Charcot's shower is a method of hydrotherapy, successfully used for cosmetic, therapeutic and rehabilitation purposes. It received its name in honor of the person who was the first to appreciate the benefits of a “shock” jet of water - the French research scientist, neurologist and psychiatrist Jean-Martin Charcot.
Then, in the second half of the 19th century, this physiotherapy was widely used in the treatment of diseases of the nervous and circulatory system. Later, the range of indications for Charcot's shower became much wider, and by the end of the 20th century it began to be used primarily for cosmetic purposes - to eliminate cellulite and lose weight.
In recent years, doctors are increasingly remembering that they can use Charcot's douche in the complex treatment of many diseases, as a result of which they receive rave reviews from grateful patients who have undergone this procedure.
We will talk about what effects Charcot's douche has on the body, in what cases it is prescribed and to whom it is contraindicated, as well as the methodology for its implementation in our article.
Effects of Charcot's shower
Charcot's shower has many positive effects on the human body.
Under the influence of a “shock” jet of water, the flow of blood and lymph through the vessels is activated, the number of functioning capillaries increases, as a result of which the blood better nourishes the organs, supplying them with oxygen and substances necessary for full functioning.
The contrast of water temperature tones and has a general strengthening effect. Depending on the water temperature, the “shock” jet increases or decreases the tone of striated (skeletal) muscles and blood vessels, stimulates or inhibits processes occurring in the central nervous system, and increases or decreases blood pressure.
In addition, the shower stimulates the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, which improves the functioning of most organs of the endocrine system of our body.
Anesthetizes, reduces symptoms of inflammation, accelerates metabolism, activates the immune system, has a detoxifying effect - promotes the removal of metabolic products from cells, and successfully fights cellulite.
While taking a Charcot shower, regeneration (self-healing) processes “awaken” in the body - after a course of such procedures, patients feel rejuvenated and full of energy.
Advantages of the sanatorium "Ural"
In the Ural sanatorium, complete rest and wellness for the whole family are closely intertwined. Traditional methods and modern solutions are used in the treatment process. Treatment is prescribed on the day of arrival, without weekends or holidays. Among our advantages:
- highly qualified medical personnel (doctors of sciences, candidates, doctors of the highest category);
- convenient location in an ecologically clean area;
- own sources of mineral water, sapropel mud;
- a single complex of accommodation, food and treatment;
- free access to the swimming pool for all clients;
- free rental of sports equipment;
- admission for treatment of children from three years of age, without prescribing treatment - from birth;
- free entertainment for children, including playrooms of various types and the animal world “Mishutkin Yard”;
- a variety of cultural programs for every taste;
- rooms of various categories;
- possibility of early check-in and late check-out without additional payment 7 days a week.
The Ural sanatorium is located in the forest, on the shore of Lake Podbornoe. Since 1990, when our health resort began its work, more than 200,000 people have visited it and more than half of them have returned to us again.
Indications for use of Charcot's shower
Indications for the use of such a physiotherapy procedure as Charcot's douche are:
- chronic fatigue syndrome;
- depression;
- neuroses;
- chronic stress;
- diseases of the osteoarticular system (arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis);
- muscle diseases;
- metabolic disorders, in particular obesity;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- allergic diseases.
The procedure is often used as a preventive measure - to strengthen the body's defenses, as well as to relax muscles after intense sports.
In cosmetology, the method is actively used as an effective means to combat cellulite - the skin after a course of treatment becomes smoother, firmer and more elastic. In addition, women are happy to discover minus centimeters in problem areas of the body.
The benefits of massage for hernia
Each type of intervertebral hernia has serious complications, so you should not delay treatment.
See how easy it is to get rid of a hernia in 10 sessions
Massage for hernia:
- Improves blood flow to inflamed soft tissues.
Plasma contains oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells that accelerate the healing of damaged tissue. - Relieves inflammation.
The procedure relieves swelling that has formed in response to a pinched nerve. - Reduces the level of stress hormones.
In response to pain, the release of adrenaline, cortisol, and other substances increases, the task of which is to help the body cope with the situation. On a physical level, blood vessels constrict, which can cause spasms. Psychologically, a person feels severe discomfort. - Relaxes.
Massage for a spinal hernia softens tense muscles, which helps reduce pain and relieve spasms. - Stimulates the synthesis of endorphins.
This is the name for pleasure hormones - biologically active substances that are produced by the brain in response to a joyful event (in this case, a massage). Endorphins cause a feeling of pleasure, which dulls pain and stimulates healing.
The benefits of massage for lumbar and lumbosacral hernia
General stiffness is a common symptom of a lumbar hernia. The muscles go into spasm, causing the person to become stiff. Massage for a lumbar hernia normalizes the tone of blood vessels, which leads to improved blood supply to tissues and venous outflow. The muscles relax and lactic acid leaves them. The muscles begin to contract better and become more flexible, restoring mobility to the lower back.
If there are scars after surgery, massage performed using the correct technique helps to resolve them.
The benefits of massage for thoracic hernia
Intervertebral joints and discs do not differ in mobility, especially in the thoracic region. However, under the influence of massage they become more plastic, flexible, stronger, which allows you to eliminate pain in the joints and muscles and prevent the appearance of the last stages of hernias. In addition, the pressure on the discs is reduced.
Read more about this type of hernia and other methods of its treatment in this article.
The benefits of massage for cervical hernia
The procedure makes the neck more flexible, relieves muscle tension, pain in the forearm, and eliminates migraines. Impact on the 7th cervical vertebra has a positive effect on the heart.
Read more about the symptoms and treatment of cervical hernia here.
Contraindications to the use of Charcot's shower
In some cases, Charcot's shower will not improve the patient's health, and may even cause harm to his body. So, contraindications to taking Charcot's shower are:
- infectious diseases in the acute stage;
- active inflammatory processes of non-infectious nature;
- thrombophlebitis;
- low body weight;
- hypertension stages II and III;
- history of heart attacks and strokes;
- kidney diseases;
- skin diseases (pustular, eczema and others);
- oncopathology;
- benign neoplasms with a tendency to grow;
- diseases with an increased risk of bleeding;
- pregnancy of any stage;
- menstruation.
It is worth noting that varicose veins are also a relative contraindication. However, in this case, it is possible to carry out this procedure, but on the condition that the water jet will not affect the problem areas of the limbs.
First and modern equipment
To carry out a therapeutic massage with an underwater shower, a large bath is required (the volume can reach up to 600 liters). Its size is explained by the fact that during the session the patient must be completely immersed in water, with the exception of the neck and head. The main feature of hydromassage is that the human body is as relaxed as possible during the massage.
Therefore, the bathtub is equipped for greater comfort:
- handrails;
- footrests;
- headrest;
- a hose from which a stream of water comes out at different pressures.
During the massage, it is necessary to constantly maintain a certain temperature, so a thermometer is built into the wall of the bath. The specialist uses different techniques during the massage. To do this, there are several nozzles on the hose, differing in diameter and hole size.
Some manufacturers offer to purchase bathtubs with nozzles in the walls. Water jets come out of them under pressure. The strength of their pressure is regulated by a built-in electronic unit, which allows you to select a hydromassage program for each patient individually.
Charcot shower technique
First of all, it is worth noting that the procedure should only be carried out by a specialist. Only he can assess the patient’s condition and, if necessary, adjust the water temperature, change the jet pressure and provide medical assistance.
The naked patient is located at a distance of 3-4 m from the shower chair, behind which the person conducting the procedure is located. A stream of water is first directed onto his body with a fan and then with a compact stream. First they act on the front surface of the body, and then on the sides and back. The impact is carried out in the direction from head to toe, avoiding the jet hitting the head, spinal column, mammary glands and genitals.
Each limb is treated in turn along the course of large vessels, then the stream is directed to the stomach (clockwise). During the first procedures, the water temperature is 36-40°C, but it is gradually lowered, bringing it to 20°C by the end of the course of treatment.
When carrying out the so-called Scottish shower, the temperature of the water in the stream is changed several times during the same procedure - first they are exposed to hot (up to 42 ° C) water for 30-40 seconds, and then switch it to cold (15-15 ° C) for 14-20 seconds. 20°C). The temperature difference increases gradually - with each subsequent procedure.
The duration of Charcot's shower varies from 1-2 minutes in the first sessions to 5-7 minutes at the end of the course of treatment, and it is carried out once every 2-3 days (it is not worth receiving daily sessions of Charcot's shower - not every body can cope with such a high load on it ). The water temperature decreases with each subsequent procedure, and the jet pressure, on the contrary, increases.
The number of procedures per course is 10-12-15, depending on the patient’s tolerance and indications. After six months, the shower cycle can be repeated.
Are there any downsides?
It is worth noting that not all patients tolerate Charcot's shower sessions easily and painlessly. Since the jet hits the body with force, hematomas (popularly called bruises) often form at the sites of these impacts. In most cases, after just a few procedures they stop appearing. However, those that appeared earlier last as long as a typical subcutaneous hematoma - about 2 weeks.
So if you plan to go on vacation immediately after the course of treatment, the right decision would be to postpone either the first or the second; sunbathing with bruises is not only ugly, but also harmful to health.
Some patients experience severe pain during the shower - they are uncomfortable with this treatment method. For this reason, some may even stop the course. This is explained by individual pain sensitivity. Such patients can be prescribed alternative, no less effective methods of hydrotherapy, for example, underwater shower massage.
By the way, regarding women... One of the factors influencing their pain threshold is the menstrual cycle - on different days the same patient may experience completely different sensations from Charcot's shower.
Is it possible to massage a hernia?
A herniated disc develops when the annulus fibrosus disc that connects the vertebrae to each other becomes damaged. The nucleus it contains protrudes outward and penetrates the intervertebral canal, where many nerve fibers are located. It compresses the nerves, causing pain not only in the affected area, but also in the area for which they are responsible for innervation - the neck, arm, leg.
Massage is one of the manual therapy techniques that has proven itself as an effective remedy. The procedure is recommended for hernia of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Whether it is possible to do massage for spinal hernias and how to do it depends on the patient. At the initial stage, when the fibers of the intervertebral disc are damaged, but it is still intact, massage is prescribed as part of the treatment. At this time it gives the best effect. One course stops the progression of the disease, relieves pain, and starts regenerative processes.
Massage is a combination of weak and strong movements in the form of rubbing, pressure, vibration. Under their influence, the distance between the vertebrae increases, negative pressure is created, under the influence of which the core returns to the disc.
Nutrients that reach hard-to-reach areas:
- improve the regeneration of the disc and cartilage tissue;
- strengthen the ligaments of the spine;
- makes the vertebrae stronger and more resilient.
With protrusion, when the disc cracks increase, but the core remains inside, the approach changes. Massage must be done carefully, otherwise it can provoke the progression of the hernia. The correct technique will stop degenerative processes in the disc.
With prolapse, the nucleus partially comes out, which is accompanied by severe pain. In this case, gentle stroking is recommended, intense exposure is prohibited. Hydrotherapy in the bath has a good effect. The same technique must be followed when extruding. At this stage, the nucleus protrudes greatly from the disc, affecting more nerve endings than with prolapse.
During sequestration, the procedure is prohibited. The hernia does not just bulge, but breaks away from the disc and migrates along the spinal column. This is a very dangerous condition that can cause paralysis. Any load on the spinal table is prohibited. The patient often needs surgery.
The procedure goes well with other methods of physiotherapy - cold, heat, hydrotherapy, electrical nerve stimulation. A good therapeutic effect is achieved by massage in combination with physical therapy exercises.
Is Charcot's shower possible at home?
It is impossible to conduct a full-fledged, according to all the rules, Charcot shower at home. Yes, this is not necessary, since the procedure, as you could read above, is not indicated for everyone, and it also has a very impressive list of contraindications.
That is why the necessity and expediency of its implementation must be determined by a doctor, and carried out by a specially trained person who, if the patient experiences any undesirable reactions, will be able to help him.
However, at home, such a useful and safe method of physiotherapy as a contrast shower will always help you. The result of regular procedures will be a healthy immune system, strong nerves and smooth, toned skin.
Head of the physiotherapy department Evgenia Alekseevna Tsymbalova
After the session
After the end of the session, the patient spends approximately 10 minutes. stays in the bathroom. Then it is recommended to move to the couch and rest for the same time. The body after a shower massage is too relaxed to make active movements.
Due to the increased blood flow, redness of the skin is observed in most cases. This phenomenon is not dangerous and does not require any medical attention.
After the procedure, you need to dry thoroughly so that you don’t catch a cold when you go outside. Usually, by this time patients feel lightness and a surge of strength.
Why is the procedure prescribed?
What is Charcot's shower and what is it used for? It is not difficult to answer the question, since with the help of such healing therapy it is possible to overcome many health problems. — Disorders of the musculoskeletal system. A healing shower is a good preventive measure against osteochondrosis, arthritis, muscle atrophy and arthrosis. In addition, therapeutic massage helps to recover from injuries or illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and the entire motor system, however, only a doctor has the right to prescribe treatment, since sometimes strong jets of water can only worsen well-being. — Charcot's Shower can be used as a hardening Charcot's Shower for hardening helps strengthen the immune system and speed up recovery during most diseases. — Charcot's shower helps normalize the functioning of the central nervous system. Therapeutic therapy is prescribed to patients suffering from neurological disorders, which include constant fatigue, depression, neurasthenia, and neuroses. Even if it seems that strong water jets do not have a therapeutic effect on the normalization of the central nervous system, in fact this is not the case, because their targeted effect tones the entire body. — Removing cellulite and combating obesity A shower called Charcot is one of the components that are included in the complex treatment of orange peel and obesity. The frequency, duration of the procedure and water temperature are prescribed by the doctor, who also takes into account the weight and condition of the patient.
Under the influence of water jets on the body, the course of metabolic processes in the skin cells improves, and the functioning of the lymphatic and circulatory systems is activated. Thanks to this, toxins and wastes quickly leave the body, swelling is removed and fat deposits are gradually resolved.
Charcot's shower restores normal cellular regeneration, which leads to rejuvenation. But we must not forget that the procedure alone will not be able to get rid of extra pounds and cellulite. At the same time, it is necessary to adjust your diet and lead a healthy lifestyle, including reasonable physical activity. Often massage is prescribed simultaneously with body wraps and healing baths. Thanks to the positive properties that massage has on the body using water, you can restore your health and get rid of many existing and even future problems. But you should resort to a Charcot shower only after consultation with a specialist, since not everyone is allowed to do it.
How to care for the irrigator, do you need to clean it specially?
All care rules are described in detail in the operating instructions.
Here are the manufacturers' recommendations for cleaning it after each use:
- Unplug the stationary appliance from the outlet.
- Drain off any remaining liquid.
- Rinse the tank and nozzles under running water, even if you used regular boiled water.
- Wipe with a soft cloth and dry all elements.
- Your device is ready for further use!
Here are some additional recommendations:
- Do not leave residual liquid in the reservoir.
- To clean the internal elements from scale, use only a special cleaning agent.
- Do not use abrasives or alcohol solutions to clean the housing.
- Always unplug the stationary device from the outlet.
- Do not immerse the device in water or other liquid.
- Remove any residue and dry the device before traveling in the cold season.
As you can see, caring for it is as easy as a regular electric kettle.
