Hydromassage and countercurrent - tools for creating an ideal body

Such a useful physiotherapeutic spa procedure as hydromassage was popular about half a century ago and today has received a fundamentally new interpretation.

In this article, we propose to get acquainted with the features of hydromassage in a swimming pool, known for its healing properties, and also want to talk about the features of counter-current bowls, which are an excellent option for carrying out independent water training and receiving relaxing treatments.

Therapeutic benefits of hydromassage

The procedure has become a kind of healthy lifestyle trend - the benefits of hydromassage in the pool are obvious and do not require special proof.

Indeed, directed jets of water and air not only have a general strengthening and healing effect on the body, but also have an extremely beneficial effect on the nervous system.

The list of obvious advantages of the procedure includes:

1. Elimination of negative consequences from acute stress or clinical depression. In this regard, undergoing a course of procedures from time to time will be relevant for most residents of large cities. Everyday life is filled with conflicts and stressful situations, and intense work activity often leads to chronic fatigue syndrome, increased sensitivity and irritability.

   According to statistics, more than 70% of office workers around the world are prone to emotional burnout. Water procedures with massage gently relieve fatigue and tension, allow you to completely relax after a busy day at work and help counteract the onset of depression.

2. Strengthening the effect of physical activity. Hydromassage in a counter-current pool will be an excellent addition to any sports activity. The procedure perfectly tones the muscles and relieves tension after a grueling workout.
3. Normalization of blood circulation. The procedure increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the internal organs.
4. Production of the hormone of happiness - endorphin. A gentle relaxing massage with water streams triggers the process of production of natural anesthetics in the body, which reduces existing pain and has a calming effect on the nervous system.
5. Strengthening the immune system. Regular exercise in a hydromassage pool has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the lymphatic system, which, in turn, helps improve the functioning of the immune system.
6. Cosmetic effect. Even one session works wonders for our skin, which after a course of procedures not only acquires an even, fresh color, but also becomes more even and smooth. In addition, the procedure helps remove toxins from the body, reduce fat deposits in problem areas and fights cellulite. The directed flow of water enhances the outflow of lymph, which relieves swelling.
7. Improved sleep. Stress and workload in all areas of life often provoke insomnia, which further worsens the physical and psycho-emotional state. Air and water jets have a relaxing effect on the nervous system, normalize blood pressure and respiratory rhythm, thereby helping to stabilize sleep.

In official medicine, hydromassage has long been recognized as an effective procedure, which is actively prescribed by many specialists for preventive and health purposes.

Benefits and harms

Advantages of hydromassage:

• An effective way to lose weight and get rid of excess weight.
• Visible improvement in the condition of the skin and muscle tissue.
• Hydromassage helps remove toxins from the body.
• Active saturation of cells with oxygen.
• Hydromassage helps to relax the body and is an excellent prevention of spasms.
• Pronounced analgesic effect.
• Strengthening blood supply and normalizing blood pressure.
• Restoration of motor function and joint mobility.
• Intestinal function improves and metabolic processes in the body are activated.
• Increases the strength of blood vessels, preventing varicose veins.
• Water procedures reduce stress, improve mood and general condition.

Disadvantages of hydromassage:

The aquatic environment can stimulate the proliferation of harmful microorganisms. Therefore, after each procedure, the bath must be thoroughly washed with special disinfectants. Injectors also often become clogged and require constant cleaning.

Hydromassage is not useful for everyone and has a number of contraindications. Also, hot tubs and equipment have a very high cost, which makes the procedure quite expensive.

Indications for use

The benefits of hydromassage in a swimming pool have been proven in the treatment of many chronic diseases.

Here we can talk about the effectiveness of the procedure both as part of complex therapy in the fight against various types of severe pathologies, and in the elimination of minor cosmetic defects.

A course of procedures will help cope with problems such as:

• chronic fatigue syndrome;
• nervous exhaustion;
• swelling of various kinds;
• decreased skin and muscle tone;
• intoxication of the body;
• negative consequences of physical activity and many others.

In particular, the procedure is indicated for people with musculoskeletal disorders.

The role of hydromassage in losing weight is quite high. Two to three sessions per week will be enough to see results. The effect of exercise is especially obvious on the hips and buttocks.

Water foot massage helps strengthen the immune system. In addition, if you are faced with the problem of swelling and pain in your legs at the end of the working day, then hydromassage can be a real solution to the problem. High heel lovers will also definitely appreciate this relaxing format. Jets of water and air affect biologically active points on the feet, which heals and relaxes not only the feet themselves, but also has a beneficial effect on the internal organs.

Where to choose

Today, every self-respecting balneological resort, SPA complex and even beauty salon is ready to offer a number of varieties of water massage, ranging from ordinary enemas for prostate problems to procedures using sophisticated equipment. Which one to choose is up to you, but only after a preliminary medical examination and consultation with your doctor.

Sharko's shower

The procedure owes its appearance to the famous psychiatrist from France J.M. Charcot. The professor widely used this massage technique in his practice to treat nervous system disorders. Observations showed that patients quickly restored their emotional state, and at the same time got rid of many chronic diseases and excess weight. Effective and affordable, the technique has become very popular all over the world. It is prescribed for:

• diseases of the spine,
• neuroses,
• depression,
• chronic fatigue syndrome,
• metabolic disorders,
• obesity,
• endocrine pathologies,
• allergies,
• muscle tension and spasms of various origins.

This type of hydromassage does not require special devices or special preparatory work. A swimsuit, cap, flip-flops and a towel are all you need. During the session:

• From a distance of 3-4 meters, the patient is watered from hoses with two powerful jets of water, pressure up to 4 atmospheres, at a temperature of 20–40 0C.
• First, use a fan shower, pouring it over the entire body.
• Then, under strong pressure, individual areas are treated: stomach, sides, arms, legs, back; it is prohibited to direct the stream to the head, spine, mammary glands and genitals; The strength of the impact is regulated by the massage therapist: he can come closer, increasing the load, or, conversely, move away - it all depends on the patient’s condition and the threshold of his pain sensitivity.
• The limbs are treated along the line of large vessels, the abdomen - clockwise.
• With each procedure, the water temperature decreases, and the pressure, on the contrary, increases.
• The so-called Scottish shower involves the use of contrasting temperatures, from 10 to 40 0C, during one procedure.
• The session lasts 10–15 minutes and ends with a fan dousing.

According to reviews, after a massage, many people, as a rule, feel extraordinary lightness and sometimes drowsiness. This indicates relaxation of the nervous system and elimination of spastic conditions. Muscle pain may appear, as during physical activity, especially in an untrained person. Hematomas and bruises indicate high sensitivity of the patient’s skin or insufficient professionalism of the massage therapist and ideally should be absent.

Underwater manual massage

This technique is used in salons and at home to relieve the patient of fatigue, pain in the joints, back and muscles, relieve nervous tension, eliminate congestion in the body and intestinal problems. But most often this massage is used for weight loss and the fight against cellulite and puffiness, and also as an excellent detox remedy. How the procedure works:

1. The patient is immersed in a special bath filled with warm water.
2. 5 minutes the body gets used to the new environment, relaxes and rests.
3. After this, the massage therapist picks up a hose and, using different attachments, performs an underwater massage on problem areas of the body: abdomen, thighs, arms, calf muscles. It is even possible to treat the patient’s face and neck.
4. The jet is supplied under pressure from 1 to 5 atmospheres, but the thickness of the water softens the impact, eliminating unpleasant sensations.
5. Massage movements are performed up and down or in a circular path.

In some cases, vacuum underwater hydromassage is used. The special mechanism of the nozzle slightly draws the skin into itself, while simultaneously acting on the side with a strong jet. This is how they get rid of the hated “orange peel”, dealing it a double blow. It is useful to combine such a massage with therapeutic wraps, anti-wrinkle masks and other physiotherapeutic procedures.

Thematic material

:

• Ultrasonic body massage
• Pressotherapy

The duration of the session is determined by the doctor based on medical indications, on average it is 10-15 minutes. At the end of the therapy, you should not immediately leave the bath: it is better to lie down for a few more minutes and enjoy the extraordinary lightness in your body and peace of mind.

Underwater automatic hydromassage

The Italian inventor Roy Jacuzzi is considered the developer of this treatment technique. It was he who, back in 1968, guessed to attach an electric pump that generates air bubbles to the edge of an ordinary bathtub. The bubbling water provided a wonderful massage and therapeutic effect, much needed by Roy's nephew, who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. The design of modern units has changed noticeably. Now the jacuzzi is designed in such a way that:

• Water is supplied from numerous nozzles located in the forearms, back, thighs, inner and lateral surfaces of the legs, and feet;
• The pressure and direction of the streams are adjusted automatically;
• Many additional options allow simultaneous exposure to underwater aeromassage and chromotherapy (light and color treatment).

This procedure does not require the constant presence of a massage therapist nearby, so it will allow you to completely relax, rest, restore physical and emotional strength and spend a little time alone, away from the noise and bustle.

Today, vortex automatic hydromassage, which came from France, has gained particular popularity. In special baths, a water cycle is created, which provides a deep body massage for 20 minutes without causing pain. This technique is widely used as a component of therapy for serious injuries and wounds, and the effect can be exerted both on the entire body at once and on its individual problem areas. And this technique fights signs of cellulite better than the newfangled cryomassage.

It is interesting that similar procedures are also useful for very young children with abdominal pain, intestinal colic, anxiety and excitability of the nervous system.

Alekseev's shower

This device makes it possible to perform hydromassage at home. A special nozzle for a household shower was created by inventor Andrey Alekseev. Thanks to the special non-standard design of the holes, the energy of water pressure is converted into kinetic energy, reducing consumption and at the same time increasing the force of impact on the human body. Standard kit includes:

• the shower itself;
• two nozzles with different numbers of holes that change the nature of the water supply and the type of massage: a mesh with 19 holes for an invigorating and dynamic effect, and with 61 for relaxation;
• a pair of replacement gaskets;
• instructions for use and technical data sheet with training video.

If desired, you can purchase additional attachments for lymphatic drainage, underwater massage, facial cleansing or shock wave therapy. The number of holes on the mesh will vary from 1 to 17.

It is important to know that there are specially developed rules for conducting hydromassage using Alekseev’s shower:

1. The strongest jet is intended for the back, because only a powerful pressure can work out the muscle mass and deep tissues of this area.
2. The abdomen is treated in a circular motion, moving the nozzle to a distance of 50 cm.
3. You can even influence the scalp. Such manipulations stop hair loss, stimulate new growth, and get rid of dandruff.
4. To prevent varicose veins, we make circular movements from the foot to the thigh. The water flows, causing a slight tingling sensation.
5. To get rid of cellulite, we massage the problem area for a long time, changing the nozzles, pressure power and water temperature. A feeling of warmth spreading throughout the body and redness of the skin are good signs.

The disadvantages of this device include a rather high price - about 4,000 rubles - and a not very modern, simple design.

Air hydromassage or pearl baths

The patient is immersed in a specially designed bathtub. A special compressor pumps air, which escapes at high pressure from numerous nozzles built into the surface, creating many small bubbles. They completely cover the human body and look like pearls shimmering in the sun. This is where the romantic name for the procedure came from. Such a dense air cloud of bubbles:

• promotes muscle relaxation;
• reduces stress on bones and joints;
• stimulates the work of sensitive endings;
• cleanses pores, saturating tissues with oxygen;
• gives relief from back and joint pain.

This type of underwater hydromassage is considered the most gentle, therefore it is recommended even for people with sensitive skin and those suffering from hypertension in the initial stages of its manifestation.

The temperature of the water in the bathroom is very comfortable - about 36 0C, and the added decoctions of medicinal herbs, pine needle extracts, mineral mixtures or sea salt significantly enhance the therapeutic and prophylactic effect. The 15-minute procedure is prescribed daily, and it will give tangible results after the first sessions (in total there are from 14 to 28).

Dry massage

Surprisingly, this technique allows you to conduct a session completely eliminating contact with water. For the procedure, an aquacapsule is used - a bathtub that looks like a bed, since its surface is covered with a thin and very durable membrane. A high-pressure jet is supplied from built-in nozzles. A person lying on top of the membrane feels the slightest vibrations of the liquid and feels its full impact. This technique allows you to preserve all the therapeutic effects of balneotherapy and at the same time reduces the number of contraindications. Dry hydromassage makes it possible for people with cardiovascular and certain skin diseases to undergo the procedure. During the session, the patient experiences extraordinary convenience and comfort:

• His head lies on a comfortable pillow.
• The water temperature is maintained by a built-in heating system.
• A special remote control allows you to select a massage area: the effect can be directed to the buttocks, legs, back, shoulder girdle or the whole body at once.
• 5 massage modes: relaxation, intense, power, pulsating and manual - easily switched during the procedure.

Dry or non-contact massage is of particular benefit to patients with diseases of the musculoskeletal system: intervertebral hernias and protrusions, osteochondrosis, scoliosis, kyphosis, lumbago, radiculitis, sciatica.

Shower Vichy

Vichy is a famous French resort, which has been famous for its thermal springs since ancient times. It was here that, at the beginning of the 19th century, a unique procedure was first used, which is still very popular among vacationers who want to improve their health, among athletes to maintain physical fitness, and among women who want to lose weight and look young and beautiful. Its essence is as follows:

• The patient lies on his stomach on a plastic massage couch, covering his head with a special protective screen.
• Above it is a shower rail with nozzles arranged in two rows and covering the entire body.
• For the procedure, different water is used: thermal, mineral, sea or heated.
• The jet pressure is adjusted depending on the massaged area and the patient’s health condition.
• Depending on the delivery method, you can choose a rain, needle or dust type of massage or combine them in one procedure.

The Vichy shower does not hurt even with the strongest pressure, so it is suitable for people with sensitive skin. The use of a special blanket creates the effect of a steam bath and enhances the therapeutic effect of the therapy.

Contraindications for procedures

Do not forget that hydromassage is a medical procedure that can be harmful in certain cases. Before starting the course, it is worth visiting a specialist and clarifying the presence of possible contraindications.

The procedure should not be performed in the following cases:

• in case of thrombosis - a targeted impact with a stream of water can provoke the detachment of a blood clot;
• for vascular and heart diseases, hypertension;
• with bleeding;
• for skin infections, as water can cause them to spread;
• for urolithiasis, cholelithiasis;
• during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• for oncological diseases.

Of course, in the absence of the above contraindications, hydromassage in the pool is extremely useful, but there are also technical nuances that are worth knowing about.

Who shouldn't

Contraindications to hydromassage:

• acute inflammation in the body;
• the presence of severe viral and infectious diseases;
• diseases of the blood-forming organs;
• oncological diseases, the presence of malignant tumors;
• skin diseases: dermatitis, psoriasis, neurodermatitis;
• thrombophlebitis;
• kidney and urinary tract diseases;
• ischemic disease;
• persons who have suffered strokes and heart attacks;
• with caution for patients with an installed pacemaker.

For children and elderly patients, the procedure is carried out strictly as prescribed and under the supervision of the attending physician.
The use of hydromassage during pregnancy is also not recommended; it is better to postpone this procedure until after childbirth.

Special tips before the procedure

Below we will give you a number of useful recommendations that must be followed before a hydromassage session:

• You should not go for the procedure immediately after eating or drinking alcohol;
• You should not stay for a massage longer than recommended;
• It is not recommended to dive headlong - a powerful stream of water can damage hearing and vision;
• Physical activity after the session is not advisable - it is better to just rest.

If you follow these simple rules, the procedure will bring you exceptional benefits and pleasant sensations.

How to perform hydromassage at home

In a sanatorium, clinic or salon, a specialist is always closely monitoring the procedure. He sets up the hydromassage installation and carefully monitors the time and condition of the patient during the session. At home, you yourself must control all these parameters. In order not to harm your health and avoid side effects, you need to remember the golden rules of water massage :

1. The jet should not hit the body at a right angle: this will cause you discomfort and even pain. It is better if it is along a tangential trajectory.
2. The water pressure needs to be adjusted depending on the area of ​​the intended massage: the back will withstand up to 5 atmospheres, the thigh surface - no more than four.
3. The hotter the water, the shorter the exposure time. The optimal bath temperature is 36-38 0C.
4. Don’t get carried away with the process: a half-hour session will be quite enough.
5. You can add sea salt, herbal extracts, mineral compounds, and essential oils to the water. This will enhance the therapeutic effect of the procedure.
6. Avoid letting the spray splash onto your face, otherwise there is a risk of injury to your eyes and ears.
7. The massage is done on an empty stomach. Immediately before the procedure, you should not drink alcohol.

After the first sessions, you will feel how strength and energy return, how the skin cleanses and improves. And when, two weeks later, you step on the scale, your joy will know no bounds. It turns out that being healthy and happy is not so difficult, you just need to really want it.

What is counterflow?

Innovative specially designed systems are being introduced to equip swimming pools with counter-current and hydromassage. One of the advanced achievements of the German company FLUVO, the counterflow system of the same name, was created in collaboration with medical scientists, and each element of this mechanism was tested on unique specialized equipment.

The internal structure is extremely primitive - a directed flow of water is supplied in the pool in a given direction using a pump, the power of which determines the intensity of the flow.

Counterflows are presented in two formats:

• installed directly during the construction of the pool;
• mounted, which can be installed at any time in an already functioning pool.

Design solutions make it possible to integrate mounted countercurrents into the sides of the pool as accurately as possible, without compromising the design and cladding.

The device is also divided into one- and two-jet. The latter are characterized by a wider and more powerful flow. In this case, the strength of the jet and its direction are adjusted individually.

The counterflow is equipped with a pneumatic button with an electrical package, which allows you to control all parameters remotely from anywhere in the pool room, which is very convenient. The design of the device also includes an air flow regulator, which is responsible for saturating the water jet gushing from the nozzle, giving it the necessary softness.

An effective tool for creating an ideal body is combining therapeutic training with countercurrent procedures and active hydromassage FLUVO. The countercurrent reliably imitates the force of the natural flow of water, which requires serious muscle work. By combining these flows, an effective and universal sports zone is created, reminiscent of the principle of operation of an exercise bike - a person swimming against the current can actually remain in place without moving forward, but at the same time feel the same load as if he were swimming at a decent pace.

The system allows you to set individual settings. You yourself control the flow power and flow speed.

Kinds

Charcot's shower is very popular for both the treatment and prevention of cellulite.

There are several varieties of this water therapy:

• Underwater manual massage. The temperature of the water in the bath and the stream during this procedure usually coincides and reaches 37–38 degrees. The procedure is carried out by a specialist, directing a stream of water along the massage lines and changing the force of influence if necessary;
• Underwater whirlpool massage. This type is carried out in a specially equipped bath, in which a circular flow of water is created. Whirlpool massage affects deeper layers of skin than manual massage;
• Sharko's shower. It has been actively used for more than one decade. However, this procedure has a number of contraindications. It is not carried out in the bath. The patient stands at a distance of 3 meters from the specialist. The masseur directs a jet at him under high pressure from bottom to top throughout the body, avoiding the area of ​​the chest, face and spine
• Dry non-contact massage. This is a relatively new variety that excludes contact with water. The patient remains dry after it. For the procedure, a special device similar to a bed is used - an aqua capsule. Water vibrations are created inside it, which affect the patient’s body. This procedure is one of the safest and has virtually no contraindications.
• Vichy shower. This type of massage got its name thanks to the French resort where it began to be used. During therapy, the patient lies on a couch, and water jets are applied from above through shower heads.

In the original version, Vichy showers are performed with thermal water, but other types of water also give good results

The type of massage is selected by the doctor, taking into account the patient’s health condition. Before prescribing a course, it is recommended to undergo an examination and undergo a series of tests to avoid complications.

The redistribution of circulating fluid during the procedure leads to an anti-edematous effect, and in this state the production of endorphins, the hormones of happiness, is stimulated

Swimming pools and baths are equipped with hydromassage equipment; There are also separate showers, shower panels and cubicles.

Setting up your own massage pool

With the help of additional technical devices in your pool it is possible to recreate the atmosphere of a unique warm spring and natural geyser.

Hydromassage equipment turns simple bathing and swimming in the pool into a more healing and relaxing procedure.

A personal spa space functions quite simply: using a pump, water from the pool is supplied to special nozzles, from where it is returned back to the bowl under pressure. During this pumping process, the water flows are enriched with air, which provides a pleasant aeromassage effect.

The mechanism is designed in such a way that the system independently regulates the temperature of the supply of water-air jets emanating from the nozzles.

Arranging a counterflow and hydromassage in the pool bowl is a task that professionals can do. The installation process involves a large number of technical nuances - it is not recommended to take this path on your own without having the necessary specialized knowledge.

For weight loss

Many people are interested in the question: does hydromassage help with weight loss? This type of massage promotes intensive breakdown of fats and therefore this method is actively used for weight loss and reduction of adipose tissue. Its action is based on activating blood circulation and normalizing lymphatic drainage, which in turn leads to a reduction in fat deposits in the arms, hips and abdomen.

Aqua massage actively helps normalize digestion, thereby regulating appetite and reducing the amount of calories consumed. Reducing toxins and removing excess fluid also has a positive effect on the fight against extra pounds.

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Professional countercurrents for athletes

In addition to developments that are suitable for home pools and small bowls in hotels and spas, the German company FLUVO has created devices for professional swimmers. The latter require a higher speed of water-air flows and a degree of load, which allow them to practice specific exercises and maintain muscles at a certain quality level. Installation of professional countercurrents is possible in specialized training pools with a large bowl volume.

Water therapy for children

Some types of hydromassage are prescribed to small patients. Of course, this does not apply to procedures such as Charcot's douche. Bubble baths are used to treat babies. This therapy is enjoyable for children of all ages. However, for their treatment it is important to maintain the correct temperature and air pressure.

It is also necessary to regulate the time of water massage. It is not recommended for newborns to stay in a bubble bath for more than 5 minutes. For older children, the procedure takes up to 20 minutes.

Hydromassage is prescribed for children with weakened immune systems. It has a positive effect on the nervous system, so this therapy is often recommended for overly active children suffering from sleep disorders. It is also useful for muscle hypertonicity. This treatment method perfectly copes with nervous and muscle tension.

You should monitor the children’s reaction after the session: if the child is too excited, it is not recommended to do it before bedtime

We must not forget about contraindications. Water massage is excluded in case of exacerbation of any disease or increase in body temperature. The procedure is prohibited if the small patient suffers from cancer and infectious diseases.

In the fight against cellulite

To effectively combat the “orange peel”, all types of water massage are used: underwater, Charcot shower, ultrasonic and vibration massage. To enhance the effect, various salts and minerals, seaweed extracts and essential oils are added to the water. The most effective essential oils are rose, lavender, orange and lemon oil.

Hydromassage baths are a very effective way to combat various diseases. Water procedures have a lot of useful properties; they are prescribed for weight loss and improving the condition of the nervous system and the whole body.

You can see how pleasant this procedure is by watching the video:

Beneficial features

Water massages are beneficial for the whole body. They help get rid of fatigue, pain and stress. You will feel an improvement after the first procedure.

Benefits of hydromassage:

• strengthening the nervous system;
• restoration of normal blood pressure;
• acceleration of metabolic processes;
• increasing overall performance;
• normalization of emotional state;
• muscle relaxation;
• improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• pain relief;
• strengthening motor function.

This procedure will be useful for diseases of the spine and joints. Water massages will not help cure serious illnesses, but they can slow down the development of the pathological process. They will be effective in the presence of a spinal hernia or pinched nerve root. After such an effect, expansion of the vascular walls and normalization of the functioning of the venous valves are observed.

Hydromassages are often used for figure correction. This effect is observed due to stimulation of blood flow and removal of excess fluid from the body.

Aqua massages have a positive effect on the nervous system. This is a great way to get rid of stress, irritability and nervousness.

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