Do Garra Rufa fish bite?
No. Garra Rufa fish have no teeth — they remove dead skin cells only with their suction-like lips. The process is painless; most of our guests describe it as a pleasant tingling.
Nature’s Touch
Doctor Fish Therapy
Discover at Efe Termal a traditional therapy thousands of years old, in which the natural touch of Garra Rufa fish renews your skin. Hygienic. Natural. Unique.
- Garra Rufa~150 fish
- Skin RenewalNatural method
- Thermal WaterFiltered, hygienic
- 20-30 minSingle session
Nature’s Touch
Doctor Fish Therapy
Natural renewal through the gentle touch of Garra Rufa fish.
Garra Rufa
A fish native to Türkiye
Natural Method
Chemical-free care
20-30 min
Single session length
Thermal Water
Mineral-rich & filtered
Doctor Fish Therapy
A Natural Therapy Thousands of Years Old
Garra Rufa is a small freshwater fish that lives naturally in the thermal springs of Sivas and the surrounding region of Türkiye. Observed by local people for centuries to soothe skin complaints, these fish are now used around the world as a recognised therapy. At Efe Termal, we offer you this natural wonder in a hygienic setting, with expert guidance.
“Nature is the gentlest healer.”
What Does Doctor Fish Therapy Do for You?
Centuries of traditional knowledge meet modern hygiene standards.
01
Natural Skin Renewal
Garra Rufa fish gently remove only dead skin cells and leave healthy skin untouched. Far more delicate than mechanical exfoliation.
02
Support for Skin Conditions
A practice observed for many years to ease the symptoms of conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and atopic dermatitis — under a doctor’s supervision.
03
Micro-circulation
The fish’s hundreds of tiny touches help activate the capillaries in your skin, giving your complexion a healthy glow.
04
Stress Relief
The tingling sensation calms the nervous system. Many of our guests say they feel deeply relaxed and refreshed at the end of a session.
05
Naturally Antibacterial
Garra Rufa fish have a natural antibacterial effect, playing a protective role against unwanted microorganisms on the skin’s surface.
06
Combined with Thermal Water
Delivered in our hotel’s thermal water, the therapy combines the water’s rich minerals with the effect of the fish’s touch.
How a Session Works
From the first step to the final moisturiser — in case you’re wondering how we look after you.
01
Welcome & Preparation
You fill in a short form at the SPA reception, and your feet are washed following a hygiene procedure.
02
Step into the Water
You place your feet in a filtered, temperature-controlled thermal water pool. A light tingling begins in the first minute — that’s perfectly natural.
03
During the Session
For 20–30 minutes, hundreds of small fish gently remove the dead cells from your feet while you relax with a glass of herbal tea.
04
Care & Finish
At the end of the session your feet are rinsed with an antibacterial solution and a natural moisturiser is applied.
Questions You May Have
How is hygiene ensured?
The thermal water passes continuously through filtration and UV sterilisation. Before every session your feet are washed with an antibacterial solution. The fish pools are regularly checked by a veterinarian.
Who is it suitable for?
It is generally suitable for adults and children over 8. If you have an open wound, are pregnant or take blood-thinning medication, please consult your doctor first.
Will I see results right away?
Yes. At the end of the session your feet feel visibly softer and smoother, with a natural glow. The effect keeps building over the following few days.
Is one session enough?
Even a single session makes a noticeable difference. For skin conditions, a regular protocol (2-3 sessions a week) can be followed on a doctor’s recommendation.
Natural Renewal Is One Step Away
Call us now to book a Doctor Fish session, or add one to your room reservation. Appointments are usually confirmed within 24 hours.
Are the doctor fish and the salt room charged extra?
The salt room is free: it is included in your stay along with the Turkish bath, sauna and indoor thermal pool. Garra Rufa doctor fish is charged extra, like massage and kese-foam. Call reception for session times and prices.
What is thermal water good for?
Yoncalı's mineral-rich thermal water is traditionally chosen for muscle and joint complaints, rheumatic conditions and circulation problems. The warmth relaxes the muscles, and the effect usually becomes noticeable over a few days. If you have a chronic condition or are pregnant, please consult your doctor before using thermal water.
What is included in the price? Are meals included?
Stays are half board: breakfast and dinner are included. The private in-room thermal pool, the indoor thermal pool, Turkish bath, sauna and salt room are also included; doctor fish, massage and kese-foam are charged extra. Bank transfer and cash payments get a 10% discount, and credit cards can be split into 6 instalments at the cash price.