A Vichy shower is a shower with from 5-7 vertical shower heads in which large quantities of water are showered over a spa patron while he or she lies in a shallow wet bed (similar to a massage table, but with drainage for the water). The therapist may also control a wand to assist in a more focused water massage.
BACKGROUND
Other Names:
Water Massage, Rain Massage
Definition of Offering
A Vichy shower is a shower with from 5-7 vertical shower heads in which large quantities of water are showered over a spa patron while he or she lies in a shallow wet bed (similar to a massage table, but with drainage for the water). The therapist may also control a wand to assist in a more focused water massage.
Description of Offering
Melt away stress as the gentle, warm waters of the Vichy shower rain over your body creating a luxurious, healthful and deeply relaxing sensation. Vichy showers may also be used to warm and prepare the body for massage, or be incorporated into body wraps and exfoliation services to allow the guest to completely relax as the warm waters rinse products from the body.
This offering has its roots in ancient practices.
Origin of Offering
17th Century France
Brief History of the Offering
The city of Vichy, in central France south-southeast of Paris, contains five natural mineral springs. A noted spa with hot mineral springs, these springs inspired the design of the Vichy shower. Treatment facilities in the town of Vichy include cold and hot (the temperature is over 40° C) carbonate mineral springs, the water of which is used for drinking, baths, showers, spraying, and lavages; it is also bottled and ex-ported. Such treatments as mud cures, oxygen therapy, and mechanical therapy are also available. Patients with diseases of the liver and bile ducts of the gastrointestinal tract, and those with disturbances in metabolism, are treated here. Sanatoriums, bath houses, drinking galleries, hotels, pensions, and sports facilities are also available.
Vichy, France held a prominent spot in history. Vichy was the seat of the collaborationist regime of Henri Philippe Pétain from July 1940, when Germany occupied northern France including Paris, until November 1942, when Germany invaded southern France and assumed control of the entire country.
Fun Fact
Vichy water is a sparkling mineral water bottled from Vichy, France. A bottle of Vichy water sells for $14 on Amazon.
BENEFITS
Primary Benefit Received
Increase Circulation in Body
Other Benefits
Increase Circulation in Body, Stress Reduction, Invigoration, Lymphatic Drainage
Research Publication
Comparison of the clinical effectiveness of thermal cure and rehabilitation in knee osteoarthritis.
A. Fazaa, L. Souabni, K. Ben Abdelghani, S. Kassab, S. Chekili, B. Zouari , R. Hajri , A. Laatar, L. Zakraoui
ScienceDirect
www.sciencedirect.com//
www.e-m.consulte.com//Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine/
Comments about research selection
Research also included use of underwater jets, underwater therapy, massage wands,
Primary Findings of Research
Significant improvement of the visual analogic scale of pain was noted in the thermal cure group but not in the non-thermal group.
DETAILS
Typical Length of Offering
45 - 60 minutes
The offering is most often provided one guest at a time.
Offering is primarily suited for:
Day Spa (wellness focus), Resort/Hotel/Cruise Ship Spa, Destination Spa, Hospital/Rehabilitation Center
How many treatment providers are needed to produce the offering?
One
Common License/Certification or Training necessary to provide the offering:
No license/certification/training necessary
Information about the most often used offering protocol
The Use and Application of Affusion/Vichy Showers
Jane Crebbin Bailey, HCB Associates
The Spa Book:The Official Guide to Spa Therapy (2005), Pg. 95
Type of space/facility most often used for the offering:
Private Wet Treatment Room (Vichy, Baths, Watsu Pool, etc.)
Type of space/facility that can be use for the offering:
Private Wet Treatment Room (Vichy, Baths, Watsu Pool, etc.)
How many towels are used?
3 - 6
Does the guest generally use a robe and/or a wrap for the offering?
Yes, rope and wrap.
How many sheets are used?
1 - 3
Does the offering require the use of products (i.e. lotions, lacquers, scrubs, cleansers, etc.)?
Yes.
How many different products are used?
0 - 1
Approximate product cost per treatment:
$0.50 USD
Products used:
Aromatherapy oils used to enhance treatment.
Does the offering require the use of disposable supplies (i.e. cotton squares, balls and swabs, lancets, etc.)?
Yes.
How many different disposable supplies are used?
0 - 4
Describe/list the disposable supplies used?
Disposable underwear and bras, headband, shower cap. Estimated cost - $3 USD
Equipment and supplies needed to provide the offering:
Raised Massage-style Table, Floor Mat, Water Source (sink or shower), Blanket(s)
Beyond labor, linens, disposable supplies and products, please list any other direct costs associated with the offering?
N/A
Including only the following items (products, disposable items, linen laundry, and other direct costs---not labor), what is the typical cost of the offering?
$1.50 - $7.50 USD
Comments about offering costs.
Costs depend on optional products used to enhance service (scrubs, oils, lotions, etc.) as well as disposables used. Municipal water costs may also need to be factored in.
Typical single session price of the offering.
$120 - $180 USD
Comments about offering price.
Price may be increased with service enhancements.
SOURCES
Publication used to prepare this submission.
Vichy Body Treatments
Anitra Brown, Spa Expert
What is a Vichy Shower? (2015)
http://spas.about.com/od/bodytreatments/a/vichy.htm
DAY SPA Techniques
Erika Miller
The Vichy Shower (2014)
http://apaa.com.au/the-beauty-blog-by-apaa/8-the-vichy-shower
What Are the Benefits of a Vichy Shower?
Kate Weinburg
What is a Vichy Shower? Video series
http://www.ehow.com/video_4408112_what-vichy-shower.html
Author Information
Kate Mearns
Consultant, 5 Spa Consulting
Author Biography
Kate Mearns has been involved in the wellness industry for over twenty five years. She began her career at Coolfont Resort in West Virginia. She then opened and operated 2 major spas. She also managed major accounts across the country with WTS, International. Mearns contributed to the global spa industry as the Chairman of the International Spa Association (ISPA).
Editor Information:
Mary Wisnom
Professor, School of Resort & Hospitality Management, Florida Gulf Coast University, USA