The city of Vichy, in France, contains five natural mineral springs. These springs inspired the design of the Vichy shower. A Vichy shower includes five to seven shower heads that are placed in a row over a cushioned table. During the treatment, a client lies on a cushioned table while water showers the body. Spas worldwide feature the shower in some of their most popular hydrotherapy (water) treatments. Some spas use the shower as a complement to massages, wraps and scrubs, while other spas use the Vichy shower as a stand-alone therapeutic treatment. Spas administer a Vichy shower treatment in a specially designed “wet room” with tiled walls and floor. The shower helps relax the client but can also boost the client’s immunity.
Relaxation
Treatment with the Vichy shower simulates the feeling of floating on water, which many people find relaxing. The pulsating massage causes tired and sore muscles to relax. A spa technician generally sets the water at body temperature so it is neither too hot nor too cold. The therapist has the option to position the five to seven showerheads separately and to adjust the pressure of the shower and the temperature of the water to the desires of each patron.
Immunity Boost
The Vichy shower aids in lymphatic circulation, which allows the immune system to function efficiently. As the showers massage, they stimulate circulation in the body, encouraging the transportation of fluids and blood components to the lymph nodes and back to the heart. This process detoxifies the body, helping it fight infection. The Vichy shower, therefore, can eliminate the negative effects of lymphatic blockage, which include migraine headaches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, fatigue, loss of appetite, depression, acne and cellulite.
Enhanced Spa Services
Spa therapists facilitate the application of scrubs and wraps with the Vichy shower. Depending on which kind of scrub or wrap the client chooses, the Vichy treatment can be invigorating, warming, purifying or soothing. Some spas use the Vichy shower to remove product from a client who has received a cellulite or hydrating treatment. European spas often incorporate the Vichy shower into massage treatments. Clients may favor a treatment accompanied by the Vichy shower because it enhances the spa experience by allowing the treatment to be completed without having move to another room for the removal of product. Many spa therapists find this method of removing product from services more thorough than having a client remove the product in a standard shower.