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. Picture taken August 9, 2009.
Psoriasis patients relax in a hot spa pool as part of a treatment process, 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.
Garra rufa obtusas, also known as "doctor fish", swim near the hand of a psoriasis patient in a hot spa pool in Kangal, 105 kilometers (65 miles) south of th
Garra rufa obtusas, also known as "doctor fish", nibble on the skin of a psoriasis patient in a hot spa pool in Kangal, 105 kilometers (65 miles) south of the central Anatolian city of Sivas August 9, 2009.
Garra rufa obtusas, also known as "doctor fish", nibble on the skin of a psoriasis patient in a hot spa pool in Kangal, 105 kilometers (65 miles) south of the central Anatolian city of Sivas August 9, 2009.
Psoriasis patients relax in a hot spa pool as part of a treatment process, in Kangal 105 kilometers (65 miles) south of the central Anatolian city of Sivas August 9, 2009.
Psoriasis patients talk to a doctor as they stand next to a hot spa pool as part of their treatment process in Kangal, 105 kilometers (65 miles) south of the central Anatolian city of Sivas August 8, 2009.
People relax in a hot spring as garra rufa obtusas, also known as "doctor fish", swim around their bodies as part of a treatment process, in Kangal, 105 kilometers (65 miles) south of the central Anatolian city of Sivas August 9, 2009.
A psoriasis patient displays his hands as he relaxes in a hot spa pool as part of his treatment in Kangal, 105 kilometers (65 miles) south of the central Anatolian city of Sivas August 8, 2009.
(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
