massage treatments
only employ a hands-on approach but also utilise a specially designedmassagemediumto help deliver effective results and thus take treatments to the next level. So, what options can help add some spice to your services?We outline a selection of the diversemassage mediums available…
hot stones
Used to restore a state of relaxation, hot stone massages are ideal for returning the equilibrium to bothmind and body. Once the stones have been heated, therapists then use to gently glide all over the body in order to relieve tired muscles.
“Themovement with a stone is the equivalent to eight to tenmovements with just the beauty therapist’s hands resulting in amuch deeper massage,” saysMarie-Louise. “The addition of the application of heat within a bodymassage has themost profound effect in creating a deeper state of
relaxation.The heat gets into the muscles and relaxes themuscle fibresmuch quicker thanmanualmassage will, in amuch shorter length of time –making this treatment perfect for people with severe stress and tension in particular areas. It is also great for people who play a lot of sports, those who suffer with arthritis, anxiety and stress.
“As a treatment it can be performed as a full body or back, neck and shoulder treatment, it can also be nicely incorporated into amanicure and pedicure treatment. Froma business point of view, hot stone treatments are very cost effective as you can re-use the stones and they will last a very long time if they are looked after and cleaned effectively.”
After themassage has concluded, you can also position the stones along your client’s spine and between the toes as placing specific sizes on certain parts of the body can balance chakras and regulate the flow of energy.Your clients will be able to relax whilst the heat penetrates themuscles and promotes a sense of overall well-being.
bamboo
Bamboomassage uses hollow organically treated bamboo canes that can be warmed or
used at roomtemperature and incorporated into massagemovements. “Bamboo is a powerful massage that permits a larger surface area to be stretched and elongated with this tool,” notes Alison Gibbs, Co-Founder of Shared Beauty Secrets, Lava Shells’UK distributor. “It is the preferred tool in use formen and deep tissue or as an alternative to the hand held stones or shells which delivers a smaller surface area during themassage.”
There aremany benefits to this type ofmassage for both clients and therapists. Bamboos are ideal for not only relieving tension aches and pains, but they can also help to increase circulation and improve lymphatic flow. For professionals, bamboos can take the strain off wrists allowing a deep tissuemassage to be performed without the risk of incurring any physical tiredness.
herbal compress
Although by nomeans a new innovation, herbal compresses originate fromThailand and have been used throughout the course ofmany centuries. Known for their healing benefits, when pressed or rolled onto the treated area, the client not only experiences an invigorating massage but also enjoys the added benefit of the compresses’ ingredients which are absorbed into the skin thus delivering their beneficial properties.
“I find thatThai herbalmassage is very popular as you get similar benefits to hot stones, but due to the aroma of the herbs you getmore of a mental and physical relaxation,” comments Marie-Louise.
“The compresses aremade fromcotton and packed full of a variety of dried herbs,” she explains. “These are then steamed, so you again get the heat element that you get with hot stones which will relieve stress and tension within
themuscles.They will also increase circulation, aid the removal of toxins and is a perfect treatment for those who are looking for overall
relaxation.As with hot stones this treatment can be performed as a full body massage as well as a back, neck and shoulder massage.”
shells
Using 100%natural recycledTiger ClamShells fromthe Philippines, Lava Shells are the world’s first self-heatingmassage tool and offer yet another unique option for yourmassage
treatments.Thanks to a patented natural blend ofmaterials which create a self-heating technology inside the shell, they have been designed to deliver warmth for over an hour.
“We use the Lava Shells to aid in deep tissue techniques andmuscles easemoves,” commentsAlison. “The constant heat generated fromthe shells allows a therapist to continually work down into themuscle without breaking contact which adds fluidity and connection during a
treatment.Themuscle is kept warm and supple whilst you are treating the layers.”
Through specially devised treatments, the shells can be used to treat amultitude of client concerns including easing achingmuscles and joints, treating a sports injury, a sluggish digestive systemor high-stress
levels.Thanks to their unique shape and angle, the shells become an extension of the therapists’hands, deploying therapeutic relief where needed, unblocking energy flow and releasing a sense of balance to the entire body andmind.
candles
Blended using a wide range of essentials oils known for their aromatic and therapeutic properties,massage candles equip you with a sensuous and luxuriousmedium.
Designed specifically for use inmassage, once the candle has been lit the oil begins tomelt, and this is then subsequently poured over the client’s body (once it has reached a safe temperature).Therapists can then set to work, rubbing the warming sensation of the oil to the areas needed and also providing the added benefit of nourishment andmoisture to the skin. In addition, you can also use the candles to create a calming ambience in your treatment room, whilst the aromatic fragrance released also promotes an overall sense of well-being.
With a host of different choices available, selecting the rightmassage style for your business is essential. Ensure you undertake thorough research such as visiting other salons and Spas to perhaps personally experience the treatment you aremost interested
in.Although most therapists will have trained in some form of themost popularmassage techniques, learningmore about newmediums and treatments is vital in order to performthe services safely and efficiently. So take advantage of themany training opinions and courses available, which will provide you with all you ‘knead’ to know.
Bamboos can help take the strain offwrists, allowing therapists to performa deep tissuemassage.
Turn the page to see a selection of the latest massage techniques and treatments available to help put a spring into your clients’ step…
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