Generally, when people think of the term massage, they associate it with luxury, indulgence, and pampering. It is seen as a treat and something people may allow themselves once or twice a year.

With the pressures and demands of life these days, the notion that massage is purely an indulgence no longer rings true. The benefits of massage are endless and something that, often, people outside of the profession are unaware of.

Massage can help with balancing emotions, anxiety, circulatory issues, joint and muscle pain, insomnia, and much more. It is important that professionals share the benefits of massage with their clients, educating them that massage can be integrated into their overall wellness, rather than an occasional treat. Regular massages help to establish and maintain good health and wellness. When clients understand this, they may re-think their intermittent massage visit and make it part of their overall health routine, with regular massage appointments.

It is easy to see why massage is commonly described as a luxury. It makes clients feel amazing! The release of endorphins that occurs during massage produces a feeling of well-being, while stress-inducing hormones, such as adrenalin, cortisol, and norepinephrine, are reduced.

MASSAGE FOR MIND AND BODY

Cortisol is a stress hormone and, unfortunately, when a person feels anxious, their body pumps out even more of it, fuelling and increasing stress levels.

For people who suffer with depression or anxiety, massage can be very beneficial. Massage therapy helps the body relax by relieving muscle tension and relaxing the mind. Massage is not a long-term or sole treatment for depression or anxiety, but it can help temporarily alleviate some of the symptoms. Those who suffer from these conditions should feel happier and more energized after a massage. Integrating massage into a holistic treatment plan, that incorporates things like counselling, medication (if required), exercise, and good food, is encouraged.

While many people may not be aware of how massages can help on an emotional level, most people are probably aware of how good a massage can be for their body. Aches and pains in muscles and joints is one of the most common reasons people book a massage.

RELIEF FOR EVERYDAY MUSCLE TENSION

As technology has changed, so, too, have careers. People are less physical on average and many careers require sitting at desks for long periods of time. Certainly, desk workers can develop issues from prolonged periods of sitting, but even in a profession as a therapist or aesthetician, standing all day and the work performed can also result in postural stress, which generally manifests in the shoulders and neck.

It does not matter the career, a repetitive routine and minimal movement is taxing on a body. Sitting or standing in the same position all day means muscles do not get the blood flow they require, leading to muscular tension.

Luckily, regular massages can somewhat counteract these imbalances and side effects. A simple massage can alleviate neck, shoulder, and back pain while improving blood flow. Improving the flow of the circulatory and lymphatic systems allows the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients to other areas of the body and remove toxins more efficiently, leaving bodies feeling cleansed.

INJURY PREVENTION

Professionals often treat people when they are in pain and need some quick relief. Problems can present after a long, hard week of work or when clients are doing something unusual at work which makes them a bit sore. Encouraging clients who work in manual jobs to put a preventative program that involves remedial massage in place can help them reduce or avoid musculoskeletal disorders, as well as joint and ligament injuries.

People think they are indestructible, but wear and tear catches up with everyone. The goal is for clients to lead a relatively pain-free and functional working life, and it is certainly something professionals can help them understand and put into practice to help prevent injury and promote recovery.

IMPROVING SLEEP THROUGH MASSAGE

Getting a good night’s rest is important on so many levels. In fact, it is vital to everyone’s well-being.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions – such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression – which threaten our nation’s health.” The negative effect sleep deprivation can have is concerning.

Massage aids in the production of serotonin, which is essential for the production of melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It helps control the body clock so one can function properly during the day and sleep properly at night.

The everyday pressures of life and the increase in screen time can have a big impact on the amount and quality of sleep, which can lead to sleep disorders. Regular relaxation massage is highly recommended as a natural and effective treatment for people who are experiencing sleep difficulties.

FACIAL AND HEAD MASSAGE

Facial and head massages are a fantastic add-on service for clients. Just like the rest of the body, facial muscles require exercise to help individuals look younger. People tend to carry a lot of tension in their head and face. There are some fantastic benefits to offering facial and head massages as part of a treatment menu.

When facial muscles tense up, they are more likely to harbor wrinkles, which is why they need to be massaged regularly. Always massage in an upward, circular motion – work against gravity so that everything heads north!

Facial muscles require the same TLC that tender shoulder or back muscles require. Increase blood and oxygen flow to the client’s face by massaging the soft lines around the mouth, eyes, and eyebrows. Also, massage the décolletage area, gently working toward the forehead and tending to the pressure points along the way. Concentrate on the delicate skin around the eye area with gentle, circular motions.

Stimulating the facial muscles with regular massage helps to bring oxygen to that area – which is a natural facelift. More blood flow to the area increases collagen production – giving a healthy and natural glow to the complexion.

PREGNANT AND PAMPERED

Expecting a new child is an exciting and wonderful time of life, but, to be realistic, growing and carrying a whole new person inside one’s body is not easy. For some, nine months of morning sickness, aches, hormonal swings, and discomfort, topped off with a good dose of pain at the end, can make pregnancy an ordeal.

The good news is, massage is a non-pharmaceutical option that can make life as an expectant mother a little more pleasant. Massage can provide an effective relief from the emotional and physical demands of pregnancy. Make some adjustments for expecting clients. Being pregnant certainly does not preclude someone from enjoying the benefits of massage.

As the stomach grows larger, adjust the client’s positioning, using additional cushions or specially-designed cushions placed on the table to support the growing stomach and, often, tender breasts. This allows the client to lie face down. If this is uncomfortable or if this position is not appropriate for the mother, she can also lie on her side with pillows to support her head, stomach, and legs.

Often, aches and pains that a client carried before they were pregnant, such as shoulder and neck complaints, become more acute. Other moms may just want to take some time out and relax with a soothing massage. An important consideration is the higher risk of blood clots forming in the legs during pregnancy, so a lighter form of massage should be performed. This type of massage may also help to decrease swelling in the legs, which can be quite common in pregnancy.

Even if the relief is short-term, massage treatments give expectant moms the opportunity to have a rest, sometimes sleep better, go about their daily activities with greater ease, or just enjoy that mental break from discomfort. Massage is one of the few times an expectant mother can completely focus on herself.

There is much more to massage than just being a yearly indulgence. These are just a few examples that demonstrate the power massage can have on general health and well-being.

MONEY SAVING ESSENTIALS

Many professionals run small- or medium-sized businesses and are continually looking for ways to minimize waste and reduce costs.

But, when it comes to saving money, professionals need to look beyond the dollar sign on each product. Sure, the product with the lower price tag may seem like the obvious choice, but is it really the most economical? The quality and performance of a product plays a much bigger role than its cost. Choosing products based on price is not the way to save money – often they will end up costing more due to a number of factors. When it comes to massage, in particular, choice of oil alone can save money.

Choice of Product

Using water-dispersible oil is not only a pleasant surprise for clients (who rejoice when they leave without the sticky, oily residue of their treatment) but also a pleasant surprise for a spa’s budget.

Oil can stain uniforms, towels, equipment, and flooring. The cost of continuously replacing these items every couple of months is proof enough that a water-soluble option is going to save money in the long-run. Water-soluble oil is easy to wash off. And, quality oils should not go rancid.

Application

The packaging may seem like a very minor aspect when choosing a product, but can play a huge part in the amount of waste there is. For example, oil that needs to be poured into a secondary container inevitably results in some product being left behind in the container. Another risk is over-pouring and over-estimating the amount of oil required for a treatment.

An easy way to minimize waste is to use an oil with a metered pump spray. This allows for a thin layer of oil to be evenly dispersed over a client and gives professionals full control over how much product they use.

Buying in Bulk

Using unscented massage oil and adding essential fragrances is a cost effective alternative to buying multiple oils.

Look for oils that will not alter the fragrance of essential oils once added. Oils that are made with inferior ingredients can alter the fragrance, so it is something to be mindful of. Generally, professionals will receive a better price for buying in bulk, making the concept of customizing unscented oil a great way to save money (not to mention some storage space). Just make sure to use a funnel to avoid spilling and wasting the oil when re-filling.

Multipurpose Products

Finding products that can be used for more than just one purpose is a great way to save a few dollars. There are other mediums on the market that can be used in massage treatments, such as creams and gels. Not only can they be used for massages but they make great bases for other treatments on a menu. This is great for spas that offer pamper treatments such as facials, manicures, and pedicures. Gels, in particular, are extremely lubricating, which means a little goes a long way and they give fantastic grip and glide. They can be a more economical choice than some of the expensive face creams on the market where professionals generally do not get a lot for their money.

These are a few small, but effective, changes which are easy to implement. It may be easy to look at these suggestions and wonder “how much of a difference could it really make?” Put them to the test! Every single dollar matters in business. Smart businesses will always save on costs and minimize waste, wherever possible.

Massage really is an important part of the industry and is growing due to the changes in work habits, lifestyles, and level of self-care that is being focused on to ensure people have long, happy, and pain-free lives.

Never stop learning. Continually upskill employees and stay abreast of the latest trends, methods, and tools of the trade, to offer the quality services that clients need.

This article was published by Dermascope Magazine: https://www.dermascope.com/treatments/9521-demystifying-massage-modern-approaches-to-clients-and-budgeting

The post Demystifying Massage: Modern Approaches to Clients and Budgeting appeared first on Hydro 2 Oil.

The benefits for the mother

Massage therapy during pregnancy can reduce stress and anxiety, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, improve sleep and reduce swelling around feet, ankles and face. Many women suffer from sciatica, lower-back pain, hip pain, pelvic pain and upper-back pain and can benefit enormously from regular massage treatments. Massage can even allow for an easier labour as it increases muscle flexibility and blood flow!

Studies have shown that women who received regular massages every couple of weeks had lower levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and norepinephrine while higher levels of serotonin and dopamine, your feel good hormones. These changes in hormone levels can lead to fewer problems during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications. Unborn babies can be affected by their mother’s tension. A happy, comfortable mum means a happy healthy baby. Massage therapy can be incorporated into each pregnancy as an emotional and physical health supplement shown to improve pregnancy outcome and maternal health.

Is it safe?

For the most part, many Therapists and doctors will agree there is no risk to either the mother or the baby. However, when it comes to the first trimester there is a lot of debate whether or not having a massage during this stage is safe. Some Massage Therapists will not massage a woman during this period because there is an increased chance of miscarriage within in the first 12 weeks. However, the idea that you cannot have a massage during your first trimester is a myth. There are certainly precautions to be mindful of such as working directly over the lower pelvic area near the uterus, this is a big no-no! Generally, I would recommend only Therapists who specialise in prenatal massage and are confident in their technique perform treatments during the first trimester. Certified prenatal Therapists have received training beyond the national standards for massage and know how to address specific pregnancy and massage needs. If you do not specialise in prenatal massage you can always do a short course or workshop to build on your technique and knowledge for this area so you can open your doors to women throughout their entire pregnancy!

What’s the best position?

There are particular techniques and positions that need to be used when handling pregnant clients. For example heavily pregnant women cannot lay flat on their back, they need extra support and you need to be able to manoeuvre them properly and as comfortably as possible. The best position for a pregnant woman during a massage is lying on her side. Many Massage Therapists will purchase pregnancy massage tables that have a circle cut out in the middle so the belly can fit through. While these sound like a great idea, I don’t believe they are necessary; with the stomach being placed through the hole it can put pressure on the mothers abdomen and can cause stretching and damage to ligaments. Plus, pregnant belly’s come in all different shapes and sizes. It is best to position the woman on her side and provide additional support through the use of pillows or foam.

What products are suitable?

Pregnancy is one time in particular where women start to take notice of what they put on and in their body. For this reason is it extremely important that you are careful with the products you choose to use during your treatment. Always make sure you are using oils made from high quality ingredients and have a good reputation as these are less likely to cause irritation. Skin can become extremely sensitive while pregnant and things that normally would not irritate it can all of a sudden cause irritation and breakouts. Make sure you ask your client whether they are allergic to anything or have reacted to anything since being pregnant. It’s imperative you have unscented oil or massage gel on hand. Common essential oils such as jasmine, nutmeg, peppermint and rosemary actually fall under the list of “safe but may have adverse effects during pregnancy” for this reason it is not uncommon for women to request no essential oils at all to be used as a safety precaution. Not to mention, a mum-to-be’s sense of smell is also extremely heightened during pregnancy. Certain smells can cause nausea, vomiting or headaches, which is the last thing your client wants when they have come in for a relaxing treatment! While it is helping to relieve aches and pains it is also a relaxing time where the mothers should feel taken care of and pampered.

Although massage during pregnancy is completely safe it is always best to encourage your customer to ask their doctor prior to their first appointment; this is just good practice. Not only will it ensure your client is 100% relaxed and comfortable when they walk in for their massage, but for us as Therapists, without knowing their medical history it is always better to be safe than sorry. Communicate with your client; explain the benefits prenatal massage has for both them and the baby. Talk them through why you may or may not be working on certain areas and let them know they are in good hands. It can take a while for the body to recover and realign post birth. Providing exceptional massage treatments during a pregnancy could guarantee you a returning customer after the baby arrives too!

Lilliane Caron is Owner & Director of Caronlab Australia and Hydro 2 Oil. If you’d like to ask Lilliane for some advice on your own salon, email info@caronlab.com.au

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While these can be perceived as a cheaper alternative and appealing for consumers, we need to ask the questions; Are these places actually cheaper than our salons and day spas or only perceived to be? What is the quality of their products and treatments? Furthermore, are these “cheap” massages actually helping customers or are they doing more harm than good?

Expectation vs. Reality

Some clients want the best therapist, best products, and most lavish experience, so they are willing to pay top dollar. Other clients are more frugal and are looking for the cheapest option. The thing is, more often than not, the ‘thrifty’ customer’s actually end up paying the same price they would at a salon, without even realizing. Instead of saving extra pennies, all they are actually getting is a much lower quality treatment and experience. It all comes down to perception.

For cheap massage stalls it’s all about the draw card. People walk in for a quick 10-minute massage, but before they know it, they have somehow been upgraded to a 30-minute massage, with oil, that’s now $50 (not much different to a salon’s price). Generally the upsell is in a forceful manner, the employees at these places are very persistent and often won’t take no for an answer. Once the customer is through the door, they know to put the pressure on. They also market themselves as fast and convenient as you can just walk in any time. But how many times have you dropped into a walk-in venue only to be made to wait 45 minutes before you have even laid eyes on your therapist? The key difference we need to remember when comparing services is not so much the price, but the quality and demeanor in which it’s delivered.

Our industry is about repeat customers, that is what makes up money in the long run. We want our clients to feel pampered, appreciated and listened too. Not forced, pressured or rushed in and out like a fast food vendor!

Who’s helping who?

Our bodies are precious; we only get one in a lifetime! So we need to make sure we look after our clients properly. Getting a regular massage to relive muscle tension, stiffness and pain is a particularly important part of overall health and wellbeing. I cannot stress enough the importance of having employees who are qualified in massage in your team. Someone who has been fully trained, and understands the human body, muscles and tension points. We need to ensure all massages are performed correctly and safely – something which cannot always be said in regards to pop up massage stalls.

Untrained massage therapists can be rough and may twist or contort the body in unnatural ways, which is very dangerous, they could pull a muscle or injure the client if techniques are not performed correctly. I know many people who have experienced a bad massage and as a result have needed serious osteotherapy and ongoing treatment to rectify the problem.

If a client has pain including stiff joints, numbness, sore trigger points, tightness or constant deep aching they need to be handled with care so they don’t induce further injury. A therapist who is untrained in professional massage and has no depth of knowledge on human anatomy could further aggravate the pain, or do permanent damage!

No cutting corners here!

If a massage stall is offering services at a price that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. While some are only perceived to be cheap, there are others offering outrageously low-cost treatments that we simply cannot compete with. How is it possible to offer treatments at these prices? At the end of the day they still need to be making money which means they are cutting costs somewhere along the line. The first place they are likely to cut costs is with the product. They will choose a cheap, inferior oil to perform their treatment instead of high quality oil designed specifically for massage.

High quality massage oils have many benefits for the client but also for the therapist. I always recommend oils that are fully water dispersible – they should wash off quickly and easily, like they claim to. They shouldn’t feel thick or rubbery on the skin and should be made from the highest grade vegetable oils and ingredients. Look for an oil that is non-comedogenic so will not block pores, is Paraben free, and also have a nut-free option for those clients who are allergic. It is important for a massage oil to absorb into the skin after a treatment, so your clients skin is not left feeling sticky and oily.

Other ways in which costs can be reduced include skipping over standard hygiene practices to save a few dollars per client; this means not washing towels and disinfecting beds correctly. Cutting corners on product and procedures in order to lower the price is hindering the quality of treatments and putting the client at risk.

Businesses that offer insanely low prices can often cut more corners by paying their staff below the standard award rates. Not only is this unfair on the employee, but it’s also unfair on other business owners who are abiding by the rules. They may also offer discounts for clients who pay cash, making it very obviously they are avoiding paying the required tax.

High quality products, skilled therapists and a relaxed environment will all lead to an overall exceptional experience and this will secure repeat business. Once a client experiences an outstanding treatment, they will continue to return.

It’s a good idea to discuss all these points with your clients. We need consumers to be aware of the benefits they receive from seeing a professional, qualified, massage therapist, from a reputable business they can trust. When it comes to our physical and emotional wellbeing – As the saying goes, you get what you pay for!

Lilliane Caron is Owner & Director of Caronlab Australia and Hydro 2 Oil. If you’d like to ask Lilliane for some advice on your own salon, email info@caronlab.com.au

Click HERE to download a PDF of this article.

The post Perception: Cheap is not always Cheerful! appeared first on Hydro 2 Oil.

When it comes to saving money it involves more than just looking at the dollar sign on each product. Sure, the product with the lower price tag may seem like the obvious choice, but is it really the most economical? The quality and performance of a product plays a much bigger role than its cost. Choosing products based on price is not the way to save money – often they will end up costing you more due to a number of factors. When it comes to massage in particular, your choice of oil alone can save you huge dollars!

Choice of Product

Using a water dispersible oil is not only a pleasant surprise for your clients (who rejoice when they leave without the sticky, oily residue of their treatment) but also a pleasant surprise for your pocket! Oil can leave very obviously stains on both your uniform, towels, carpet etc. The cost of continuously replacing these items every couple of months is proof enough that a water soluble option is going to save you money in the long run. Water soluble oil is easy to wash off; you can simply place your towels in the wash at the end of the day and have fresh, clean, new looking towels ready for the next day. Top quality oils will also not leave your salon smelling ‘fatty’ over time or go rancid.

Application

The packaging may seem like a very minor aspect when choosing a product, but can play a huge part in the amount of wastage there is. For example, oil that needs to be poured into a secondary container inevitably results in small amount of waste that is left behind in the container, but the great risk here is over pouring and over estimating the amount of oil you require for the treatment. An easy way minimise waste is to use an oil with a trigger spray. This allows for a thin layer of oil to be even dispersed over the client and allows the therapist full control over how much product they use. Plus you don’t have the risk of spilling and wasting the product during your treatment.

Buying in Bulk

Using unscented massage oil and adding your own essential fragrances is a cost effective alternative to buying multiple oils. Make sure you find an oil that will not alter the fragrance of your essential oils once added. Oils that are made with inferior quality ingredients can alter the fragrance so it is something to be mindful of when finding your perfect base. Generally you will receive a better price for buying in bulk, making the concept of customising an unscented oil a great way to save money (not to mention some storage space also!). Just make sure you use a funnel to avoid spilling and wasting the oil when re-filling.

Your choice of Towels

When selecting towels to use in your salon, big, thick, fluffy towels are not necessary. Look for a high quality towel that is reasonably thin and light-weight. This will not hinder your treatment and will mean you can fit more in your washing machine. They will also dry much quicker, saving you time and money.

Multipurpose products

Finding products that can be used for more than just one purpose is a great way to save a few dollars. These days there are other mediums on the market that can be used in your massage treatments, such as creams and gels. Not only can you use them for your massages but they also make great bases for other treatments on your menu. This is great for salons who also offer pamper treatments such as facials or manicure and pedicures. Gels in particular are extremely lubricating, which means a little goes along way and they also give you fantastic grip and glide. They can be a more economical choice than some of the expensive face creams on the market where you generally don’t get a lot for your money.

So there you have it, small but effective changes which are easy to implement. You may look at these suggestions and think “How much difference could it really make?” I challenge you to put it to the test, you will be surprised! Every single dollar matters in business. Smart businesses will always save on costs and minimise wastage wherever possible – it’s only logical.

Lilliane Caron is Owner & Director of Caronlab Australia. If you’d like to ask Lilliane Caron for some advice on your own salon, email info@caronlab.com.au

Click HERE to download a PDF of this article.

The post Simple changes to make your massage treatments more economical appeared first on Hydro 2 Oil.

It’s easy to see why massage is commonly described as a luxury; it makes you feel amazing! I love a good massage as much as the next person. That feel-good emotion that we all love is due to the release of endorphins that produce a feeling of wellbeing, whilst stress causing hormones such as adrenalin, cortisol and norepinephrine are reduced. Cortisol is a stress hormone and unfortunately when you feel anxious, your body pumps out even more of it, fuelling your stress levels and causing them to rise. For people who suffer with depression, a massage can be hugely beneficial. Massage therapy helps the body relax by relieving muscle tension and therefore the mind can also relax. Whilst massage is not a long term or sole treatment for depression or anxiety, it can help to temporarily alleviate some of the symptoms, leaving sufferers feeling happier, energised and full of endorphins.

While many people may not be aware of how massage can help on an emotional level, most people are fairly aware of how good a massage can be for your body. Aches and pains in muscles and joints is one of the most common reasons people book in for a massage. These days we are much more ‘deskbound’ than we used to be. Many careers require you to sit at a desk all day long, even as a therapist, we stand on our feet all day long and the most movement we get is walking between clients. It doesn’t matter what career you are in, a repetitive routine and minimal movement will always be taxing on our bodies. Sitting or standing in the same position all day means our muscles don’t get the blood flow they need, resulting in them being stiff, sore and achy. There are even studies that link sitting all day to cancer, and it’s more prevalent in woman. Luckily regular massages can somewhat counteract the imbalance and side effects.

A simple massage can alleviate neck, shoulders and back pain and improve blood flow. Improving the flow of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, allows the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients to other areas of the body and remove toxins more efficiently, leaving our bodies feeling cleansed.

Having your body feeling relaxed and de-stressed is also very important when it comes to getting a good night’s rest. And when it comes to functioning properly, rest and quality sleep is vital to ones wellbeing! According to the Centres for Disease Control (CDC): “Insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions—such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression—which threaten our nation’s health.” It is quiet concerning, the effects sleep deprivation can have on our lives. Massage helps the production of serotonin, which is essential for the production of melatonin. What is melatonin you ask? Good question. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It basically helps control our body clock so we can function properly during the day and sleep properly at night. Most people’s melatonin level starts to go up about two hours before they go to sleep. Melatonin tablets can be purchased; they are typically used by people suffering from insomnia or people who travel internationally to help with jet lag. While these tablets are an option, there is a natural way to go about increasing your melatonin levels, and that is through massage therapy. It the perfect drug free alternative for people who struggle with insomnia.

As you can see there is much more to massage than it just being a ‘yearly indulgence’. Massages are a necessity, not a luxury our clients should feel guilty about spending their pennies on. These are just a hand full of examples that demonstrate the power massage can have on our health and wellbeing, it is important to educate yourself and your clients further so they can maximise the health benefits and you can maximise your business!

Lilliane Caron is Owner & Director of Caronlab Australia. If you’d like to ask Lilliane Caron for some advice on your own salon, email info@caronlab.com.au

Click HERE to download a PDF of this article.

The post Why Massage Is a Necessity, Not a Luxury appeared first on Hydro 2 Oil.