Sharko Shower

The Charko douche (or Charko, or Scharko, Sharko, Skharko or Šarko shower) is a French-designed device widely used in the practice of medicine in the former Soviet Union.

Device

The Sharko Shower projects water under high pressure from a shower~like device for an extra-strong massage over the patient's entire body. The device is applied from a distance of 3.0 - 3.5m (8.5 - 10 feet). It uses a pressure of 1.5-3 atmospheres. The water is at a temperature of 15^o–20^oC (60^o - 68^oF). The procedure can cause haematoma (bruising), so it should not be done during the suntan season.^{[citation needed]}

Uses

Some observers argue that in the past, the Sharko Shower was used on the victims of the KGB to extract information, or was used by police on drunk suspects as an aid in regaining sobriety.^{[citation needed]}

Nowadays it is primarily used for medical purposes. For massage, nerve problems and detoxification etc - in balneology and sanatoria in many countries around the Baltic Sea and Russia. It gives a relaxing effect on nerves, improves sleep quality, activates blood-flow, activates limphodrainage and helps with osteochondrosis and body metabolism problems.^{[original research?]}