WO2005120428A1

WO2005120428A1 - Hydrotherapy treatment apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2005120428A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/000855
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Gay
Original assignee: Hydroco (Australia) Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2004-06-11
Filing date: 2005-06-14
Publication date: 2005-12-22

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for providing a health or beauty treatment to a subject, the apparatus including a first element for providing a hydrotherapy treatment to a lower portion of the body (2), and a second element for providing a hydrotherapy treatment to an upper portion of the body (4) wherein the treatment delivered by the first element is different to the treatment delivered by the second element.

Description

HYDROTHERAPY TREATMENT APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating the head and a body region of a subject. Also provided are methods of using the apparatus, especially in the fields of hydrotherapy and beauty therapy.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Modern health and beauty businesses provide a wide range of treatments for the purposes of enhancing the health and appearance of their customers. Examples of treatments commonly administered at these establishments include hydrotherapy, massage, hair dressing, manicure, pedicure, skin peels, hair removal, application of cosmetics, artificial tanning, facials and the like.

Hydrotherapy is the use of water (hot, cold, steam or ice) to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being. Hydrothermal therapy is the addition of temperature (thermal) effects to achieve the required therapeutic treatment results. Examples of hydrotherapy include bathing, showers, steam, sauna, body wraps and compresses.

Hydrotherapy benefits many of the systems in the human body. The human body is approximately 70% water and blood is approximately 90% water. The circulatory and lymphatic systems work together to move the interstitial fluids throughout the body - the circulatory system by delivering nutrients, oxygen and essential elements to cells via the blood supply, the lymphatic system by removing metabolic wastes, carbon monoxide and toxins from the body. The human brain is approximately 90% water, and along with the spinal cord, is cushioned by cerebrospinal fluid (which renews itself about every 4 hours). It is essential to keep this fluid in constant circulation for good health. Anything that interferes with the flow of fluid throughout the systems will result in health problems. This interference may come from trauma, lifestyle and disease. Hydrotherapy has been shown to be an effective method of normalising the flow of fluid through the various bodily systems. Health and beauty therapy treatments may rely on the use of quite basic equipment. For example, hydrotherapy may be carried out in a simple spa bath with water jets being directed on the tissue to be treated. More advanced equipment may be used to satisfy specific customer requirements. As an example, a customer may wish to avoid immersion in water yet may still require hydrotherapy massage. This may be achieved using a "dry massage table". These tables include fluid filled bladder which contacts the skin of a subject, the wall of the bladder capable of transferring hydrodynamic pressure to the subject. Jets inside the bladder then direct water at pressure onto the wall of the bladder, and in turn to the body of the subject.

Hydrotherapy may also be administered by the use of a "Vichy shower" whereby a plurality of jets direct water at pressure onto the body of the subject. The subject generally lies horizontally on a table, with the jets directing high pressure water onto the entire length of the body. In a more sophisticated form, the Vichy shower is administered using a completely self-contained unit where the subject is enclosed in a capsule, with the head outside. This arrangement minimises splashing of water onto the surrounds and the therapist.

A problem of the prior art is that many hydrotherapy and beauty treatments are time intensive. For example a sauna or hydrotherapy massage may take 30 minutes, with a hair wash and deep conditioning treatment taking a further 20 minutes. Customers are often pressed for time, and are therefore less likely to use the full spectrum of treatments on offer due to the great length of time required. Accordingly, the cost to the business can be great in terms of lost sales.

Another problem of the prior art is that many health and beauty treatments require the body to be placed at a higher or lower temperature than normal body temperature. While high or low temperatures can have desirable effects by regulating circulation, relaxing muscles, stimulating the immune system etc, an overall effect can be to place the body under heat stress or cold stress. The homeostatic mechanisms of the body will attempt to limit the stress placed on the body, but if the treatment temperature is sufficiently removed from normal body temperature, some discomfort is noted by many customers. Again, any unpleasant aspects related to a treatment will make a customer less likely to purchase the service again.

It is an aspect of the present invention to at least partially alleviate a problem of the prior art by providing an apparatus that provides enhanced time efficiency and comfort in the administration of health and beauty treatments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus for treating a subject, the apparatus including a first element for providing a treatment to a lower portion of the body, and a second element for providing treatment to an upper portion of the body wherein the treatment delivered by the first element is different to the treatment delivered by the second element. Applicants have overcome a gross inefficiency in the administration of health and beauty therapies, by proposing an apparatus that is capable of dramatically saving time and money to the subject and therapist. Use of the apparatus also has the potential to administer two separate treatments leading to a synergistic effect, or to increase the comfort of the subject during treatments that involved altering body temperature away from normal. The apparatus is found to be particularly efficacious in the treatment of headaches. The apparatus of the present invention has the further advantage of saving water. To the best of the Applicant's knowledge, the prior art has failed to provide an apparatus having these advantages.

The difference in treatments may relate to a difference in the temperatures of the treatments, the substances used in the treatments, or the methods used in administering the substances. By incorporating different treatments into a single apparatus, there is greater scope for increasing time efficiency in the administration of health and beauty treatments. In addition to time saving, the present invention provides the ability to administer different treatments to a subject simultaneously, whereby the treatments have a synergistic effect. In one form of the invention, the treatment provided by the first and/or second element involves delivery of water to the subject. Hot water aids in increased circulation and detoxification of the body. The immune system is stimulated to assist the body in speedy elimination of toxins, and increasing muscular aches and pains. Cold water reduces swelling, pain, fever and fatigue and improves muscle tone. Contrasting temperatures stimulate the body's nervous system, releasing hormones within the adrenal and endocrine glands to give a feeling of vitality and energy. The contrasts between hot and cold should preferably be no more than 7°C. Thermal contrasts can include temperatures from 2 to 40°C, but are more typically between 32 to 40°C for effective muscle relaxation, vasodilation and vasoconstriction.

As a non-limiting example of an apparatus capable of administering synergistic treatments would be where a heat treatment is applied to the lower body by the first element, causing the mobilisation of toxins into the systemic circulation and lymphatic system. Since the surface of the head is very vascular and well supplied with sweat glands, toxins are excreted onto the surface of the head and conveyed away from the body by a separate stream of water supplied by the second element. In this way, the body is proposed to be progressively depleted of toxin. Clearly, this effect relies on a complex and synergistic interaction between the first element, the second element and the physiology of the subject.

As a further non-limiting example, an apparatus of the present invention will allow a subject to be undergoing a sauna treatment on the body, while concurrently having their hair washed and conditioned. In this example, the first element is responsible for administering the sauna treatment to the body, while the second element is responsible for washing and rinsing the hair. The prior art has not recognised the great inefficiency of performing these actions in sequence, rather than together. As a result of this, clients at a health or beauty establishment will be more likely to purchase more than one service given that there will be no extra time required to administer the second service, and also because there will be a cost saving since staff only need be paid for a shorter time.

Another problem which is concurrently overcome by certain forms of the present invention is the heat or cold stress often placed on the subject during a treatment. Many treatments on the body delivered by the first or second elements lead to a net increase or decrease in body temperature. Hot or cold water hydrotherapy and sauna treatments are clear examples of such treatments. Applicants have recognised that not only is discomfort caused by heat or cold stress, but neurological effects may ensue. The paper of Megarbane et al (Presse Med. 2003 Nov 8;32(36): 1690-8) cautions that elevation of body temperature by only 3°C can lead to neurological after effects such as cerebellar syndrome, and polyneuropathy leading to residual brain damage. In implementing the present invention, the temperature of the subject can be at least partially normalised, leading to greater comfort for the subject, and a lower probability of deleterious effects to the brain. Applicants have noted that this is a problem, and have provided a solution exploiting the good heat transfer properties of the head.

Thus, a further advantage of some embodiments of the invention is that it combines a method of heating or cooling the head, with other functions such as hair washing, hair rinsing, head massage etc. It can be seen that the water is being used as an agent to modulate temperature, as well as perform other functions common in a beauty salon or health spa. The present invention therefore leads to an increase in safety and comfort for the subject, and also saves considerable time.

The first element may be any contrivance that is capable of delivering a health or beauty treatment to the body. Preferably the first element is capable of performing a hydrotherapy treatment to the body. The first element may be based on any one of a number of hydrotherapy treatment units known in the art. One example is a self contained sauna apparatus. An example of such a contrivance is the "Vibrosaun" product which is a therapeutic dry sauna consisting of a padded vibrating bed, whereby dry heat circulates throughout the unit over and under the bed. The Vibrosaun is available from Electronic Healing, East Sussex, United Kingdom. The Vibrosaun device is self contained and generally forms an enclosure around the subject, up to about the neck so that the head is left protruding. The enclosure includes means for increasing the temperature inside the enclosure.

By elevating the peripheral body temperature up to 38°C (thereby increasing core temperature up to 2°C) the body's natural detoxification process is initiated. During a 15 to 20 minute treatment session the body (including the scalp) releases excess fluids and toxins via perspiration and aids in respiratory conditions. The immune system is strengthened with the production of cortisone by the adrenal glands. The circulation system is stimulated which in turn increases the flow of lymph and blood. The healthy flow of lymph and blood supplies the cells with vital nutrients, oxygen and essential elements. Steam treatments increase the cardiovascular efficiency of the body by burning calories equivalent to running up to 7 kilometres in one 20 minute steam treatment session. The addition of body wrap product such as seaweed, aromatherapy and mud will enhance the results.

The addition of aromatherapy and herb blends in conjunction with steam aid in the treatment of conditions such as dandruff, migraine, nervous tension, nausea, flu, circulation, and inflammation. The treatment results are enhanced by the safe temperature control for the scalp and body combined. It is recommended not to introduce essential oils directly to bathing water. Instead it is advisable to pre-blend essential oils with a carrier i.e. jojoba or wheatgerm to avoid contact dermatitis or skin irritations to the scalp and skin.

As another example the first element may be based on a hydrotherapy treatment capsule such as the "Hydrotone Thermal" range of capsules, all manufactured by Hydroco (Australia) Pty Ltd.

The first element could also be based on a hydrotherapy tub such as the Hydrotone-A, Hydrotone-X, Hydrotone-L, Hydrotone Geisha Petite, or Hydrotone Geisha Grande, all manufactured by Hydroco (Australia) Pty Ltd. Many systems of the body benefit by the increase and decrease of the flow and pressure of strategically positioned jets in the hydrotherapy tub. The body experiences a weightless sensation via the hydrostatic effect achieved when submerged in water. Indeed, it has been estimated that the body can feel up to 90% lighter when immersed in water. This weightlessness lessens the pain experienced and enables deep tissue massage to heal injured muscles and tendons ie: underwater hydromassage techniques. Weightlessness also results in alleviating neck discomfort where the neck is placed in a recess on the apparatus designed for that purpose. Hydrotherapy stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic system, to aid in detoxification, increased metabolic rate, relief of pain and fatigue in muscles.

The first element may be based on a showering system such as the Hydrotone Hydrowood 7, Hydrotone Hydrowet 7, Hydrotone Hydrorain 6, Hydrotone Hydrorain 7, all manufactured by Hydroco (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Shower jets positioned over the scalp and/or body stimulate and invigorate the systems of the body. Hot and cold contrasts may be applied to the scalp and/or body acting as powerful stimulants to aid in benefiting many bodily functions.

Shower water temperature may be between 34 to 37°C. The shower at neutral temperatures (ie without thermal contrasting) aids in relief of joint and muscular pain and has a sedative effect on the body.

For a hot shower water temperature may be between 38 to 40°C. The hot shower aids in vasodilation, increased blood flow and relief of pain in joints and muscles.

For a cold shower, water temperature may be between 32 to 36°C. The cold shower aids in reducing swelling and pain in joints, increases blood circulation and stimulates the immune system. Alternatively, shower water temperature may alternate in temperature. . The hot shower (water temperature between 32 to 40°C) is applied to the scalp and/or body for 3 minutes, followed by a cold shower for 1 minute. This may be repeated any number of times, but is preferably repeated 4 times. The contrast in shower water temperature aids in increasing blood flow, relief of muscular aches and pain, toning, circulation and elimination.

The first element may also include means for delivering a treatment to the feet and/or lower legs. Pedicure baths are well known in the art and generally include means for heating and/or recirculation of water. In the context of the present invention it will be possible to treat the heat and feet with water of different temperatures. This is in addition to the time saving advantage of allowing a pedicure treatment at the same time as a head treatment. The first element may consist solely of a means for delivering treatment to the feet and/or lower legs, or may be in combination with any other means of delivering a treatment to the lower body. The treatment to the feet and/or lower legs may also be carried out using a lower leg hydrotherapy apparatus that provides for hydrotherapy whereby the limb does not physically contact the water. This can be achieved by separating the limb from the water by a flexible membrane that is capable of transferring heat and hydrostatic pressure to the limb.

Other suitable contrivances that may form the basis for the design of a first element are disclosed in United States patents 5,074,286 (Gillaspie et al) and 5,713,834 (Palmer). These documents describe massage tables that include a fluid-filled bladder upon which the subject lays. Various pulsations are set up in the fluid, with the resulting forces being transferred to the body of the subject. The fluid may be heated or cooled depending on the therapeutic effect desired. The second element may be any apparatus that is capable of administering a health or beauty treatment to the upper body, and preferably the head. In a preferred form of the invention, the health or beauty treatment involves the application of water or other liquid to the head. In a more preferred embodiment the water is at a temperature sufficient to alleviate any temperature mediated discomfort or damage to the head resulting from the treatment provided by the first element. As an example, the second element may be based on, or have the same or similar general construction as an automatic hair washing apparatus well known to the skilled person. Examples of automatic hair washing machines available at the date of filing this specification include the "Suzi" (Hydroco (Australia) Pty Ltd), and the "Aquavibro" (Takara Belmont Corporation, Osaka, Japan). A hair washing apparatus is capable of delivering water at pressures higher than mains water pressure (ie greater than about 70 psi). This leads to greater rinsing of shampoos, conditioners, medicaments and the like from the hair, and also a more intense therapeutic or relaxation effect. Reproducible treatments are more easily effected given the variability often encountered in mains pressure due to supply variations, and other water consumption from toilet flushing for example.

Automatic hair washing machines are also the subject of the following published patent documents to Minami (United States Patent No 6,615,418), Shimizu (United States Patent Nos 6,526,605; 6,408,455; 6,401 ,272; 6,367,101 ; 6,249,922; 6,205,597; 6,205,596), Miyoshi (United States Patent No 6,269,492), Minami (Published United States Patent Application No 2002/0184703) and Chang (United States Patent No 4,769,861 ). The contents of all aforementioned patent documents are herein incorporated by reference.

In this embodiment, the temperature of the water applied to the head could be sufficiently low to alleviate the discomfort of a sauna treatment being applied to the lower body. Of course, for this advantage to be gained it is not necessary that the hair is actually being washed or rinsed, just that water is being applied to the head. The further advantage of time saving will be gained if the hair is actually in the process of being washed and/or rinsed using the automatic hair washing contrivance.

The second element may not necessarily be involved in hair washing, and may simply include means to produce jets of water for the purposes of massage. The gentle massage of jet showers over the scalp aids in improved circulation. Constriction of blood vessels followed by the dilation of the blood vessels react to aid in insomnia, hypertension, stress, migraine, fever, sunstroke, hair loss. Cooler temperatures are recommended as prolonged heat on the scalp may cause headaches and dizziness. This may be minimized by the application of cold compresses on the forehead and neck.

The second element may further include fittings to enable the automatic delivery of a treatment agent to the hair, scalp, head, face or neck. For example, the second element may be capable of delivering steam, water vapour, atomised water or mist. Steam can be generated by means of boiling water and directing the steam from it into the bowl of the apparatus. Hot water mist may be generated simply by pressurized (mains water pressure or pump assisted) hot water dispersed through one or more spray nozzles. The hot water being sprayed through nozzles atomizes creating a steam effect in the apparatus. Ultrasonic vibration may also be used to generate a mist.

The mist may be a mist of hot water or a mist of cold water. Hot water mist could be used to assist colour development or product penetration, while the cold could be used to stop or slow the penetration of a chemical into the hair, or stop or slow a chemical reaction occurring in the hair.

The means for delivering a mist could be the same or similar to that provided in the Micro Mist system (manufactured by Takara Belmont Corporation) whereby the mist consists of tiny particles of hot water at a fixed temperature generated through ultrasonic vibration. Unlike steam or boiled water, the temperature of the 'mist' can easily be controlled so that customers can stay comfortable throughout their treatment time.

The second element may also include means for dispensing other health or beauty liquids such as an aromatherapy oil, a moisturiser, a shampoo, a hair conditioner, a cleansing composition, or a therapeutic composition such as a medicament.

The second element may further include a means for moving air, such as a fan. The fan may be used to facilitate the even distribution of steam, water vapour, atomised water or mist about the head of the subject. The means for moving air may also be used to assist in controlling the temperature in the environs of the head. The fan may also include means for heating and cooling the air. As a non-limiting example, the fan could be adapted to dry the hair of a user. It may be important to dry a user's hair immediately to prevent discomfort, especially in the elderly.

Preferably the first element of the apparatus is adapted to treat a lower portion of the body such as the thorax, the abdomen, the pelvis, the legs, the feet, or a combination of any or all of these anatomical regions. In another preferred embodiment of the invention the second element is adapted to treat an upper portion of the body such as the head or neck or a combination of the head and neck.

Preferably the first and/or second elements are capable of delivering a temperature controlled treatment. In one form of the invention the treatment delivered by the first or second element results in hyperthermia or hypothermia in the subject. If the treatment delivered by the first element results in hyperthermia the treatment delivered by the second element results in cooling of the area of the body to which the second element is directed. Alternatively, if the treatment delivered by the first element results in hypothermia the treatment delivered by the second element results in warming of the area of the body to which the second element is directed.

Preferably the treatment delivered by the second element is directed to the hair. More preferably the treatment delivered by the second element is hair washing and/or hair rinsing.

The apparatus may also find use in the delivery and removal of treatment agents such as medicaments or relaxation oils for example. In one embodiment of the invention, the means for delivering a treatment agent could deliver a herbal oil, medicated milk or buttermilk. The apparatus could be programmed to dispense the herbal decoction in a steady stream onto the forehead for 30 to 45 minutes. As described in the field of Ayurvedic medicine this treatment is known as "Shirodhara", and has been found to be effective treatment for balancing the "Vata dosha". The treatment works on cerebral system, helping in relaxing the nervous system and also balancing the "Prana vayu" around the head. The treatment improves the function of five senses, helps in insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, hairloss, and fatigue.

The first and second element may be coupled in any way known to the skilled addressee. The apparatus may be of a wholly unitary construction, or be manufactured in modules for subsequent assembly. The final construction could even be carried out by the purchaser. Advantageously, the elements may be coupled so that some services are shared (eg water supply, heating, drainage, electricity).

In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus uses a dual-tank system to store and supply water to at least one water outlet of the apparatus. Accordingly, a preferred apparatus includes a first reservoir and a second reservoir, the first reservoir being adapted to receive a first liquid, the second reservoir being adapted to receive a second liquid, wherein in operation the first liquid in the first reservoir is at a substantially different temperature to the second liquid in the second reservoir so that upon mixing the first and second liquids a third liquid of a desired temperature is produced.

Typically, the reservoirs and are substantially empty at the commencement of the working day, having generally been emptied at the close of business on the previous day. Upon activation of the automatic hair washing apparatus, the reservoirs and are filled with hot and cold water respectively from the mains supply. Level sensors are placed to signal when the reservoirs are full, at which time further filling from the mains water is stopped. Before the customer is positioned in the apparatus the attendant or customer is able to adjust the temperature by manipulating a mixer valve. Once the correct temperature is achieved, the attendant positions the customer in the apparatus and activates the washing sequence, causing water to be drawn from the reservoir. The level sensors act to switch off the pump when the water level is near the bottom of the reservoir that empties first. This feature is designed to prevent damage to the pump. The pump supplies the various water outlets of the apparatus.

It should be noted that a particularly advantageous feature of this embodiment of the invention is that only one pump is used. This arrangement leads to "sucking" of liquid through the valve, as distinct from the normal arrangement whereby liquid is pushed through the valve. A substantial advantage is that only one pump is required, as distinct from two pumps (one for each reservoir) leading to lower construction costs.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a subject using an apparatus of the present invention. The treatment may be for the purpose of relaxation, the enhancement of beauty, to achieve a therapeutic outcome, or a combination of any or all of the aforementioned.

The method may be administered by a therapist through the use of controlled thermal and mechanical actions via an electronic touch pad control panel on the apparatus. Temperature variations (thermal contrasting) and air and water flow/pressure may be safely and accurately increased or decreased depending upon the result required.

The methods of the present invention may further include seaweeds, muds or specific treatment masks applied to the scalp or body to detoxify, increase circulation, relieve aches, pain, fever or fatigue. Indeed, the present invention has particular advantages when used with seaweeds, muds and other concoctions applied to the body and head. It is of greatest benefit to the user if the concoction is left on the body for as long as possible. Often, however, a user will wish to remove the concoction from the hair, head, or face and this is generally done by the user entering a standard shower recess. A standard shower will generally remove concoction from the entire body, whereas the user only wishes to remove it from the face, head or hair. Use of the present invention allows the user to selectively remove concoction from the face, head or hair using water supplied by the second element while leaving the subject's lower body untouched. In this form of the invention the partitioning of treatments provided by the present apparatus provides that water supplied by the second element does not contact a lower portion of the body. This may be important for example where the user's body has been treated with a mud. In this case it is desirable to wash off the majority of the mud, but then leave a residual amount on the skin to continue the treatment for up to 24 hours. The use of shampoos on the head will run downward over the body and remove the residual layer of mud, thereby prematurely terminating the treatment. The present invention prevents the removal of the residual mud since the user is able to wash the hair in isolation and without shampoo contacting the body.

The avoidance of using a standard shower to remove treatment agents from the head region only leads to significant savings in water. Water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource in many countries, with this being a significant concern to those involved in the health and beauty industries where treatments often consume inordinate volumes of water. Unlike other industries, there is little prospect of water recycling given the concerns of transmissible disease from subject to subject. Thus, the water saving advantages of the present invention can be significant, amounting to hundreds of litres of water for a single treatment session. Greater water savings may be achieved where the delivery of water to the apparatus is automated.

In a preferred form of the method the temperature of the body treatment water can be set independently to the head treatment water. Simple trial and error will allow the subject or therapist to determine the best combination. In a preferred form of the method the body treatment water temperature is from about 38°C to about 42°C, and the head treatment water temperature is from about 22°C to about 38°C. The cooler temperature of the head treatment water allows for a more comfortable treatment. It also allows higher temperatures to be used on the body. It is further contemplated that the temperature differential between the head and body could be reversed such that treatment to effect a hot body treatment and a cold head treatment could become a cold boy and hot head treatment. It will be appreciated that the present invention may be utilised to keep the head warm while the body is being treated using temperature below normal body temperature. For example, inflammation of joints and muscles may be treated by cooling the tissues. However, this will often result in discomfort and headaches for the subject. The present invention overcomes this problem.

It is not necessary that the method of the present invention be used for any specific treatment. It may simply be used for relaxation. The sensation of having the head and body at different temperatures has been found to be exhilarating, and similar to the Finnish concept of the sauna whereby periods in the hot environment of the sauna are interspersed with brief periods of cold, often by immersion in an adjacent lake or river.

For non-therapeutic uses it is not necessary for the head and body be at two different temperatures. Simply the sensation of the head and body being stimulated separately by different treatments is pleasurable for the subject. For example the head could be massaged with pulsating water jets while the body is exposed to steam.

The method and apparatus of the present invention may be adapted to include a range of other modalities such as light therapy, aromatherapy or music therapy. The means for delivering these therapies may be included in the apparatus, or may be in the form of a separate apparatus that is brought in close proximity to the subject. Preferably, the means for delivering light, aroma or music therapy are integral with the apparatus of the present invention, with suitable arrangements of lights, speakers and scent dispensers being demonstrated in United States Patent No 5,645,578.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus of the present invention. The apparatus is unoccupied, and shown with the cover in the open position. FIG 2 shows a diagrammatic representation of the internal plumbing of an apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION As illustrated in FIG 1 , the preferred apparatus includes generally a first bowl 2 and second bowl 4. The first bowl 2 is of sufficient size and of appropriate design to receive the body of the subject. Included in the first bowl 2 are apertures 6 for admitting water, and a drain 8 for removing water after use. Admission, draining and temperature of water is controlled electronically with a user interface 10. Also included is a pump (not shown) for rapidly recirculating water present in the first bowl 2. The first bowl 2 and associated features generally make up the first component of the apparatus. The second bowl 4 and associated features generally make up the second component of the apparatus.

The second bowl 4 is of sufficient size and of appropriate design to receive the head of the subject. The second bowl 4 includes apertures 12 for admitting water, and a drain 14 for removing water after use. There is a padded ledge 16 between the first bowl 2 and the second bowl 4 to allow the subject to comfortably rest the neck during treatment.

The apparatus also includes a cover 18 attached to the first bowl with hinges 20. The cover (when closed) functions as a means of preventing the egress of water from the first bowl 2 during treatment, and especially when the water is being rapidly recirculated. Another advantage of the cover is that the temperature of the air, water or steam within the first bowl 2 is maintained. A recess 22 is designed to allow the subject's head to extend outside when the cover 18 is closed. The inside face of the cover 18 also includes apertures 24 to allow use of the apparatus as a Vichy shower. In this embodiment of the invention a platform is placed over the first bowl 2 upon which the subject lies. The cover 18 is then closed bringing the apertures 24 to a position directly above the subject. Water is then delivered to the apertures 24 providing a shower of water for the length of the subject's body. It will be apparent that the first bowl 2 may also function as a receptacle for shower water if the apparatus is used as a Vichy shower.

The preferred apparatus also includes a hand shower 26 allowing the subject to manually remove any treatment products from the body or hair such as moisturiser, oil, mud, seaweed, salt, or soap.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of the internal plumbing of a preferred apparatus. Included is a hand shower 1 supplied by mains pressure water having a stop cock 2, with water temperature modulated by a thermostatic mixing valve 3. Water is distributed to the shower jets 4 via a manifold 5. Water for the head spray unit is provided by a cold water storage tank 6 and a hot water storage tank 7, each equipped with electronic valves 8 and 9. Shampoo and conditioner are stored in containers 10 and 11 and supplied to the head spray unit by pumps 12 and 13. Water is pumped from the tanks 6 and 7 by the pump 14, with water temperature being controlled by a thermostatic mixing valve 15. Water is distributed to the outlets of the head unit by the manifold 16. Steam is also supplied via thermostatic mixing valve 17 to the capsule via electronic valve 18, and to the head unit via electronic valve 19. Water is supplied to the head of the user via spray bars 20 and 21 , and by water jet 22. The apparatus further includes aroma capsules 23 and 24.

It is contemplated that the skilled person will be able to conceive of alternative apparatus and methods for implementing the invention described herein. Such alternative methods are considered to fall within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for providing a health or beauty treatment to a subject, the apparatus including a first element for providing a treatment to a lower portion of the body, and a second element for providing treatment to an upper portion of the body wherein the treatment delivered by the first element is different to the treatment delivered by the second element.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the difference in treatments relates to the temperatures of the treatments, the substances used in the treatments, or the methods used in administering the substances.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first and/or second elements are capable of delivering a temperature controlled treatment such that the difference in treatments relates to the temperature.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the first and/or second elements are capable of delivering water at a predetermined temperature.

5. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the treatment delivered by the first or second element results in hyperthermia or hypothermia in the subject.

6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein where the temperature of the treatment provided by the second element causes temperature mediated discomfort or damage in the subject, the temperature of the first element is capable of being altered such that the discomfort or damage is alleviated, and wee versa.

7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the lower portion of the body includes an anatomical region selected from the group consisting of the thorax, the abdomen, the pelvis, the legs, and the feet.

8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the upper portion of the body includes an anatomical region selected from the group consisting of the hair, the scalp, the head, the face and the neck.

9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the first element is capable of performing a hydrotherapy treatment.

10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the first element is a hydrotherapy tub.

11. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the first element includes a hydrotherapy treatment capsule.

12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the first element includes a shower.

13. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the first element is a massage table that includes a fluid-filled bladder upon which the subject is capable of laying.

14. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the second element includes means for the delivery and/or removal of a treatment agent to the hair, scalp, head, face or neck.

15. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the second element includes an automatic hair washing apparatus capable of delivering water at a pressure of greater than about 70 psi.

16. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the second element is capable of delivering steam, water vapour, atomised water or mist.

17. An apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the treatment agent is selected from the group consisting of an aromatherapy oil, a moisturiser, a shampoo, a hair conditioner, a cleansing composition, a herbal oil, a medicated milk, a buttermilk, a mud and a therapeutic composition.

18. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17 capable of selectively removing a treatment agent from an upper portion of the body or a lower portion of the body.

19. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the second element includes means for moving air.

20. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19 having a unitary construction.

21. A method of providing a health or beauty treatment to a subject, the method including the use of an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. A method according to claim 21 wherein the treatment is for the purpose of relaxation, enhancement of beauty, or achievement of a therapeutic outcome.

23. A method according to claim 21 or claim 22 wherein the first element delivers water at a first temperature and the second element delivers water at a second temperature, such that where the temperature of the treatment provided by the second element causes temperature mediated discomfort or damage in the subject, the temperature of the first element is capable of being altered such that the discomfort or damage is alleviated, and vice versa.

24. A method according to claim 23 wherein the water delivered by the first element to the lower body portion is from about 38°C to about 42°C, and the water delivered by the second element to the upper body portion is from about 22°C to about 38°C.

25. A method according to claim 21 or claim 22 wherein the second element selectively delivers and/or removes a treatment agent from an upper portion of the body.

26. A method according to claim 21 or claim 22 wherein the first element selectively delivers and/or removes a treatment agent from a lower portion of the body.