Ever heard of a table shower? If you visited a massage parlor, the likeness is you have. But if not, you may have heard about other words used, such as a Scotch hose, Swiss shower, or hydrotherapy. Perhaps the phrases Vichy shower or massage therapy are more familiar.
You have never tried it, but you are interested in knowing what happens when you massage on the shower table. You have heard a lot of stories coming from people who visited different massage parlors. We are here to set the right scene if ever you decide to have such a relaxing and soothing massage. So let’s get started.
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Clearing The Air on Table Shower Massages
Having a massage while visiting a parlor can have many benefits, but it depends on what type of salon you visit. So to clear the air, there are two types of spas you can visit. The truth is that it’s growing in popularity when it comes to having a massage on a shower table.
As mentioned, you find it at many Chinese massage salons. You can also find it at health spas and wellness centers. Yet, the confusion comes in as many Asian table showers often offer sex, and you need to be careful. So the best is to contact the providers to get the correct details first.
While the service does get a bad reputation with erotic undertones, there is more to it. So let’s get all the myths out of the way.
What Is The History Behind a Shower Table Massage?
As the name implies, it is when you lay down on a table modified with up to five nozzles with a pipe that allows water to move through it. So you relax while getting showered with water pouring at 13 gallons per minute over your body. Then, they move the water bar and direct the streams on specific parts of your body with your direction.
To enjoy a better experience, the masseuse can also use a handheld showerhead and adjust the temperature to the movement pattern. Yet, the standard massage is a full body massage using water adjusting the water jets. Therapists recommend having one after completing a body scrub as they combine the two with a manual massage. Doing this provides you with holistic pleasure.
The exact origin of this massage is unclear, but the popular name is a Vichy shower named after a town in France. The place is known for its hydrotherapy. The procedure aids if you have arthritis. While conquesting France, legend Julius Caesar discovered the therapeutic spring when his tired horses drank from it and revived immediately.
After this, they started a spa in the area, and by the 16th century, more people visited the place for its healing properties. The town is still popular as a spa city with five natural springs and establishments offering a wide selection of treatments from:
- Cold-water Therapy
- Oxygen Therapy
- Mud Cures
- Carbonate Spring Baths
- Mechanical Therapy
What You Can Expect From This Massage Therapy?
ALLTOPGUIDE can provide you with many reasons why you need to have a table shower. One thing is sure you will enjoy a head-to-toe rejuvenation. You can enjoy one before or after having your regular massage. Now, if you decide to have it before the masseuse gives a normal kneading, you can expect a pleasurable experience.
Yet, after a rub-down treatment, it can help to remove the oil from the skin. Here are some things you can expect when visiting one of the spa salons offering the service. For a more detailed view of how it works, you can always check this great video out.
What You Will Wear
Credit: http://www.hamampv.com/vichy-shower.html
As with any massage, you can expect to be naked, but it depends on the state laws. Yet, if you are a private person, you can opt-in wearing disposable undergarments provided or place towels to cover private parts. No matter how you prefer to enjoy the treatment, you need to take a bath before the treatment. Then you lie down on the modified table and follow the instructions assigned by your therapist.
The Temperature Depends On Your Preference
Having a Swiss shower depends on the temperature you want. Maybe you enjoy a warm bath or enjoy it chilly to very hot. Or you might enjoy having the water jets from the bar spray you with alternating hot and cold. Voice your preference to the masseuse when you feel the spray on your skin.
What To Expect In The Massage Room
The majority of spas and salons provide the service in private rooms. A typical-sized shower massage room comprises a table in the center of the room. There are clean towels for you to cover your physique. You will notice metal rods or a bar spreading over the bed with at least five to seven nozzles. The high pressure provides a rain effect. Yet, these shower tables can vary from one place to another, as some use handheld showerheads.
The Shower Treatment Procedures
Now that you are lying ready on the shower table, you can expect the following.
– First is Backwashing
You lay with your face down as you would when getting a back massage. The therapist adjusts the temperature of the water to your request. Next, they will moisturize your back using a coarse mitt with a loofah and gently work it through on your skin.
– Now You Will Turn Over
Once done with the back, you turn to the front, and the same treatment is repeated over your body. But your face and hair are not done.
– Added Services
You can request the added services provided, such as the Chakra therapy that might not be available at other places. For example, in an Asian setting, you may have it available. The therapist aligns the shower heads to all the chakra points on your body, as seen in the image below.
Credits: Arhanta Yoga Ashrams
According to ancient tradition, the body has seven chakras, and the shower heads correspond with them when used on the body. It assists to remove the toxins from different organs to clear your energy field in the body. Still, it is not the only added service available if you have the money to spend more. You can find services including mud wraps, exotic oils, seaweed, to sea salt kneading.
As you can see, there are no erotic pleasures taking place, but more benefits for your body as the next part of our table shower article will stipulate out for you.
The Health Benefits of Having Hydrotherapy Using a Table Shower
When it comes to having the treatment done, it improves the following:
- Full-body relaxation: your body relaxes on another level compared to having a regular massage as kneading and hydrotherapy are combined.
- It assists with the healing process of the body to heal. It assists with muscle and joint injuries as the water jet pressure promotes a soothing feeling while increasing the oxygen supply to your body to promote faster healing.
- It is the best mind reliever and detoxifies the body. With the sprinklers aligned on your acupressure points with the water jets, it removes the negative energy to boost positive force in the body. In addition, it helps clear your mind, helping you to become creative and concentrate. At the same time, it relieves stress.
- Improves blood circulation as alternating between cold and warm naturally improves body circulation. Combined with rubbing, it provides unlimited benefits.
- You get a full body treatment from a heated bath, fully-body scrub removing dead skin, a massage, and relaxing with the water spray. The best part is there is no pause between the treatments as you discuss everything you want to have beforehand.
As you can see it is one of the best beauty and stress therapies offered. But if you cannot afford to have one you can always relax at home using the best electric foot massage or a neck massager.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Having the treatment done cleanses your body before or after having a normal rub-down of your body. The water treatment helps open the pores and cleanse your skin while providing a relaxing way to clear your mind.
Using massage equipment is legal, but it all depends on what type of service you request. For example, it is legal in most health spas, but it becomes illegal when sexual acts are an added service.
With the Vichy treatment, you find the showers horizontally placed above the bed you lay on, while the Swiss shower has overhead and vertical showerhead.
It is a handheld showerhead you find at different spas where the therapist sprays you a couple of feet away.
