Body treatments are on the rise with the evolution of new technologies and surgeries that we have to trim it, lift it, slim it, hydrate it, polish it… and the list goes on. Body treatments are not only for slimming or inch loss but also to help with firming after weight loss or after pregnancy. There are also body treatments that blend a variety of natural ingredients to help with joint and arthritic pain, and clearing conditions that pertain to the skin such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. And let us not forget the deep relaxation benefits that de-stress the mind and body. With body treatments we are able to work within many different arenas. When we take a look at some of the advanced treatments in the medical industry in the reshaping and sculpting of the body we need to take a look at the opportunity of pre- and post-operative treatments. During invasive treatments the skin will endure trauma; body treatments, with their vast amount of active ingredients and antioxidants, are able to prepare and strengthen the tissue before, and maintain and delay after.
What we know about the skin is that it is complex and needs special attention, not only for the beach ready look, but for the overall health of your largest eliminatory organ in the body and our first line of immunity. The skin has a high absorbency rate so to accomplish and maximize your treatments it is important to include exfoliation and a hydration application each time.
Some of the power house systems that are important in body treatments are the lymphatic system and the circulatory system – in particular the capillaries. The lymphatic system is important to the body’s defense mechanisms; it filters out organisms that cause disease and is important for the distribution of fluids and nutrients in the body. Lymphatic vessels are present wherever there are blood vessels; the lymphatic system and the cardiovascular system are closely related structures that are joined by a capillary system which allows nutrients, oxygen, and fluids to pass into tissue and also collect carbon dioxide waste materials and fluids for return to veins and the lymph system. It is where the important functions of the circulation take place: the exchange of material between circulation and cells.
Staying informed with the function of these systems helps with the right choice for our clients regarding their concerns; this is true with slimming, firming, and the all mighty cellulite treatments. It really shows the reasons behind the use of caffeine or stimulating ingredients to break up the deposits that create the undesired appearance, as well as the affects of mud, clay, herbs and seaweed to reduce toxins and water retention.
With that said, there are new treatments to prevent, maintain, and change the shape of our body. You will find a wide variety of options to perform body treatments, which for the most part, are in a wrap format. The body wrap may call for bandages soaked in a solution of herbs, to wrapping the body in seaweed. In others, one can apply a mixture of clays and muds and herbal blends directly onto the skin then follow up with a full wrapping of the body. One thing that is a common factor is that the body must be wrapped snugly to ensure that there is compression on the skin. There are a number of formats in wrapping the body, from plastic, linen, an insulated cover like milar, or a thermal blanket. The body must stay warm and encourage the core temperature to rise, allowing the pores to open for maximum penetration of the treatment.
It is recommended to leave a wrap on the body between 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the protocol. A key point to remember is that it is best not to leave your client alone; stay very close by in case you are needed to create comfort or provide water.
It is safe and effective to have body treatments every four days and necessary to avoid high fat and high salt foods in between. These foods are known to expand fat cells and this is a major note for those booking treatments for cellulite and contouring.
To generate a higher success rate for penetration it is common practice to begin each body treatment with exfoliation – this is the starting point to begin stimulation and get the blood flow moving, keeping the application in the direction of the heart. The choices for body exfoliation are in many forms; with a classic mechanical polish treatment, the skin is scrubbed and buffed to prepare for the absorption of body lotions with the use of, salt, sugar crystals, pumice microfiber cloths, loofahs, brushes, etcetera. In chemical exfoliation, products with enzymes, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAS) are involved. These chemicals loosen the dead skin cells that are held together, thereby allowing their shedding.
With either form, the popularity of self tanning bronzing treatments is notable as this process encourages an even application and color, and is a nice add-on treatment for clients and a wonderful opportunity to educate on the importance of the health of the skin. Much like the treatments that our clients are booking for youthful and regenerated skin for their face, they will need the same for their body.
In a follow up to the body treatment wrap, an application of hydration is needed to enhance the treatment as well as protect the skin. The application could also include a specialized massage such as lymphatic drainage to further the results of the treatment. It is good practice to encourage home care to continue the results and this may be in the form of a body lotion and polish and offering tips like avoiding high temperature showers and baths.
In all, body treatments are a wonderful way to keep the skin feeling soft, smooth, hydrated and detoxified – a true gift of health!
Natalie Pergar, a certified aesthetician and a national and international trainer with Éminence Organic Skin Care, brings with her many years of hands-on trainings and experience and has been personally trained in Hungarian skin care techniques and herb usage by Hungarian Masters. Natalie has a passion for education, wellness, and for teaching the secrets of achieving great skin using natural ingredients. She is also deeply committed to the fight against global warming and continues to actively promote sustainable operating practices and incorporates her green knowledge in her lectures, teachings, and industry events. 888-747-6342 or www.eminenceorganics.com
