A Vichy shower is a treatment offered in spas that is basically several shower heads over a table. This allows the person to receive a shower while laying on the table, and in some instances is referred to as a table shower.
Vichy showers are usually included as part of other body treatments like a salt scrub or a body wrap. To save the person getting off the table and taking a shower, it’s easier to just rinse down the person where they lay.
The shower unit typically has between 5-7 shower heads than run the length of the massage table. In some instances it can be attached to the wall if the layout allows for this. But the result is the same, the water will cover the whole table.
The therapist will check the temperature and pressure of the water first, before then directing it onto the client. It’s an incredibly refreshing experience, and serves the purpose of washing the person down too.
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Benefits of a Vichy Shower Treatment
There are some specific benefits to receiving regular Vichy shower treatments. These include:
- Increasing the effectiveness of treatments applied to the skin
- Stimulating the skin to promote new skin cells and help reduce the signs of aging
- Boosts the immune system
- The skin nerve system stimulation reduces stress
Vichy Showers and Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is the use of water to treat different health conditions. Most notably arthritis and rheumatic complaints. It typically involves warm water and exercises, but can also include blasting the skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
Vichy showers are used in hydrotherapy and can be a part of an overall spa session.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy
- Loosen tense muscles and help reduce knots
- Hydrates skin cells and stimulates healing
- Improves internal organ function through increased blood flow
- Increases metabolic rate
- Increase the body’s rate of detoxing waste and toxins
Hydrotherapy is a quick and simple treatment. It can be carried on on a shower table and help stimulate a persons body to return to it’s natural balance. It improves internal organ function, relieves stress, and improves the all-round feeling of well being.
Why Have a Vichy Shower
If a Vichy shower is offered as part of a treatment it’s up to you if you choose to have it or not. Not everyone is comfortable being showered on a table, but there is nothing to worry about. Your modesty is protected by towels, and you will be given privacy to dry off afterwards.
I always recommend having a table shower when offered. Especially if you have had a treatment on your skin. Having the uninterrupted process of going from a treatment or massage into the shower makes the complete process feel a lot more whole.
There is a common misconception that a Vichy shower is just used to clean a person down. While in fact it’s a for of hydrotherapy, which means its very effective at reducing stress and relaxing the body. Which is the main reason people go to a spa in the first place.
Some spas offer specific aromatherapy sensory sessions under a Vichy shower. Where clients use bath scrubs and treatments they lay under the shower. The water has a hydrostatic effect and acts as a form of massage on its own.
The water kneads into the body, stimulating the touch receptors and heightening a persons senses. It’s a unique experience, and a deeply refreshing one. If you have never had a Vichy shower I recommend you add it to your bucket list if nothing else.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHn0npUcnpU
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.