Aqua-Chi Spa Treatment: Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

A new spa treatment combining a relaxing foot soak with reflexology, the Aqua-Chi, promises to detoxify your body as it helps you absorb healthy negative ions. Spas offering Aqua-Chi sessions say it relieves pain, reduces stress, boosts energy, strengthens the immune system, and improves both memory and skin tone. There are a few side-effects and precautions to take into consideration before considering this spa treatment.

Not for Everyone

• The Aqua-Chi combines water with a pulsing current designed to boost and balance the levels of chi in the body. This combination may be unsafe for women who are, or think they may be pregnant. A similar precaution applies to breastfeeding women. People with transplanted organs, pacemakers, or other electrically implanted devices may also want to look into a different type of reflexology treatment. Aqua-Chi treatments are not recommended for anyone with a heart condition, epilepsy, or a history of psychotic episodes.

Shortness of Breath, Dizziness, Nausea

• Symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea occur rarely and last only a few minutes after a session. However, if you already have asthma or are prone to dizziness, take these possible consequences into consideration. Some spas offering the Aqua-Chi treatments recommend that clients only receive the treatment when their bodies are well hydrated, and that they receive a mineral cocktail prior to Aqua-Chi.

Tingling or Discomfort

• The more toxins your body holds, the more dramatic a detoxing session can feel. Alternative health experts say it is natural to feel some effects when toxins stored in the body for a long period are flushed out. Resting after a detox session, drinking lots of water, and maintaining a healthy diet will help your body recover from a toxic state.