Peoria Magazine is no longer in production. Publication ended with the November issue. Imagine experiencing a waterfall cascade over your body. The streaming warmth washes away tension as your skin soaks in the moisture. A cool spray joins the heated water to create an invigorating contrast.
Your body is stimulated and revitalized… you have just experienced a Vichy shower pronounced Vee — shee. The Vichy baths date to the times of the Roman conquest of the part of Europe which is now France. The Romans then established a spa around the thermal springs which exists to this day in the French town of Vichy, about three hours south of Paris. Bathers claim the Vichy springs have healing effects and offer relief from a host of ailments, such as stomach acidity, rheumatism, arthritis, burns, cuts, sunburn and even poison oak.
Many spas have begun offering services that recreate the therapeutic and refreshing Vichy spa experience. There are two different types of the Vichy experience: a Vichy unit and a Vichy shower room. A Vichy unit looks like a tanning bed. Water sprays from the walls of the capsule to mimic a waterfall. This style of a Vichy shower is not recommended for individuals who are claustrophobic. A full-size Vichy room is ideal for a true Vichy shower. Expect an invigorating experience as you lie on a waterproof massage table in a fully tiled room.
The completely waterproof room is designed specifically for the shower with a drain in the floor and seven shower heads mounted on a swinging arm.
A spa specialist aligns the shower heads over the tense areas of your body and adjusts the water pressure to release the stress trapped in your muscles. More than gallons of water pour over you in a ten-minute session! Disposable undergarments are provided, and the guest is draped with towels to ensure maximum comfort. A staff member accompanies the guest for the duration of the service. A Vichy session usually lasts for ten minutes and is the perfect addition to a massage or body exfoliation service.
