The Benefits of Massage in the Salon and Spa
There are several types of massage taught in cosmetology colleges. There is hand and arm massage during a manicure and foot and leg massage during a pedicure. Scalp massage is offered in many salons and barber shops – not to mention a person’s scalp is being massaged whenever they are at the shampoo bowl in a salon. In some states, Estheticians can perform massage due to being licensed to treat the full body, (however, they cannot call themselves massage therapists without that certification) allowing them to perform manual facial massage, reflexology, Swedish full body massage, Acupressure massage, aromatherapy massage, lymphatic drainage massage, chair massage, vibratory massage and some more creative services like stone massage. Those services are fast becoming a part of courses offered at many beauty colleges due to the easy integration of massage services with cosmetology services offered in salon/day spas.
Sports massage, deep tissue massage and therapeutic massage should not be performed without a massage therapy certification. In some territories and states, beauty schools can offer massage therapy courses.
Of course, there are some safety cautions to consider when performing massage in the Salon and/or Spa. Do not massage if the client has high blood pressure, heart condition, or has had a stroke. Massage increases circulation and may be harmful to this type of client. Have such a client consult with their physician before performing massage. Also, be careful to avoid vigorous massage of joints if a client has arthritis. Be certain to communicate with the client throughout the massage and adjust your touch to the client’s needs. Some clients will need a softer touch, while others will not feel relaxed unless more pressure is applied.
Some of the benefits of massage are listed below:
It is possible for massage to relieve pain because of the relaxing effect the massage has on tense muscles.
Massage nourishes, strengthens and firms muscle fiber.
Massage soothes nerves making the client feel regenerated and invigorated.
Massage promotes warmth by increasing blood supply and circulation.
Massage reduces fat cells in the subcutaneous tissue which helps firm the client’s skin and underlying tissue.
Massage nourishes the skin, by bringing oxygen by way of stimulation of blood circulation. Oxygen is vital to cell growth, and carries away waste products and carbon dioxide.
Massage makes the skin softer and more pliable.
Massage manipulations can aid in depleting fluids in tissues.
Massage can help to reduce puffy or sagging areas.
Massage improves the appearance of the skin. It increases the production of sebum, which helps to regulate moisture content of cells. The moisture helps the skin retain a dewy, youthful appearance and improves the skin’s texture.
Massage loosens and helps to clear away dead surface cells and other debris, revealing healthier skin underneath.
And my favorite: Massage retards aging of the skin!
To obtain proper results from a massage, the Cosmetologist, Manicurist, Pedicurist, Massage Therapist, or Esthetician must have a thorough knowledge of all the structure involved. They must study the anatomy of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Almost every muscle and nerve has a motor point. Clients have different body structures – so the position of motor points will vary on different clients. Your course of study will enable you to understand massage and the proper application of massage in order to maximize the Salon or Spa experience and keep them coming back week after week.
Massage in the Salon and Spa – Quiz
This quiz has 10 questions worth 100 total points. Once you have completed the quiz, you may review the answers and take it again.
