What it is
Douche Charcot was first invented by a famous French neurologist as a way to treat nervous disorders and hysteria. Gradually, its beneficial effects on the condition of the skin, blood vessels and muscles were noticed.
The method is indicated for the following pathologies in the body:
- diseases of the spine and joints (arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism);
- muscle weakness;
- chronic fatigue, insomnia;
- weakened immunity;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- stress, depression, apathy;
- overweight.
Recently, Charcot's shower has also become popular as an effective remedy for cellulite.
We lose weight in Charcot's shower!
Charcot shower - against cellulite
Currently, world trainers in fitness centers offer this procedure to everyone who is not indifferent to their health and figure. Many people ask: “What is this?” Charcot's shower cannot be called a panacea, but it is really effective in the fight against cellulite and excess weight. Using this procedure to improve the health of the body, you can not only lose unnecessary weight and remove body volume in centimeters, but also get rid of cellulite!
Charcot's shower (what is it) is an acupressure water massage, which with its powerful jets causes the muscles of the body to contract strongly. From the icy jets, the body tries to warm itself, expending an incredible amount of energy. In one procedure, you can lose much more calories than when training on an ellipsoid or exercise bike.
A powerful vibrating shower makes blood circulation in the subcutaneous layer work more intensely. Water literally breaks down cellulite plaques and starts the process of breaking down subcutaneous fat in the body.
Water is a kind of strong drainage for the body, which works through all zones centimeter by centimeter. This effect on the skin has a better effect than an anti-cellulite massage from an experienced massage therapist. The procedures make the body toned and the skin fresh.
Contraindications
For people who have health problems, sessions may be contraindicated.
Due to the risk of complications, the procedure cannot be performed in the following cases:
- for any infectious and inflammatory diseases and elevated temperature (tuberculosis, ARVI, influenza);
- patients with thrombophlebitis and varicose veins;
- patients with lack of body weight (anorexia, exhaustion);
- for hypertension stages 2 and 3;
- people who have had a heart attack or stroke;
- for skin infections (herpes, pustules);
- for eczema or psoriasis;
- patients with oncology and progressive benign neoplasms;
- for kidney diseases;
- during pregnancy and menstruation, with gynecological problems;
- during the healing period of postoperative sutures (for example, at least six months must pass after a cesarean section).
Principle of action on the body
The procedure is a type of hydromassage. The patient's body is watered with two shock jets of water under pressure up to four atmospheres (ranging from 10 to 45 ⁰C).
Thanks to the rush of blood, the therapeutic effect is achieved:
- vascular function improves;
- tissue tone increases;
- toxins and wastes leave the body;
Charcot's shower for cellulite acts like a massage:
- Relaxes muscles after intense sports and prolonged stress.
- The performance of the circulatory and lymphatic systems improves, metabolic processes in cells are launched.
- Tissues receive more oxygen and nutrition, and are cleansed of impurities accumulated over the years.
It has been established that some types of benign formations and inflamed lesions, including fatty tubercles, resolve. The procedure is similar to reflexology.
The body rejuvenates and regenerates. The skin becomes firmer and smoother, and extra centimeters in problem areas of the figure are lost.
Water washes away negative emotions and nervous tension, lifts your spirits and restores good spirits. Hydromassage is popular for the prevention of acute respiratory diseases, as it has a general strengthening effect on the body and increases the protective properties of the immune system.
Indications for Charcot's shower
Like all cosmetic procedures, Charcot's shower has its own indications. Under its influence, diseases associated with urology, gynecology, inflammatory processes, pelvic diseases in children and adults, and others are treated. Water massage perfectly copes with aesthetic imperfections of the body, such as orange peel.
Charcot's shower is recommended (see what it is in the video below) for those who have problems with excess weight and nervous disorders, headaches of unknown etiology, and back problems. After the session there is an unreal surge of vigor and strength. It is noteworthy that there are no age or gender restrictions. Sessions should be performed every other day so that the skin and tissues have a rest from the strong effects of water. Experts recommend taking at least a ten-day course to achieve the desired effect.
How to do a Charcot shower for cellulite
No special preparation is required before the procedure. You need to take rubber slippers or flip-flops, a swimsuit, a towel and, if desired, a shower cap. In some salons you don’t need to bring anything, as they provide ready-made disposable kits.
The massage technique is as follows:
- The master pours a warm fan stream over the naked body of the patient, located at a distance of 3–4 meters. This perfectly relaxes and prepares you for the main manipulations.
- After this, different areas are exposed to two directed pressures of water - cold and hot. First, the back is treated, then the front of the body, and the stomach in a clockwise direction. Then the sides, with the hands on the chest, and at the end - the legs along the large joints.
Do not affect the genital areas, mammary glands, spine and head. Depending on the type of problem being solved, the technique may vary slightly.
- The session ends with a contrast shower of fan and drip type.
The further a person is from the device, the less painful the procedure will be. The doctor closely monitors the well-being of the patient, advises how to stand and which direction to turn.
To prevent bruises at home, it is better to lubricate the body with an anesthetic and regenerating gel (for example, Contractubex).
How to get rid of cellulite using a bath?
Find out how to get rid of cellulite during pregnancy
.
What types are there?
Recreating most types of contrast showers at home is quite problematic. But the typology can also be useful for ordinary people - knowledge about the effects and features will help you choose the most suitable procedure for your body in the salon.
Main varieties 3:
- The popular Charcot shower involves treating problem areas with one jet from a certain distance. Water is supplied under high pressure. Its temperature varies from 20°C to 40°C. This variety is good for those who are actively losing weight: a powerful massage effect will help tighten the skin and reduce the visibility of stretch marks.
- Scottish is similar to its previous colleague. Among the differences, it has two jets instead of one and the water temperature is 30°C for cold and 45°C for hot. Moreover, the liquid is supplied not with instant alternation, but with a gradual decrease and increase in temperature. This type of shower is great for obese people.
- A circular shower is similar to a home shower with a common multi-jet shower head. Several small jets of water irritate the skin well. The procedure begins with the supply of warm thirty-degree liquid, and ends with a gradual decrease in its temperature to 20°C. Choose a circular shower if you have aging, tired skin and a tendency to swelling.
Some varieties have specific contraindications; before choosing, you should consult a specialist.
At home, it is better to opt for the latest version of a contrast shower for cellulite and use water with a temperature of 30°C to 40°C.
Gradually, once the skin gets used to it, this range can be expanded.
Where can I do it?
The procedure is carried out exclusively by a specialist. He individually selects the pressure power, temperature conditions, and also determines the duration of the session, and, if necessary, provides medical assistance.
Today, Charcot's shower can be done not only in a specialized clinic or hydromassage room in a sanatorium, but also in a beauty salon or SPA.
Usually the method is prescribed as part of a complex treatment along with baths, massages, wraps, etc.
Can I do it at home?
It is simply impossible to carry out a full procedure in accordance with all the rules at home. The effectiveness of the method depends entirely on the experience of a specialist who must have the appropriate education.
An alternative to salon methods is the Alekseev shower - a needle hydromassage with high pressure.
You can buy a nozzle with two meshes with holes of different diameters. As well as additional devices for underwater massage, lymphatic drainage, facial cleansing and others.
A regular contrast shower will help tighten and smooth the skin, relax and recharge with energy. Be sure to start with warm water and end with cold water.
Efficiency
After the first session, the body acquires extraordinary lightness and is charged with energy. Fatigue, drowsiness and nervous tension disappear.
After completing the entire course, the skin becomes firm and elastic, the volume is noticeably reduced, the contours of the figure are formed, and cellulite is smoothed out.
Women with fair skin are more likely to suffer from bruises, but dark-skinned women also suffer from bruises. Because of this, many simply quit treatment without seeing the final result. But those who decide to continue the course to the end have never regretted it.
Gradually, the integument gets used to the pressure, hematomas heal, and new ones stop appearing. As a result, the process delivers only positive emotions, rejuvenates and relaxes. In addition, pain in the joints, muscles and lower back goes away, migraine symptoms are alleviated, and the immune system is strengthened.
Separately about cellulite
Many people are looking for this procedure in salons only because the “orange peel” has become active on the body for certain reasons. Agree that cellulite does not make the body beautiful. It can be deposited on the arms, stomach, buttocks, legs, which develops complexes and can cause depression.
This shower healing procedure can effectively break down cellulose deposits in the subcutaneous fat layer, tighten the skin and improve its appearance. The orange peel is broken under powerful water pressure, and due to the activation of blood circulation in the subcutaneous tissues, the process does not stop even after the end of the sessions. In addition, metabolism is normalized throughout the body.
The sensations may not be pleasant until you get used to it, since the hydromassage is directed to problem areas.
Well
To lose weight and get rid of orange peel, you will need 10 sessions lasting 7–15 minutes every 2–3 days.
Initially, the exposure time is only 1–2 minutes, and the jet power is minimal so that the skin gets used to the stress.
With each procedure, the pressure increases and the temperature decreases. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe up to 20 sessions. To maintain results, therapeutic courses are recommended to be repeated every 6 months.
How a contrast shower fights cellulite (+ other benefits for the body)
When the body is exposed to high temperature, blood vessels dilate and metabolism accelerates. This is also facilitated by the water pressure, which provides the skin with a gentle massage. Cold water causes the walls of blood vessels to shrink, causing their lumen to become narrow. Thanks to the alternating effects of hot and cold water, the veins and small arteries and capillaries are trained: they either relax or contract. And along with this:
- Stagnation of lymph and blood passes. Alternate contraction and relaxation of the walls of blood vessels causes either a rush of blood or its outflow from the area affected by the contrast shower. This helps speed up local metabolism. And thanks to the saturation of tissues with oxygen, the active breakdown of fat tubercles, which are the cause of cellulite, occurs.
- Blood vessels are strengthened. Many vascular diseases are associated with weakness of their walls. The veins are most often affected. Under the influence of gravity, blood often accumulates in the legs, causing pathological expansion of the veins. If the venous walls are strong, the blood does not stagnate and is more actively pushed upward to the heart. Therefore, a contrast shower is a good prevention of varicose veins.
- Immunity increases. A contrast shower helps the body get used to sudden temperature changes. In the future, you will not catch a cold if you forget to put on a scarf before going outside or take a swim in a cold pond.
- The body awakens and mood improves. A contrast shower is especially useful in the morning, as it helps you wake up. Water procedures increase blood pressure, improve muscle tone and have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Take such a shower after morning exercises, and the charge of vivacity will last until the night.
This water procedure has triple benefits: you take a contrast shower against cellulite, and at the same time increase immunity and strengthen the body.
Be sure to read: How to properly perform anti-cellulite self-massage?
After just 2-3 weeks, those around you will see that your skin has become smoother and tighter.
And you will feel a surge of strength and an improvement in overall well-being.
Useful tips
Useful tips will help you get the most out of your Charcot shower and avoid problems:
- Before starting the course, it is highly advisable to consult with a therapist, and if you have any diseases, with specialist doctors.
- Despite the fact that salons provide kits with the necessary things, it is better to take with you a joint swimsuit (so that it does not slip) and flip-flops. Since disposable panties may turn out to be a thin cotton rag, which will simply tear due to the pressure of water. And shoes are usually made of foam and slip a lot.
- Expensive repairs and equipment in the clinic are not always indicators of the quality of the method. The main thing is the experience and skillful actions of a specialist, the availability of certificates and diplomas.
The doctor must necessarily focus on the patient’s feelings. If pain occurs, reduce the pressure and select the optimal temperature. Ideally, bruises should not remain, since these are microtraumas and not a normal reaction of the body to exposure to water.
- Women identified a pattern that the degree of pain depends on the day of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, you should not visit the clinic a week before and after your period.
- It is important to combine treatment with a balanced diet, exercise and other cosmetic activities. Only then will fat be burned quickly and intensively.
Adverse reactions
If used incorrectly, due to the inexperience of the technician or ignoring contraindications, it can cause harm to health:
- aggravate chronic diseases;
- cause muscle and skin pain in people with a low pain threshold;
- cause bruising.
Cosmetologists and doctors unanimously declare the benefits of the procedure, subject to compliance with safety rules.
Do not apply a powerful jet of water to the stomach, as well as to areas of the inside of the legs and groin. This will cause not only severe pain, but also hematomas and vascular injuries.
Read more about treating stretch marks at home.
About the treatment of stretch marks on the legs in teenagers, it is written here.
How do flaxseed oil and coffee work on cellulite? Find out further.
According to patients' reviews, Charcot's shower invigorates, improves mood, improves skin and muscle tone. If you take courses of such hydrotherapy 1-2 times a year, then it is quite possible to get rid of the hated orange peel and maintain the acquired shape.
How to properly take a contrast shower to combat cellulite
In order for a contrast shower to help against cellulite, you need to know how to do it correctly. The water procedure will be effective if you follow the following rules:
- Hot water should always come first and cold water last. If you immediately start pouring cold water on yourself, vasospasm may occur. If you finish your shower with hot water, your veins will remain dilated, which will only increase the risk of developing varicose veins.
- The contrast between temperatures should be increased gradually. If you have never taken a contrast shower, then sudden exposure to very hot (and then very cold) water can lead to a cold and exacerbation of chronic diseases. To prevent this from happening, carry out the first procedure with a minimum temperature range. For example, first pour warm water (36-37 °C) on yourself, and then pleasantly cool water (33-34 °C). Gradually increase the upper limit to 44-45 °C, and the lower limit to 5-6 °C. It may take a month or more to get used to such temperature changes.
- Also increase the time spent under cold water gradually. To accustom your body to cold, you need to start small. Let the time spent under cold water first be 5 seconds, then 10, and then gradually increase this time to 1 minute. In this case, let the time spent under hot water be constant: from 15 to 60 seconds.
- Use a shower cap. No need to wet your hair. They may suffer from too hot water. As a result, hair can become dry and dull, and the scalp can become excessively oily. Cold water can cause headaches, and if it gets into the ear, it can cause ear infections.
We present in the table below approximate contrast shower schemes for beginners and people already accustomed to temperature changes.
For newbies | For people with intermediate training | For seasoned people | |
General procedure time | From 1 to 3 minutes. | From 4 to 6 minutes. | 7-10 minutes. |
Time for each “hot” period | 30-60 seconds. | 20-30 seconds. | 15-20 seconds. |
Time for each “cold” period | 15-20 seconds. | 20-30 seconds. | 30-60 seconds. |
Number of heat-cold cycles | From 1 to 5. | From 4 to 10. | From 7 to 15. |
Maximum water temperature | 37 oC. | 40 oC. | 45 oC. |
Minimum water temperature | 25 oC. | 15 oC. | 5 oC. |
Be sure to read: How to get rid of cellulite on your arms?
You need to take a contrast shower 1-2 times a day. If you take it once, it is better to do it in the morning, as it tones the body, invigorates and drives away sleep. The second procedure should be in the evening. But in this case, it is better to shower against cellulite 2-3 hours before bedtime.
Advice! In the morning, stand more under cold streams, and in the evening, lean towards warm water. Then you will receive a large portion of the charge in the morning, and the evening contrast shower will not affect the quality of your sleep.