People seek out a massage for many reasons. Among these are healing, relaxation, and stress relief. No matter the reason for the massage the ultimate goal is to feel better and relaxed.
A table shower, sometimes called a Vichy shower, can add to that relaxation. During a table shower you relax under streams of warm water while your body is cleaned by a therapist. Depending on the establishment, the table shower will occur either before or after the massage.
Before the massage a table shower ensures that you are completely clean and likely enhances the experience for the therapist. After the massage the shower helps to remove the massage oil from your skin. This is particularly welcome in some instances where heavily scented oils are used. Regardless of before or after, the table shower is usually done completely nude.
For this reason you must decide if you are comfortable with that nudity or not before entering the shower room. Some establishments will provide the client with disposable underwear to wear during the shower or at the very least cover the genitalia with a cloth. Most table showers begin with the client face down on a table. The table is designed to become wet and has drains on the sides.
The therapist adjusts the water to a comfortable temperature before you lie on the table. Once the client is face down on the table, the client is wet from the neck to the soles of the feet. A loofah or washcloth is then used to lather the entire back side of the body. The hair and head are left untouched. Once the back is rinsed the therapist will ask the client to turn over. It is at this point that some discomfort can present itself.
