Benefits of Vichy Shower Massage. Get a Wet Blast of Relaxation!

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If you’re new to the wonders of visiting the spa, you may have come across an interesting-looking table with water jets that seem to float above it. This is a Vichy shower massage.

It’s a shower that you don’t take standing up! The Vichy shower massage is a form of hydrotherapy. It is known to not only cleanse and relax your body but also provide other benefits to your health.

In this article, we take a closer look at the benefits of Vichy shower massage.

After you read this, you may find yourself anxious to try laying on that weird table and getting wet!


The Wonder of Water

For centuries, it has been known that water has abilities that can even help to treat disease.

Documentation on the benefits of water therapy can be found as far back as ancient Greece, with frequent references to the amazing healing power of the Pamukkale Pools near Ephesus in Turkey (it’s an amazing spot!).

It was around the 16th Century that the aristocracy in Europe began enjoying the mineral baths of Vichy in France. It helped to cure things like gout, rheumatism, and arthritis.

Hydrotherapy plays a significant part in both traditional and alternative medicine these days.

But the Vichy shower massage is something unique. It is a table shower that goes beyond just getting you clean.

But the Vichy shower massage is something unique. It is a table shower that goes beyond just getting you clean.


Why is it Called Vichy Shower Massage?

The Vichy Shower Massage takes its name from the city of Vichy, France. It has five natural mineral springs that originate from the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes. This therapeutic water was the inspiration behind the Vichy shower massage.

Legend has it that Julius Caesar had his horses partake of Vichy’s famous mineral-enriched water. It is known for helping heal digestive issues and supporting the healthiness of good skin. After drinking the water, Caesar’s horses recovered from the fatigue they had developed during the Gaul conquest.

Luckily these days, you don’t have to make the intercontinental trip to Vichy’s luxury five-star spa hotel to receive the benefits of a Vichy shower massage.

Legend has it that Julius Caesar had his horses partake of Vichy’s famous mineral-enriched water, which is still known for helping to heal digestive issues, and support the healthiness of good skin, among other health benefits.


What is a Vichy Shower Massage?

During your treatment, you will lie down on the table in the wet area of the spa. It has a row of five to seven shower jets hovering about three feet above it. Your therapist will then proceed to shower you with alternative pressures and temperatures.

The treatment generally starts with a three-minute warm shower. Then the water jets will be adjusted between hot and cold. This should make you feel both relaxing and invigorating at the same time.

You will experience the sensation of having water cascade all over your entire body.

Vichy shower massage can even help to boost your immunity. This is due to the opening and closing of your pores. It supports getting your circulation going.

During the massage process (which takes about 10-12 minutes), around 100 gallons of water will be drenched onto you to provide intense muscle soothing.

In some spas, Vichy shower massage is a treatment in itself. While in others, it is part of a package that comes complimentary at the end of a body scrub or a wrap. This will allows for the active ingredients to be absorbed better into the skin.

In some spas, Vichy shower massage is a treatment in itself, while in others it is part of a package that comes complimentary at the end of a body scrub or a wrap.


Benefits of Vichy Shower Massage

Like with most types of massage, the benefit of having a Vichy shower massage is full-body relaxation. Some people feel like they’re floating on water.

The pulsating water jets soothe sore and tired muscles.

You have the choice of the temperature you want the water to fall onto your body. Let your therapist know if the water is too hot or cold for you. They can also redirect the shower heads to suit you.

The stimulation of blood circulation is another health benefit of the Vichy shower massage. This effect helps to boost the immune system so that it functions optimally. As the blood starts circulating, so does the fluid in your lymph nodes.

The result of this process activates detoxification of the body. It helps it to fight infections and eliminates lymphatic blockage.

These are the causes of cellulite, menstrual cramps, migraines, fatigue, and even depression.

Some other benefits of Vichy shower massage include:

  • Improved digestion, due to the faster elimination of waste, can even help to facilitate weight loss.
  • The loosening of tight muscles provides relief from acute aches and pains.
  • Soothing the nervous system, which will also help to promote better and deeper sleep.
  • Toning of the skin, due to the alternating cold and hot water, works to stimulate your pores.

Keep in mind that almost all providers will have you wear a bathing suit during the massage. You’re going to get pretty wet!


For Your Enhancement

Depending on the spa, you will find the Vichy shower massage either offered as a standalone treatment or as part of a spa package.

Some spas give a Vichy shower massage after the application of scrubs or body wraps.

This can make you feel warm, purified, and invigorated.

Most spas in Europe use Vichy shower massage as an after-treatment. Your spa therapist will use the Vichy shower massage to remove any product from your other service so that you won’t have to shower.

Instead, you can relax in the spa atmosphere.

Thankfully these days, you don’t need to take a trip to France to experience the above-mentioned benefits of Vichy shower massage. Simply find a spa that offers this therapeutic water therapy and enjoy the results.