Guzzling sparkling water may give you burps but this can be avoided by sipping it slowly instead.
Water Couture system.
Soaking in a fizzy bath of carbonated water — although not exactly akin to bathing in sparkling Champagne — is believed to be good for the health and the Japanese are well-known for engaging in this sophisticated form of bathing.
Instead of dipping into a public bath, people can now have the luxury of relaxing in their own at-home onsen, so long as they can afford the installation of a system that makes artificial carbonated water.
Carbonated water for deep cleansing of the scalp.
Referred to as a soda shower equipment, Water Couture is the latest model developed by Mitsubushi Rayon Cleansui, whose researchers have found a way of dissolving high concentrations of carbon dioxide in hot water.
The Japanese company claimed to introduce the world's first artificially carbonated hot water bath back in 1997.
It has a concentration of around 1,000ppm (mg of carbon dioxide per litre of water) compared to carbonated beverages which have around 3,000-4,000 ppm.
Hyped as a soda spa, the carbonated hot water at 40C is considered therapeutic and offers the same physiological effects as bathing in a natural hot spring.
The effervescent bath envelopes the skin with tiny bubbles and the carbon dioxide molecules are absorbed through the skin, to promote blood circulation and detoxification while delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
Today, the need for detoxification has become more important due to pollutants and toxins taking their toll on the body. Urban life also puts people under stress, which can be addressed through unwinding in warm soothing water.
The Japanese equipment integrates a carbonated water treatment into the modern lifestyle, with models now modified for use in homes, as opposed to just hospitals, nursing homes, spas, salons and public baths.
The hydrotherapy is applied to help athletes overcome muscle fatigue and treat various medical conditions; while promoting healthy scalp and skin, it is a trending treatment, particularly in hair salons.
The difference between tap and carbonated water is found in the pH, the latter being mildly acidic to promote deep cleansing of the scalp and skin, including the clearing of clogged pores.
According to Mitsubushi Rayon Cleansui, more than 2,500 hair salons in Japan have soda spa equipments.
The company anticipates a bubbling business in Thailand, with the latest model now installed in some of Bangkok's leading salons, such as Moga, Mark Thawin, Zap and SwanHair Spa, offering customers a couture hair treatment.
