- Which Is Better – a Pool, a Tub, or a Shower?
- At-Home Options
- Swimming pool
- Charcot’s shower
- Underwater massage
- How Does Water Massage Work?
- Nuances and Contraindications
How does excess weight go away, giving way to the desired slimness? First of all, through diet and exercise. A great addition to this duo is massage for weight loss. Those who love water can opt for procedures of the corresponding type.
Which Is Better – a Pool, a Tub, or a Shower?
How can water be used to massage problem areas? Let’s consider the different options.
At-Home Options
The most luxurious, albeit not cheap option is having a hot tub or shower stall in your own bathroom. Plumbing stores offer a huge selection of such accessories.
Perhaps it’s time for you to redo your bathroom? Then give it some thought, maybe it’s worth allocating a little more money so that you can enjoy water massage at home for weight loss (both invigorating and relaxing).
The great thing about these accessories is that they allow you to regulate not only the water temperature, but also the strength of the stream. This makes it possible to control the force of the water’s effect on the body (pressure).
Recommendations. When massaging the stomach area, the water pressure should not exceed 1 atmosphere. The lateral surfaces of the body can withstand 2-3 atmospheres. More pressure will cause discomfort or pain.
Is your home bathroom more on the minimalist side? You can still do a water self-massage. Especially if you buy a special showerhead. It’s best if it has a lever to change modes.
Hot tub for weight loss
All of the following rules apply to any type of home water massage:
- the water should be warm or cool;
- you need to slightly change the temperature of the water, but don’t make the changes too sudden;
- you should also change the strength of the water, making it a little weaker or stronger;
- the session should not exceed 20 minutes.
Of course, home water massage, especially if you don’t have a special bathtub or shower stall, will not be as effective as in a medical facility (clinic, spa).
Swimming pool
If you have the opportunity to go to a good pool, then one of the best ways to combat excess weight becomes available – swimming. This activity is both physical exercise and massage at the same time.
Modern swimming pool with hydromassage equipment
Fact. Water is 800 times denser than air (which is why you can stay afloat, and it’s so hard to move in it). When swimming, the water resistance creates a light, but noticeable massaging effect.
Swimming pools in sports and recreation facilities often have hydromassage jets. Thanks to them, you can alternate actual swimming in the pool with a water massage for weight loss.
If you swim with massage 2-3 times a week, then you will see positive results very quickly and noticeably. This is an optimal option for losing weight in the thighs and buttocks (as an additional means to combat excess fat in these areas, you can do simple but effective exercises , which we wrote about earlier).
Charcot’s shower
This shower was invented in the 19th century by Jean-Martin Charcot, the founder of neurology. Like many medical developments, it was originally created for one purpose (treating neurological diseases), but today it serves various purposes.
Charcot’s shower
Charcot’s shower is successfully used for weight loss, but it can only be done in healthcare facilities. The procedure takes place in a special room:
- a person stands by a wall (most often there are handrails, which are very convenient to hold on to);
- a healthcare professional directs one or two jets at the body and performs certain manipulations;
- after the end of the session (on average they last 5-7 minutes), you need to dry off with a towel and then rest.
Charcot’s shower is very effective. Even 10 sessions with an interval of 1 day are enough to notice it. Strong jets of water not only help to lose weight, but also combat cellulite. However, not everyone enjoys the procedure. Even relatively light pressure can cause discomfort, although there should be no pain.
Underwater massage
Another professional type of hydromassage. For the procedure, a person lies down in a fairly large bathtub (usually 2 x 1 x 0.8 m), which is equipped with jets and showers with different streams. The water can be fresh, sea, or mineral water (depending on the institution).
A professional type of hydromassage – underwater massage
The massage is performed by a specialist who uses showers to work out problem areas. It all happens in much the same way as with a regular massage – intense water effects alternate with relaxing ones.
The duration of each session, as well as the number of sessions, are discussed with a specialist at the massage center and/or a doctor.
What should you proceed from when choosing a method? It’s best to consult a doctor.
How Does Water Massage Work?
In general, it works almost the same as any other (for example, for losing weight in the abdomen and sides). Don’t trust those who claim that water can “knock out” subcutaneous fat from the body or wash away excess lipids through pores. But there is no doubt that it activates blood circulation, lymph flow, and metabolism. Moreover, with sufficiently strong water pressure (Charcot’s shower), the muscles tense up reflexively, which promotes even more intensive weight loss.
It’s important to remember that hydromassage alone will not help you lose a significant amount of weight. It is effective only in combination with diet and feasible physical activity.
Nuances and Contraindications
Any type of water massage has its own nuances and contraindications. First of all, it is harmful to do a massage on an empty or completely full stomach. Avoid making the water stream too strong.
This is especially true for Charcot’s shower. The procedure is strictly contraindicated in the following conditions:
- oncology;
- tuberculosis;
- elevated temperature;
- severe cardiovascular diseases;
- pregnancy;
- skin diseases;
- epilepsy;
- mental disorders.
It is also important that women who have hydro massage during menstruation should be very careful: elevated water temperature or strong water pressure in the lower abdomen can provoke increased bleeding. It’s better to wait out this period.
Use water massage to lose weight, improve your skin condition, and feel a surge of vivacity!
