa and Resort for an overall body experience with Dr. Fish in mineral water. FYI, they do use Chin Chin Yu fish though.