Have you heard of table showers before but aren’t quite sure what they entail? If so, you’re not alone! While table showers have been popular spa treatments in Asian countries for years, they are still relatively unknown in the Western world.
Table showers involve lying nude on a waterproof table as a technician uses a handheld showerhead to pour water over the body in a continuous flowing motion. It is an extremely relaxing and therapeutic experience. The constant warm water helps improve circulation, ease muscle tension, and gently wash away impurities from the skin.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about table showers – from their intriguing history to their many purported health benefits. You’ll also get a step-by-step breakdown of what happens during a typical table shower session. Let’s begin!
A Brief History of Table Showers
Table showers originated in Vichy, France in the late 19th century. The French town was known for its natural hot spring waters that were believed to have healing properties. Wealthy clients would travel to Vichy’s lavish spa resorts to “take the waters” by soaking in the mineral-rich thermal baths.
As an extension of the water treatments, spa technicians eventually started washing clients’ bodies with a continuous flow of the Vichy waters while they lay upon a table. This became known as the Vichy Shower. The sensation of warm water raining down on the skin proved deeply calming and restorative for many clients.
Over time, Vichy Shower equipment became more advanced and was adopted by spas worldwide – especially across Asia. Today, table showers are a popular ritual in traditional Korean spas and Japanese onsens. Customers relish the feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation provided by a warm cascading water massage.
Step-By-Step: What to Expect During a Table Shower
If you have never experienced a professional table shower before, you may be wondering what exactly takes place during the treatment. Here is a breakdown of the typical table shower protocol:
Disrobing
To start, you will completely undress and put your clothing into a locker or basket (some spas may let you keep your swimsuit on). Most table showers take place in a private room with just you and a technician. However, some facilities have communal shower rooms.
Getting Situated on the Table
The technician will invite you to lie face down on the padded waterproof table. There may be a towel for privacy if you are uncomfortable being fully nude. You can also request draping if you desire.
Back Washing
Once you are settled, the technician will begin pouring a gentle stream of warm-to-hot water slowly over your back and legs from the moveable showerhead. They will work their way methodically from your feet up to your shoulders. The water pressure is generally light.
Turning Over
After your backside is thoroughly washed, the technician will prompt you to turn over onto your back. Again, you may be covered by a towel for modesty. More warm water will now be poured over the front of your body.
Chest, Arms, and Legs
Lying on your back, your chest, arms, hands, stomach, groin, and legs will all be washed with the continuously flowing shower water. The technician will adjust the showerhead to target every area.
Cold Rinse (Optional)
Some table shower protocols end with a brief cold water rinse, which helps close pores, improve circulation, and invigorate the body. However, the cool water is not mandatory if you prefer sticking with the hot temperature.
Drying Off
Once the shower is complete, the technician will pat your body dry with fresh towels and hand you a robe or towel wrap. You can then get dressed and relax. Some spas serve tea or water after a table shower treatment.
Not All Table Showers Are Equal
While the basic premise remains the same, you may notice some variations at different spas when it comes to table showering. These include:
- Pressure and temperature of the water flow
- Length of the treatment session
- Areas of the body focused on
- Use of essential oils, scrubs, or other products
- How much draping and coverage is provided
- The experience level of the technician
- Ambiance of the treatment room
So don’t be surprised if your table shower is a bit different than a friend’s experience. Communicate your preferences to your technician beforehand so the treatment can be tailored to your needs.
Table Showers for Couples
Table showers are also sometimes enjoyed as a romantic couples treatment. Partners take turns washing each other’s bodies on side-by-side massage tables. Privacy is provided in a candlelit room playing soft music. Couples’ table showers can be a soothing prelude to a sensual massage or provide intimate bonding.
The Five Main Benefits of Table Showers
Besides being deeply relaxing, what are some of the other notable benefits of table shower therapy? Here are five ways your mind and body can benefit:
1. Improved Circulation and Blood Flow
The warm water and light massage pressure stimulate circulation to help nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood flow efficiently throughout the body. This aids cell function and promotes healing.
2. Lymphatic Drainage
The lymphatic system helps remove toxins but can get bogged down. The water pressure and warmth gently promotes drainage to detoxify your lymph nodes and boost immunity.
3. Stress and Tension Relief
A table shower inherently induces relaxation as the rhythmic water washes your tension down the drain. Mental stress and tight muscles are soothed away.
4. Radiant, Cleansed Skin
All that mineral-rich water lightly buffs away dead cells, unclogs pores, and hydrates your skin leaving it fresh, smooth, and radiant.
5. Eased Soreness and Pain
For those suffering from muscle aches or joint pain, the water’s massage effect increases blood flow to problem areas providing therapeutic relief.
In essence, table showers act as a “reset button” to soothe your mind, de-stress your body, and boost overall wellness. The treatment can be tailored to target any problem areas you may be experiencing.
Combining Table Showers with Other Spa Treatments
Many clients opt to use a table shower as an add-on to complement other spa services. Here are some of the most popular combination treatments:
Pre-Massage Ritual
A pre-massage table shower is highly recommended. The water relaxation enhances the effects of the massage by loosening muscles. It also washes away any lotions or oils from previous massages. Starting fresh allows the massage oils to absorb better.
Augmenting Body Scrubs and Wraps
Table showers are ideal after salt glows, body scrubs, seaweed wraps or mud masks. The flowing water removes all remaining product residues, revealing smooth soft skin. The shower’s light massage boosts circulation to nourish and tone newly exfoliated skin.
Post-Waxing Rinse
For clients who have just undergone a Brazilian bikini wax, leg wax, or other hair removal, a table shower gently cleanses treated areas preventing irritation or ingrown hairs. The water’s warmth is soothing after waxing.
Assisting Cellulite and Slimming Treatments
Many slimming and cellulite therapies utilize algae, mineral oils, and massage. A post-treatment table shower removes the product buildup while also continuing to stimulate blood flow to firm and smooth skin texture.
Enhancing Facial Relaxation
Some spas offer Vichy shower attachments by facial tables. The water’s warmth and white noise provides mental relaxation during skin treatments. The rinse cleanses away masks and moisturizes.
Who Can Enjoy Table Showers?
Almost anyone can benefit from incorporating table showers into their self-care routines! Here are some key demographics who especially stand to gain from this relaxing water treatment:
Busy Professionals
High-powered executives, entrepreneurs, lawyers, and other busy professionals operate in constant overdrive. Table showers forcibly shut off the mind allowing you to simply be present. This form of meditation is the ideal stress antidote.
Athletes and Fitness Buffs
For gym rats, runners, and sports teams, table showers can aid both performance and recovery. Pre-workout, they get muscles primed and blood pumping. Post-workout, they flush away lactic acid and soothe strains.
Those with Chronic Pain
People suffering from back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other chronic issues often respond well to hydrotherapy treatments like table showers. The water’s warmth and pressure provides natural pain relief.
Cancer Patients
Those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation often feel fatigued and achy. Table showers act as complementary medicine to ease side effects and improve patients’ quality of life during treatment.
Individuals with Skin Conditions
For people with eczema, psoriasis and acne, a table shower’s light exfoliation and mineral-rich waters can help calm flare-ups and irritation. The relaxation benefits skin health.
New or Expecting Mothers
Prenatal and postpartum table showers relax tense muscles and target pains associated with pregnancy and delivery. The bonding experience is also great for couples.
Of course, almost everyone can benefit from taking an hour to reset both their body and mind with the soothing relaxation of a table shower treatment. Schedule one and see the positive effects yourself.
When to Exercise Caution with Table Showers
While table showers are suitable for most people, there are some instances where caution should be used:
- Pregnancy:Â Most spas do not perform table showers on women past 20 weeks pregnant as lying prone can compromise circulation. Always check with your OBGYN first.
- Heart Conditions:Â If you have abnormal blood pressure or a heart condition, make sure to alert your technician. Avoid extreme water temperatures which can cause lightheadedness.
- Surgeries/Injuries:Â Postpone table showers if you have had recent surgery, fractures or wounds that have not yet healed to avoid irritation.
- Medical Devices:Â Alert staff about any implants, pacemakers, or devices before your treatment to prevent malfunctions.
- Skin Sensitivity:Â Those with eczema, psoriasis or sunburn may find prolonged hot water exposure aggravating. Cooler water may be better tolerated.
- Incontinence:Â Leakage accidents can occur when lying prone. Be sure to empty your bladder before a treatment. Urinary catheters may help.
- Contagious Conditions:Â To prevent spreading germs, postpone table showers if you currently have a contagious condition like the flu.
When in doubt, have an open discussion with your spa’s staff. They can assess risks and tailor the session to safely accommodate any health issues.
7 Tips for Making the Most of Your First Table Shower
If you have booked your first ever table shower, congratulations! Here are some tips to maximize enjoyment:
1. Call Ahead with Questions
Don’t be shy about phoning the spa beforehand to ask about protocol, what to expect, whether significant others can join, etc. Knowledge reduces awkwardness.
2. Arrive Well-Hydrate and Clean
Drink plenty of water before your treatment and avoid alcohol which can cause dizziness. Take a shower so you arrive fresh and clean for your technician.
3. Bring Only Essentials to the Room
Limit what you bring to just small towel, robe, slippers and a case for contacts/glasses. This avoids fumbling with lots of belongings mid-treatment.
4. Clearly Communicate Health Factors
Before your session, proactively tell staff about any injuries, pains, skin conditions or other health issues affecting your treatment.
5. Speak Up About Pressure and Temperature
Don’t be afraid to provide feedback during your shower. Request lighter or firmer pressure, and warmer or cooler water temperature.
6. Consider A Couples Treatment
If you feel shy about nudity, booking a table shower for you and your partner can ease discomfort through a shared experience.
7. Tip Your Technician Afterwards
If you found the treatment beneficial, a nice tip goes a long way to show your appreciation! 20%+ is the standard for good service.
The more open, honest, and relaxed you can be, the more you will gain from your premier table shower experience. Allow your mind and all worries to flow down the drain as your body unwinds.
In Conclusion
For centuries, warm flowing waters have been prized by cultures worldwide for their healing and restorative powers. Table showers reconnect us to the soul-soothing benefits of water in a profoundly relaxing and meditative ritual.
If you have yet to treat yourself to the relaxing benefits of a professional table shower, now is the time! Find a reputable local spa and book a treatment. With an open mindset and following the tips above, you will emerge renewed, uplifted, and de-stressed. Your only regret will be not trying it sooner!
