Showers include all applications of water or steam that are administered under pressure. Showers are divided into cold, neutral, warm and hot. Hot showers and extended showers are preferred for rheumatic disorders. Showers can be rain or fan, with a gentle low pressure, and used in various temperatures.
For the athlete, warm showers after training or competition have a generally loosening and relaxing effect, in addition to being cleansing. Cold showers have a tonic effect on the blood vessels and are a good way to conclude warm showers. Steam showers can be used to improve muscular recovery after competition. The steam shower is also suited for the treatment of residual damage, such as occurs in contractures, scars and rheumatic disorders.
In a steam shower, the steam is sprayed onto the skin at a mild comfortable pressure and a temperature of about 110°F. The person giving the treatment should keep a distance of six feel from the client, as the steam can otherwise scald.
Cold Shower
The shower is used as cold as, and as long as, the client can tolerate it. The endurance to cold will increase as the procedure is prolonged.
Contraindications : Cardiovascular instability.
Effects : Overcomes fatigue, tonic effect, reduces elevated body temperature.
Hot Shower
A light spray-rain shower for two to five minutes with temperature from 100°F to 104°F eases neuralgic pain and comforts the body.
Contraindications : Any form of swelling, lymph oedema.
Effects : Prepares client for a cold treatment, alleviates pain, soothes irritated skin.
Neutral Shower
A light gentle-spray shower for four to six minutes in lukewarm (92-97°F), body-temperature water relaxes the body by contracting the circulatory blood system. The reaction is similar to that with a long neutral bath.
Alternate Hot and Cold Shower
Always begin with the hot shower and do not shock the body. The alternating temperature has the most body hardening and conditioning effect. Equal amounts of hot and cold water or unequal amounts can be applied with emphasis on hot water.
Swiss Shower
This cascading vertical body spray shower has nine or more sprays. It creates a gentle or vigorous rain shower from the ankles to the shoulders from above. It is commonly used before and/or after a herbal body wrap, skin exfoliation and massage therapy. The treatment provides relief from symptoms of tension, insomnia and stress. A true shower treatment is actually a full body alternating-temperature hydro-massage performed by the effect of the shower heads.
Indications : Chronic back pain, insomnia, vascular instability.
Contraindications : Cardiovascular insufficiencies, venous disorders, thrombosis, varices.
Temperature : 103°F to 70°F, to 103°F to 65°F, and so on.
Vichy Shower
The Vichy shower therapy was originally created for clients with apoplexy, paraplegia, quadriplegia and cardiovascular insufficiencies. The Vichy shower is a horizontal shower bar with shower nozzles arranged so that the entire body, lying on a table, is covered with a gentle water stream. The Vichy shower therapy is a form of hydro-massage with a temperature of about 105°F or contrast temperature (warm-cool) application. For optimal vascular results, the client is brushed with a soft bristle brush.
Indications : Chronic fatigue, mild hypertension, lymphatic congestion, skin exfoliation and cleansing.
Contraindications : Vascular instability, open skin ailments, lymph oedema, pregnancy.
Washing Down With a Wet Cloth or Mitten
Ablution, performed with a wet cloth, is the midlest form of Kneipp water application. Ablution differs from usual cleansing procedures. The washing procedure is divided into whole and partial body washings. Treatment should take place in a draught-free, warm room. A coarse linen washcloth is recommended for the procedure. Water should be applied evenly to the body parts being washed. The stimulating effect of the washing (especially on the skin’s circulation) is very good. Use one part vinegar to two parts water.
Effects : Enhances blood circulation, relaxes, activates the production of heat in the body. The toxic substances in the blood will be increasingly eliminated and even prevented in the limbs.
Washing of Upper Extremities, Chest, and Back
Indications : Stress syndrome, dysfunctional thermoregulatory system, rheumatism, colds, fever.
Contraindications : Oversensitivity to cold.
Effect: Toughens the skin, improves circulation, stimulates metabolism.
Equipment : Coarse linen washcloth.
Procedure : Dip a coarse linen washcloth in cold water. Wash the right arm—first the exterior, from the shoulder to the hand, then the interior to the armpit. Move to left arm— same procedure. Stroke across the chest and then clockwise across the abdomen. The back side is rubbed down with several strokes. Ablution should be performed as quickly as possible. Do not dry. Have client dressed in pajamas and assist him or her into a warm bed.
Water additives : Vinegar.
Washing of Lower Extremities, Buttocks
Indications : Stress syndrome, dysfunction of body’s thermo-regulatory system (rhemuatism, cold, fever), poor circulation, insomnia, varicose veins, thyroid overactivity.
Contraindications : Oversensitivity to cold, bladder or kidney infection, inflammation or infection of the female pelvic organs.
Effects : Toughens skin, reduces insomnia, stimulates metabolism, promotes digestive process. •
Equipment : Coarse linen washcloth, cold water.
Procedure : Dip a coarse linen washcloth in cold water. Wash the right leg — first exterior front. Move to the left leg front. Then wash the right leg back. Move to the left leg back. End with the soles of the feel. Ablution should be performed as quickly as possible. Do not dry Have client dressed in either a nightdress or pajamas and assist into a warm bed.
Water additives : Vinegar.
Washing Down of Arms and Legs
Indications : Fever, acute infections.
Contraindications : Oversensitivity to cold, cold hands or feet.
Effects : Reduces fever, increases perspiration, improves circulation, refreshes.
Equipment: Coarse linen washcloth, cold water.
Procedure : Assist client into bed, then dip a coarse wash with cold water, Washing down begins with Tower par ol the legs or lower part of the arms. Ablution should be performed as quickly as possible. Do not dry. Cover client
Water Additives : Vinegar.