Ionithermie is a

cosmetology Cosmetology (from Greek , ''kosmētikos'', "beautifying"; and , ''-logia'') is the study and application of beauty treatment. Branches of specialty include hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/ pedicures, non-permanent hair removal suc ...

treatment performed in

spa A spa is a location where mineral-rich spring water (sometimes seawater) is used to give medicinal baths. Spa health treatments are known as balneotherapy. The belief in the curative powers of mineral waters and hot springs goes back to pre ...

s, intended to remove

cellulite Cellulite () or gynoid lipodystrophy (GLD) is the herniation of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue that manifests as skin dimpling and nodularity, often on the pelvic region (specifically the buttocks), lower limbs, and abdomen. C ...

using

electrical muscle stimulation Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), also known as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) or electromyostimulation, is the elicitation of muscle contraction using electrical impulses. EMS has received attention for various reasons: it can b ...

combined with a lotion made of algae, seaweed extracts and amino acids. The lotion is mixed with clay, and electrodes are placed on the clay to enact

iontophoresis Iontophoresis is a process of transdermal drug delivery by use of a voltage gradient on the skin. Molecules are transported across the stratum corneum by electrophoresis and electroosmosis and the electric field can also increase the permeabilit ...

. The specific materials vary from treatment provider, such as including

guarana Guaraná ( from the Portuguese ''guaraná'' ; ''Paullinia cupana'', syns. ''P. crysan, P. sorbilis'') is a climbing plant in the family Sapindaceae, native to the Amazon basin and especially common in Brazil. Guaraná has large leaves and clu ...

extract, and the results are generally small. It uses

direct current Direct current (DC) is one-directional electric current, flow of electric charge. An electrochemical cell is a prime example of DC power. Direct current may flow through a conductor (material), conductor such as a wire, but can also flow throug ...

and is similar to another cellulite

electrotherapy Electrotherapy is the use of electrical energy as a medical treatment. In medicine, the term ''electrotherapy'' can apply to a variety of treatments, including the use of electrical devices such as deep brain stimulators for neurological disea ...

treatment called galvanization. Ionthermie was invented by French biochemist Olivier Fouche in 1978, although a separate source claims it was invented in 1979. While it has been described as pseudoscientific, one study in 2006 reported modest results.

References

{{reflist Alternative detoxification Electrotherapy