One of the effective methods of physiotherapy, used both in cosmetology and in traditional medicine, is underwater shower massage. What kind of procedure this is, what effects it has on the human body, what are the indications and contraindications for its use, as well as the technique of performing a shower massage will be discussed in our article. Let's begin...
Underwater shower massage – what is it? Effects of the procedure
Underwater massage shower has a beneficial effect on the body; the procedure stimulates metabolism, improves blood circulation and improves immunity. Underwater shower massage is one of the hydrotherapy methods that combines several therapeutic factors: a fresh, herbal, salt or with the addition of essential oils bath, the massage effect of a water jet emitted under pressure, and the contrast in the temperature of the water in the bath and in the shower.
The effect of an underwater shower-massage is in principle similar to that of a classic therapeutic massage. However, it is more pronounced due to the fact that the patient’s body is in the water in the most relaxed state, which means that the massage is deeper and completely painless.
The intensity of the massage depends on the diameter of the tip, its distance from the skin surface, the angle of the jet and the pressure under which it is released. All these parameters can be changed repeatedly by a specialist as needed during the session.
A stream of water hitting the surface of the skin under pressure has a comprehensive effect on the body:
- improves blood and lymph flow;
- activates metabolic processes;
- increases general immunity, tones;
- hot water increases the tone of blood vessels and skeletal muscles, helps to increase blood pressure;
- cool water reduces blood pressure, activates local immunity processes in the skin;
- the combination of cold and hot shower stimulates the functions of the endocrine system and helps improve trophism (nutrition) of internal organs;
- cool and warm soul reduce pain intensity and excitability nervous system generally.
So, the effects of an underwater shower massage are:
- trophic;
- tonic;
- calming;
- vasoactive;
- immunostimulating;
- antispasmodic (pain reliever).
After completing a course of such procedures, patients note a significant improvement in their overall well-being. They become calmer, have better mental and physical exercise, are less likely to suffer from infectious diseases and complain less of headaches, muscle and osteoarticular pain. The appearance of cellulite decreases, the skin becomes smoother, firmer and more elastic, scars on the skin and adhesions in the abdominal cavity soften, swelling in the lower extremities becomes less pronounced. The level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood decreases. Many patients lose 3-5 kg during the course of treatment.
It is worth noting that the procedure can be both general (the whole body is massaged, with the exception of prohibited areas (will be indicated below)), and local (only one area of the patient’s body is massaged, depending on the indications (for example, the lower back or abdominal area)).
Indications and contraindications for underwater shower massage
This physiotherapy procedure is useful for almost everyone, but for some diseases its use will have the most pronounced positive effect. Such diseases are:
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, osteoarthritis, scoliosis and others);
- metabolic diseases, in particular gout and 1st degree obesity;
- pathology of the muscular system (myopathies, myositis, traumatic injuries);
- diseases of the peripheral nervous system without exacerbation (neuritis, plexitis, polyneuropathy);
- post-traumatic disorders of the peripheral nervous system;
- muscle paresis as a result of previous polio;
- cardiopsychoneurosis;
- hypertension at the initial stage;
- tendency to low blood pressure;
- ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis);
- Raynaud's disease;
- chronic gastritis, colitis and functional bowel disorders;
- lymph flow disorders;
- obliterating atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities;
- chronic venous diseases (varicose veins, chronic trophic ulcers, hemorrhoids);
- chronic salpingoophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes in women);
- skin pathology (hyperkeratosis, scaly lichen, neurodermatitis);
- depressive states;
- neurasthenia;
- sexual neurosis;
- cellulite;
- local fat deposits that the patient would like to get rid of;
- decreased firmness and elasticity of the skin and muscles.
Also, underwater shower massage can be useful during increased physical activity and during the rehabilitation period after operations, including plastic ones.
In some cases, this physical procedure will not only not bring the desired benefit to the patient, but may even cause harm to his health. So, contraindications to underwater shower-massage procedures are:
- pregnancy period;
- menstruation;
- early childhood (up to 5 years) and old age (65-70 years and above);
- acute infectious diseases with or without fever;
- any non-infectious diseases accompanied by an increase in body temperature (for example, systemic connective tissue diseases in the active phase);
- recent injuries (up to 10 days) and injuries requiring immobilization;
- pustular skin diseases;
- acute and chronic cerebrovascular accidents;
- history of myocardial infarction;
- hypertension stages II-III;
- ischemic disease hearts 2-3 degrees;
- cardiac arrhythmia;
- urolithiasis disease;
- thrombophlebitis;
- diseases accompanied by an increased risk of blood clots;
- diseases with an increased risk of bleeding;
- malignant neoplasms;
- benign tumors with a tendency to grow.
Equipment and technique for the procedure
To carry out underwater shower-massage procedures, a special bath is required. big size(2 m long and 1 m wide, containing 1.6 m 3 of water), equipped with a flexible hose and a set of nozzles of different diameters.
The medical staff prepares a bath, the water temperature of which is 30-37 ° C. The bath can simply contain fresh water, however, more often in order to enhance the desired effect, decoctions are added to it medicinal herbs, sea salt or a few drops of a mixture of essential oils.
The patient is immersed in water and simply lies in it for 5-7 minutes, getting used to the temperature of the water and gradually relaxing. After this time, the massage itself begins. It is produced using flexible hose connected to the pump. Through this hose, under pressure from 1 to 3-4 atmospheres, water comes out in a stream, which has a massage effect. The specialist constantly changes the angle of the jet and the distance from the end of the nozzle to the skin (as a rule, it ranges from 3 to 15 cm).
The effect is carried out similarly to the techniques of classical therapeutic massage.
- Stroking. The specialist moves the shower tip 10-15 cm from the surface of the patient’s skin. The angle of inclination of the jet is approximately 30°. The jet is moved along the massage lines on the body, as if pressing it with the left hand folded into a groove. If necessary, air can be sucked into the hose to create so-called pearl bubbles.
- Kneading. The specialist places the tip at a distance of 3-5 cm from the patient’s body, changes the angle of incidence of the jet to a straight line (equal to 90°) and makes circular movements with it (the jet).
- Kneading. With his left hand, the doctor grabs the skin in a fold, pulls it back and directs a stream of water there in a circular motion, gradually changing its angle from perpendicular to the surface of the body to an almost horizontal position.
- Vibration. With a hand with a hose, a specialist makes oscillatory movements in the direction from the periphery to the center, from the distal parts of the body to the proximal ones. Such movements promote the outflow of blood from the veins and improve lymph flow. Avoid exposure to the heart area, mammary glands in women and genitals. The abdominal area is massaged exclusively clockwise, since it is in this direction that the peristaltic movements of the intestines occur, through which food masses move through it. Counterclockwise movements of the massage jet will disrupt this mechanism, worsening peristalsis.
After the massage is completed, the patient remains in the bathroom for another 5-7 minutes.
At the end of the procedure, some redness of the skin is possible (due to the activation of local blood flow) - this phenomenon is harmless, is not a complication and does not require seeking medical help.
The total duration of the procedure is from 15 to 30, less often up to 45 minutes daily or every other day. The course of treatment is 10-15-20 baths, it is recommended to repeat it every six months.
Underwater shower massage can be carried out in medical institutions, beauty salons, massage rooms and sanatoriums, if these organizations are equipped with a special bathroom and have personnel qualified in this field.
Concluding the article, I would like to note that despite the many positive effects, underwater shower massage can cause irreparable harm to the health of certain categories of patients. For this reason, the question of the advisability of prescribing this physiotherapy procedure should be decided exclusively by the doctor. It can be carried out by a specialist who thoroughly possesses the relevant knowledge. By observing these conditions, you will get the maximum benefit from the underwater massage procedure, and, on the contrary, will reduce the risk of developing unwanted reactions to zero. Do not be ill!
Video about what an underwater shower massage is:
How does unhealthy obesity disappear and the desired slimness appear? Mainly thanks to diets and exercise. An excellent addition to this tandem is a massage aimed at losing weight. Those who love water can choose procedures of the appropriate profile.
Where is it better - in the pool, bath or shower?
How can you massage problem areas with water? Let's look at different methods.
Home options
The most luxurious, although not cheap, is the presence in your own bathroom of a shower cabin or a bathtub with hydromassage. Plumbing stores sometimes offer such equipment in a huge number of options.
Perhaps now is just the moment when you are about to remodel your own bathroom? Then think about it: maybe it’s worth highlighting additional funds to provide yourself with the opportunity to do water massage at home for weight loss (toning up, relieving fatigue).
Such plumbing is good because it allows you to set not only the water temperature, but also the power of the jets. This allows you to regulate the force (pressure) of water on the body.
Recommendations. Water pressure When massaging the abdomen, it should not exceed the level of one atmosphere. The impact on the hips is permissible at a level of two to three atmospheres. Higher pressure usually causes discomfort/pain.
Is minimalism reigning in your home bathroom? Even in this case, you can arrange water self-massage sessions. Especially if you buy a special shower head. It would be ideal if you could use a special lever to switch modes.
Hot tub for weight loss Several rules below apply to any home hydromassage:
- the water should be warm or cool;
- it is necessary to slightly change the water temperature in one direction or the other, without making too sudden changes;
- it is also recommended to change the water pressure, making it either a little weaker or a little stronger;
- The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes maximum.
Of course, at home, especially in the absence of a special bath or shower, water massage for weight loss will be less effective than in health centers (clinics, salons).
In a swimming pool
If you have the opportunity to visit a good swimming pool, then you have access to one of the most the best ways weight loss – . This activity combines both physical activity and massage.
Modern swimming pool with hydromassage equipment Fact. Water is 800 times denser than air (that’s why you can stand on it, but in its thickness it’s so difficult to walk). When swimming, the resistance of the water gives a small but obvious massage effect.
Wellness center pools are often equipped with hydromassage jets. Thanks to this, you can alternate swimming and water massage in the pool for weight loss.
If you arrange swimming and massage sessions two or three times a week for a month, the positive result will manifest itself quite quickly and very noticeably. This option the best way suitable for losing weight in the hips and buttocks (for an additional fight against extra pounds in these places, you can perform simple but effective exercises, which we are talking about).
Sharko's shower
Such a shower was invented back in the century before last by Jean-Martin Charcot, the founder of neuropathology. Like many medical inventions, it was created for one purpose (the treatment of nervous diseases), but in our time it solves various problems.
Sharko's shower Charcot's shower is successfully used for weight loss, but should only be carried out in medical and health institutions. The procedure takes place in a special room:
- the recipient stands against the wall (quite often there are handrails there, which are very convenient to hold on to);
- a medical worker directs one or two jets onto the body and performs certain manipulations with them;
- At the end of the procedure (they last on average five to seven minutes), you need to dry your body with a towel and then rest.
- a very effective event. Ten sessions at intervals every other day are enough to agree with this statement. Powerful water jets not only promote weight loss, but also help with cellulite. However, the procedure is not always to everyone’s taste. Even a relatively small pressure can cause discomfort, although there should normally be no pain.
Underwater shower
Another professional type of hydromassage. To perform the procedure, the recipient lies down in a fairly large bath (usually 2 x 1 x 0.8 m), equipped with both nozzles and showers with various nozzles. Water can be fresh, sea or mineral (determined by the capabilities of the institution).
Professional type of hydromassage - underwater shower The massage is performed by a specialist who uses showers to treat problem areas. Everything goes approximately the same way as with a regular massage: intense water effects alternate with relaxing ones.
The duration of each procedure, as well as total number sessions are discussed with a massage center specialist and/or attending physician.
What should you consider when choosing a technique? The best option- This is a consultation with a doctor.
How does water massage work?
In general - like any other (for example,). You should not believe that water can “knock out” subcutaneous fat from the body or wash away excess lipids through the pores. But there is no doubt that blood flow, lymph movement, as well as metabolic processes will be activated. In addition, with sufficiently strong water pressure (Charcot's shower), the muscles reflexively tense, which further promotes weight loss.
It is important not to forget that hydromassage alone will not help get rid of significant excess body weight. It is effective only in combination with diet and feasible physical activity.
Nuances and contraindications
With any hydromassage there should be no impact on the mammary glands and armpits, groin area, face, or genitals. You should absolutely not overeat before the procedure, but there is no need to feel hungry either. The appropriate interval between eating and visiting the wellness center is an hour and a half. Until the entire course is completed, especially if the sessions are repeated daily or every other day, you need to completely give up alcohol.
Contraindications to the procedure are standard:
- upcoming motherhood (if breastfeeding - with the approval of a doctor);
- any acute diseases and conditions, even if it’s a slight runny nose;
- skin diseases and damage;
- oncology;
- bile and urolithiasis;
- all diseases associated with disruption of the heart, blood circulation or metabolic processes (require immediate consultation with an appropriate specialist).
Water massage for weight loss is an excellent complementary procedure. Correct and regular execution will help quickly normalize the subcutaneous lipid layer, and tone the muscles and skin.
It is believed that the hydromassage procedure was invented in Germany back in the 30s of the 20th century, and at first it was used in the treatment of patients with various injuries - as an experimental method. It turned out that the control group of patients recovered faster than those who did not take such water procedures: they had more a short time wounds and fractures healed, swelling went away, sleep returned to normal, condition improved skin etc.
After this, hydromassage was brought into the category of medical procedures. This procedure combines the effect of massage, medicinal baths and thermotherapy - heat treatment, which has long been used in the complex therapy of many chronic diseases. All these methods are used separately and have excellent therapeutic effect, however, the results of their use in the form of a combined procedure such as hydromassage are several times more effective.
What is it like?
Hydromassage, as we most often imagine it, is performed in a bathtub, in which special nozzles are installed in certain combinations. Combinations of nozzles create different air-water flows: they differ in intensity and are directed under different angles, so the body of a person in this bath is affected differently.
You can sit in the bath as needed so that these flows affect only certain areas, or almost the entire body, and you can also adjust the strength of the water and air flows according to your feelings.
We like to bathe even in a regular bath, but in a hydromassage bath we get much more pleasure and benefit from water procedures; Today, not only bathtubs, but also showers can be hydromassage.
Several treatments can be performed in a hot tub. For example, you can immerse yourself in a bathtub with jets every day, and there is no need for a massage therapist. However, there are procedures that must be carried out by a massage therapist using a special hose - water comes out of it under pressure from 1 to 4 atmospheres.
In this case, the procedure is directed - the massage therapist himself directs the jet to certain areas of the patient’s body, and healing effect it turns out more pronounced.
What are the benefits for the body?
The benefits of hydromassage for the human body are very great. Let's talk about this in more detail. So:
Hydromassage allows you to successfully not only prevent diseases, but also improve your well-being and treat many chronic diseases.
With the help of hydromassage you can relieve muscle spasms and other painful symptoms; strengthen fragile blood vessels; treat varicose veins, ligament tears and fractures, restore mobility of injured joints.
When water-air jets affect the skin, metabolism improves, blood circulation is stimulated, digestion and intestinal transport function return to normal.
After a working day, hydromassage helps relieve tension and heaviness, softens and relaxes the body, facilitates the work of joints. During the procedure, you feel freshness and a surge of new strength, but this does not prevent you from falling asleep peacefully, even if you previously suffered from insomnia.
Impaired motor functions are restored faster after hydromassage baths - arms and legs work better, and the spine becomes more flexible. Adhesions and scars, if any, soften; lymphatic drainage improves. The walls of blood vessels become more elastic, excess fluid, toxins and waste are quickly removed from the body, and congestion disappears.
All these improvements in the body restore the structure of the skin: it is more actively saturated nutrients and oxygen, it becomes smooth and acquires a healthy color.
What effect does it have on the figure?
It is clear that the breakdown of fat is also accelerated, and the appearance of cellulite is reduced - which is why hydromassage is a popular method of losing weight today. Of course, it must be used in combination with other methods: you cannot expect that water procedures will help you lose weight if you don’t follow at least the most simple recommendations proper nutrition and don’t even do morning exercises.
Hydromassage itself does not burn fat, and cannot destroy any fat layers: it relieves stress, relaxes, improves blood and lymph flow, and thus actively promotes weight loss. Its anti-stress effect is especially important - it is this that often helps women get rid of extra pounds, as they become calmer and stop using “goodies” as a sedative.
Therefore, for those who are forced to work in a tense environment, hydromassage is simply necessary. But hydromassage in a bath with mineral water– for example, iodine-containing.
If you follow all the recommendations, using hydromassage in combination with other weight loss methods, you can lose weight quite quickly, and without harm to the skin - there will be no sagging, since the water-air jets will simultaneously tighten the skin and strengthen muscle tone.
What modern procedures are based on hydromassage technology?
A course of salon or resort procedures can be taken every 3-4 months: Charcot shower - 12-15 procedures, underwater massage - up to 20 procedures, every other day. During the day, cells and tissues that have received stress have time to “rest”, and there is no strain on the heart - hydromassage can be performed at this rhythm even for people with cardiovascular diseases - of course, after consulting with a doctor.
Stress hydromassage Charcot shower
Hydromassage procedures can be divided into several types. For example, the well-known Charcot shower is also a hydromassage; it is also called stress massage. During the procedure, adipose tissue is actually strongly affected due to the rush of blood to the skin, as well as due to stress, although moderate - this is the body’s natural reaction to massage with water jets under high pressure.
Charcot's shower stimulates the formation of protein, and therefore collagen fibers, so it is effective even with severe manifestations of cellulite. This procedure should only be performed in special clinics or trusted salons where qualified specialists work: if you want to save money, you can get not only a bunch of bruises, but also microtraumas on the skin, and this does not contribute to either health or beauty. Charcot's shower is recommended for overweight people, but it is contraindicated for chronic diseases of the liver, kidneys and genitourinary system.
Home jacuzzi
Home hydromassage cannot provide strong action on lymph flow, but stimulates blood circulation, so when treating cellulite it is better to combine hydromassage baths with self-massage of problem areas using anti-cellulite cream, or with vibration massage. Hydromassage in a shower cabin works almost the same way - in combination it gives good results.
Hydromassage in a home jacuzzi or regular bath can be done every day - it won't hurt if the water is not too hot or cold.
The water should be warm - approximately equal to body temperature, and you can do hydromassage even with your hands: first you need to stroke the body, and then rub and knead. They start with a massage of the legs and arms, moving from bottom to top, then massage the neck, back and lower back, abdominal muscles, chest and scalp. It is clear that it is not always possible to perform a high-quality massage of all areas - you can ask your family to help you. For such a home massage, 15-25 minutes are enough.
You can massage your body in the bath with soft bristled brushes; If it’s painful right away, you can start with a soft massage sponge.
IN home bath, if you buy special shower heads, you can even arrange an underwater massage. A short rubber hose with a special nozzle that allows you to regulate the water pressure is also suitable. There is no need to massage the mammary glands and groin area in this way.
Contraindicated for whom
Hydromassage is contraindicated in oncology, after a heart attack, with ischemic disease and persistent hypertension, thrombophlebitis, urolithiasis, exacerbations of chronic diseases, fever, acute and skin infections. Probably, few people would think of performing a hydromassage procedure in such conditions, but with all of the diseases listed above, you should not even take a regular bath.
Water is a recognized healer, capable of nullifying a variety of ailments. There are many unique healing baths with various additives, but the massage effect on the body with jets of water is also effective in its own way. One of the simplest techniques, manual hydromassage is not inferior in its effectiveness to procedures carried out in special Jacuzzi baths. The website “Health Constructor” tried to find out what the advantage is “ self made" in front of the jacuzzi.
How does a powerful jet of water act when it comes into contact with the surface of the human body? Firstly, it helps to increase the tone of tissues and muscles. Secondly, it has long been proven that hydromassage, like a simple contrast shower, enhances blood microcirculation in tissues, and, consequently, contributes to a more complete metabolism in them, as well as more intense cell regeneration. Tissues relax during hydromassage, muscle tension passes, all kinds of spasms (if they occur) also simply dissolve under the influence of elastic jets of water.
Salon methods and their home analogues
In SPA salons, manual hydromassage, which is also called, is usually done as follows: the patient is immersed in a bath of water, and it can be equipped with a Jacuzzi complex. First, with its help, a general soft massage is performed throughout the body, in the direction from the feet to the lower back and shoulders. It acts as a kind of preparation of the body for the more active effects of water jets. Then the salon specialist lowers the end of the hose into the water, from which a stream of water is supplied under pressure. With this jet he moves over the patient’s body or his individual areas. Movements occur either again according to the “up-down” pattern, or along a circular path.
How does the patient feel? Calm, relaxation, tranquility. A manual hydromassage session lasts on average 10-15 minutes, but sometimes it can be longer. It all depends on medical indications.
After the water supply to the hose is stopped, do not immediately leave the bath. It is advisable to lie in it for a few more minutes and enjoy the extraordinary state of mental and physical balance.
Using this principle, you can perform manual hydromassage at home. You just need to unscrew the shower head, and then you get a stream in which you can regulate the water pressure yourself. You can take hydromassage not only while lying in the bath, but also standing in an upright position. However, the latter method is contraindicated for those who suffer from musculoskeletal disorders and spinal diseases. It’s still better for them to take a horizontal position.
What problems does manual hydromassage help get rid of? List of indications
Hydromassage provided manually, like losing weight with water, most fully helps restore the water balance in the tissues, which, in turn, has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. It is good as an anti-cellulite remedy, although, for example, many women prefer the effect of citrus essential oils against cellulite or special rubbing with other natural and essential oils.
Here is a small list of ailments and diseases that manual hydromassage can help you cope with:
1. Constant physical weakness, overwork, chronic fatigue syndrome.
2. Cosmetic relief skin defects - cellulite, burn marks, scars.
3. Dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system.
4. Insomnia.
5. Flabbiness of muscles and skin.
6. Intestinal problems (in particular, chronic constipation).
7. Stagnation of blood and lymph, swelling (in particular, swelling of the extremities).
8. Detoxification of the body - manual hydromassage promotes the rapid elimination of toxins and waste.
9. Problems with the peripheral nervous system.
10. Obesity, overweight.
Underwater shower massage: contraindications and limitations
Unfortunately, not every one of us will be able to enjoy manual hydromassage procedures due to the fact that they are limited by a number of contraindications. For example, you should not expose your body to such effects for people suffering from oncological diseases in any form. A strict ban has also been introduced for those who have stage III hypertension or stage II-III coronary heart disease. In general, any malfunctions in the functioning of the cardiovascular system are already a serious reason for refusing manual hydromassage - including myocardial infarction and thrombophlebitis. In other cases, permission from the attending physician is required.
Hydromassage is a unique technique that combines the beneficial capabilities of regular massage with the amazing healing capabilities of water.
The procedure provides colossal healing effect, helps get rid of depression and extra pounds, and also leaves a lot of pleasant impressions.
We are talking about a massage technique that is performed streams of water while the patient is in water (bath, pool). Most often, the procedure is carried out in medical institutions and beauty salons.
Due to the use thermal factor ensures a decrease in the excitability of muscles and soft tissues, and general relaxation of the body. Through less tense muscles, water jets penetrate more easily to deeper tissues.
Impact of hydromassage turns out to be more gentle, and the result is faster and more effective than the procedure of classic manual massage.
Underwater shower massage provides intense and long-lasting hypermia, activation of blood circulation in tissues and internal organs, and helps increase the intensity of metabolic processes in the body.
When conducting jet massage high blood pressure water is noted only at the point of direct impact, and a zone is formed around the treated area low pressure. When the water jet moves during the massage, a dynamic change in the degree of pressure on the skin occurs, which provides a tonic and analgesic effect.
The benefits of underwater massage
Properly carried out hydromassage procedure allows:
- provide deep relaxation to the body;
- get rid of nervous disorders;
- reduce the tendency to spasms and reduce pain;
- eliminate stagnant processes, accelerate the resorption of edema and hematomas;
- improve blood and lymph circulation, alleviate the condition of patients with problems with veins and blood vessels;
- reduce pain in the spine and joints;
- provide a powerful fat burning effect and figure correction;
- improve skin condition.
Types of hydromassage
During the procedure, the patient is exposed to directed jets of water, which can be achieved either with the help of special devices , and through the efforts of a specially trained massage therapist.
Main types of hydromassage just a few:
- traditional pearl baths (jacuzzi);
- underwater manual massage;
- contactless massage.
Jacuzzi
The first effect baths were invented back in 1968, and since then a Jacuzzi with vigorously circulating warm water are highly valued for their excellent relaxing and tonic properties.
During the procedure, from special holes on the bottom and walls of the bathtub under pressure from 0.5 to 1.5 atmospheres streams of water saturated with air bubbles come out. This has a powerful effect on skin receptors and activates the movement of blood and lymph.
The procedure helps cope with nervous disorders and exhaustion, reduce pain and excitability, return muscle tone and blood pressure to normal.
. The patient is comfortably placed in a special wide bath in a natural, physiological position. From the nozzles located in the bathroom, directed streams of air-saturated water act on his body.
To improve efficiency procedures can be added to the bath sea salt or having medicinal properties essential oils. The main impact during the procedure is on the lumbar region, hips, and sides. To ensure optimal impact, you can adjust the temperature of the water in the jacuzzi and the intensity of the water pressure.
To gain from the time spent in the jacuzzi maximum effect, costs stick to a few rules:
- Constantly maintain the temperature in the bathroom within 35-38 degrees. How colder water, the longer the session can last. However, in any case, you should not stay in the jacuzzi for more than 20 minutes.
- Select the appropriate water pressure. The impact on the back should be more intense than on other parts of the body.
- Adjust the angle of incidence of the jets. It is ideal if the water from most nozzles acts on the body tangentially, and does not hit at a right angle.
Procedure underwater manual massage is carried out in accordance with the rules of classical massage, however, all actions take place in warm water (about 36 degrees) with low pressure (about 3-5 atmospheres).
Procedure technology. Before the start of the session, which takes place in the bathroom large volume, the patient simply adapts to the water within a few minutes.
After this, the procedure itself begins, during which the massage therapist uses 4 basic massage techniques: rubbing, kneading, vibration and stroking.
Master right hand places a stream of water at an angle of 35-45 degrees in relation to the patient’s body and performs slow movements along the main massage lines (towards the spinal column).
At the same time compressed trough-shaped the fingers and hand of the left hand move a few centimeters in front of the hose releasing the water and, as it were, press the water stream to the patient’s skin.
Thus, the water flow glides over the body in the direction desired by the massage therapist. The distance from the patient’s body to the master’s hand can be 10-60 cm. By adjusting the degree of distance, you can change the strength of the impact, as well as provide soft vibrations with the desired intensity.
Other possible technique– a directed stream of water affects problem areas, performing circular movements in a clockwise direction.
At the beginning of the session, the distance from the hose opening to the patient’s skin should be no more than less than 15 cm, and during the procedure the hose is moved closer to the skin to make an impact on problem areas even more intense. You can also change the force of impact by adjusting the angle of the water jet and the water temperature.
During the session it is important to consider a few key rules:
- Degree of sensitivity to high blood pressure differs for different parts of the body. A jet with a pressure of 3-5 atmospheres can be used to massage the limbs, but when working with the body it is important to choose a more gentle effect.
- The area of the heart, genitals, and mammary glands is not affected during hydromassage.
- The procedure usually takes about half an hour.
Contactless hydromassage
One more effective way getting rid of stress and fatigue, restoring muscle tone and improving the condition of the musculoskeletal system is contactless massage.
The procedure is usually carried out in medical institutions or rehabilitation centers and requires special equipment - large bathtubs.
Procedure technology. The patient is positioned on the surface of an elastic membrane and, under the influence of his own weight, is immersed in water with an exact recreation of the body shape. An imitation of a state of weightlessness is created, which helps to calm down and relax.
At this time the jets warm water perform a gentle body massage and provide even more deep relaxation effect. One session of this procedure usually lasts about 15 minutes, and 2-3 sessions are recommended weekly.
Depending from individual testimony can be carried out in a non-contact manner:
- full body massage;
- massage of the upper or lower half of the body, or individual parts of it;
- acupressure.
During the non-contact massage procedure, you can adjust the pressure intensity water jets.
Hydromassage for feet
It is no secret that the feet are a kind of “map” of the entire body with a huge number of biologically active points. Foot massage not only helps improve the condition of the lower extremities (get rid of swelling, pain and fatigue), but also significantly improves the health of the entire body.
Most often for the procedure foot hydromassage special baths with several nozzles are used, which help direct streams of water into in the right direction. When carrying out the procedure at home, it is permissible to use a special hose that allows you to precisely apply a water jet to the desired areas of the legs.
Shower with hydromassage
At home you can provide simple hydromassage on our own. To do this, just use a special shower head, which allows you to choose the thickness and number of water jets.
Great option– use Alekseev’s special shower, which provides the possibility of a unique needle massage.
While taking a bath using the shower jet massage problem areas . Massage can be performed in the form of:
- stroking along massage lines;
- rubbing with circular movements perpendicular to the body;
- kneading - with slight pulling of the skin and changing the angle of incidence of the jet;
- vibrations (due to the use of the second hand).
For more contrast can be alternated hot water with cool or cold jets.
It is simply impossible to overestimate the benefits of hydromassage: a powerful preventive effect and excellent healing effect accompanied by rejuvenation of the entire body, improved skin condition and weight loss. This procedure has a minimum of contraindications, but in any case only a doctor should prescribe it.
Watch a video about a unique hydromassage procedure: