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The Carnival Brand

Injured by Spa Treatment on the Elation

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Sarah of Newbury Park CA (7/13/03):
On 06-09-03 I received a treatment called "Ionithermie", (listed as "IonitherrAlgDetox" on my receipt), at the onboard spa of the Carnival Cruise Ship "Elation". Approximately 2 minutes into the application of the instrument I noticed a burning sensation on my right and left buttocks, and also on the front of both of my thighs. I immediately told the attendant that it (the treatment) was burning. She told me "That is how the treatment is supposed to feel" and proceeded with the treatment.

I left the spa after the treatment had concluded and went to my cabin. My husband took photos of the burns and said I should report the burns as an injury. The next day my husband and I went to the Infirmary to report the injury. A report was filed as I was treated for the burns. While we were waiting for the nurse to arrive we heard the cruise doctor talking to someone on the phone and stated that I was the 5th case with the same injury from the Ionithermie treatment at the spa. The Purser also stated that security had taken the Ionithermie out of service due to a malfunction.

After the treatment I was in pain for the rest of the trip not being able to sleep and sit due to the burn on my buttocks. I have received a permanent "branding" mark on my buttocks that is a very visible reminder of the "Special" treatment and pain I endured at the Spa. I did not contract for this, nor do I have any way of removing it from my person. Only time will tell if I can put the experience out of my memory.

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