In ancient times, the Greeks, Romans, and Turks recognized the healing powers of water therapy. The Romans, who occupied the territory that is now Switzerland from about 58 BC to the 4th century introduced bathhouses for socializing, relaxing, and healing.
Perhaps the ancient Roman’s affinity for water therapy was passed through the centuries since even today, the Swiss consider hydrotherapy vital to the spa and wellness experience as opposed to countries like the United States where it’s a luxury.
Modern Spa services in Switzerland offer steam treatments, mineral soaks, and Swiss showers to clients before a massage treatment to help rid the body of impurities and relax the muscles. Before you visit a spa in Switzerland, learn how a Swiss shower can enhance your spa experience.
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What Is a Swiss Shower?
A Swiss shower is a unique experience when used as a normal shower or as a part of hydrotherapy in a spa or other leisure facility. It has several nozzles overhead and on the sides that spray the entire body at various heights with jets of water. The shower is taken in a special shower cabin where the water pressure and temperature can be regulated.
The hot and cold sensations and pressure from the shower give you a massage-like experience at the temperature and intensity that is best for you. The result is a relaxing and invigorating experience. Some types of Swiss showers even have jets that can be arranged in a pattern to target specific areas of the body. Additives such as salts and aromatic oils can be added for an enhanced experience.
Benefits of Using a Swiss Shower
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Besides being a relaxing and enjoyable experience, a Swiss shower has several health and wellness benefits for the mind and body. A hydro-massage from a Swiss shower can reduce stress and provide an overall sense of relaxation. The water pressure combined with warm water increases the stimulation of endorphins, dopamine, and other feel-good hormones.
A Swiss shower reduces tension and improves blood circulation to help detoxify the body. This process can help relieve discomfort and chronic aches and pains while increasing the body’s natural ability to heal. Alternating between hot and cold temperatures stimulates the blood vessels and allows more oxygen and important nutrients to reach cells, Hot water opens the pores in your skin and helps release toxins throughout the body. Switching to cold water flushes the toxins away and closes the pores.
Taking a Swiss shower before bedtime can relax the body physically and mentally to help you fall asleep more easily.
Difference Between a Swiss Shower and a Vichy Shower
Although both were developed as a form of hydrotherapy at spas located around the natural springs of France and Switzerland, Swiss and Vichy showers are different.
Swiss showers have overhead and vertical jet heads that let you alternate warm and cold water. You walk into a specialized cabin to take a Swiss shower.
Taking a Vichy shower involves lying face down on a special bed with multiple shower heads that move up and down the body to massage it with jets of water. The shower heads are mounted above the bed with water that simulates rainfall. The jets are part of a massage system that can be adjusted to deliver a light or strong massage depending on the client’s needs or desires. Mineral water or warm sea water can be added for a restorative treatment.
Tips for an Invigorating Swiss Shower Experience
Begin your hydrotherapy with the right type of showerhead. Choose one that allows a range of pressure from a gentle spray to a more vigorous flow for targeted tension and pain relief in your back, neck, shoulders, and other stressed body parts.
- Adjust your duration time, water pressure, and temperatures until you pinpoint what is best for you.
- Find your comfort level. Don’t try to push yourself beyond your limits.
- Make your Swiss shower experience more luxurious by adding various shower gels and essential oils.
