Why it works … Ionithermie Slimming Treatment

Who says slimming can’t be a decadent affair?  Combating cellulite while you sit back with your Hello! magazine,  Alexander House Hotel explains why the Ionithermie Slimming Treatment is still a market favourite …   

What exactly is the Ionithermie Slimming Treatment?

It’s a slimming treatment that specifically targets the correction of cellulite and muscle tone.  It can be tailored to the individual, working on areas that they are concerned about, but basically there are two options, clients can opt for a Duluxe 85-minute treatment, or an Express 55-minute treatment.  The full treatment has the added benefit of a full body exfoliation and detox products.  When the client arrives we do an extensive consultation covering lifestyle, alcohol intake, and problem areas.  We then measure the client to get an idea of how many inches they can expect to lose.  The full treatment then starts with an exfoliation followed by a massage with marine based products that aid detox and help to reduce water retention.  We then apply gauze to the area of concern, as well as a marine based mud mask, and use two electric currents - a Galvanic current which helps the body to absorb the products, and a Feradic current, which concentrates on toning.  We leave those to work for half an hour while we offer the client a scalp massage or talk about surrounding lifestyle and nutrition.

Where does it come from?

It originated in France, where the biochemist, Oliver Foucher developed it in 1979, and it is now one of the biggest selling anti-cellulite treatments.  It has won lots of awards, and while it is a pricey treatment, it isn’t inaccessible.

What is it supposed to do?

It is designed to reduce cellulite and improve muscle tone, with the added benefit of inch loss.  The products, particularly the algae in the mask help to boost metabolism and aid detoxification as well.  You can noticeably lose between one and eight inches from the target area, but you can only treat one area at a time.  It also contributes to weight loss.

Is there anything you do to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment?

We always recommend clients combine the treatment with a healthy diet and exercise, otherwise you will limit the effects.  It is also different from one client to the next, but although you will see an effect after one treatment, to have longer lasting results we do recommend having a course of treatments.  While the products are at work we also offer clients a scalp massage, or similar, depending on what they would prefer, to add a relaxation element to it.  It is after all a luxury treatment!

Is there anything you recommend clients to do pre or post-treatment to get the most out of it?

We recommend clients follow a healthy diet and drink lots of water in the lead up to the treatment and during the course.  It is quite a big investment, and it’s a bit like going to the gym, to really get the most out of it you have to do the surrounding elements as well.

Is there anyone you particularly recommend the treatment for?

It is great for new mums who have an amount of slackening in the skin, and it is really good if you have an evening to dress up for and want to just get rid of a bit of a bloated tummy.  It is an effective spot treatment for troublesome areas, but is also very much the finishing touch, so it works best for people who are in reasonably good shape and just have a stubborn area or two that they want to improve.  If you have a lot of weight to lose, it’s best to try to lost some of it first to see the best results.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t have this treatment and why?

As with any treatment including electricity, there are a few provisos.  If you have piercings you need to take them out beforehand, and it is best avoided by anyone with diabetes, metal pins or plates, muscular disorders, and anyone who is pregnant.  As many of the products contain algae, it is also best avoided if you suffer from shellfish allergies or have thyroid problems.