Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/148952
A Special Gift For You The author has collected small, smooth massage stones for many years, and would like to share them with readers. If you would like a free stone, send your contact details to lparentini@ymail.com. Offer good while supplies last. As your client relaxes in the waiting area, speak softly about mindfulness. Give the client a moment to deliberately turn off her phone—not just to silence the ringtone, but to turn the phone off completely. Offer a solitary raisin on an oversized platter, symbolizing the need to focus on the moment. Invite her to try the mindfulness exercise described above until it's time for her service. An alternative exercise is to give her three small stones to hold, look at, and play with. The stones represent the body, mind, and spirit. This is a good way to disconnect a client who automatically fills every spare moment with texting or Internet use. Just Breathe Breathing exercises with guided imagery can be used before or during the treatment. Ask the client to imagine her stress as leaves on a tree. She should envision the leaves as she breathes in, then think of them falling from the tree and floating away as she exhales. Aromatherapy is a relaxing addition to breathing exercises. Let the client choose the scent, keeping in mind any allergies or contraindications. See "Essential Knowledge" (ASCP Skin Deep, July/August 2013, page 18) for more about the safe use of essential oils. When it's time for the treatment, being conscious of your own breathing will enhance your services. Time your movements with your breathing, adding pressure on the exhale and releasing it on the inhale. Many estheticians also find great value in matching their breathing rate and their movements to the client's breathing. Practice with a friend and see what a difference it can make. Imagine a gift of relaxation transferring from you to your client with each breath. Take Care of Yourself First Your own stress cannot enter the treatment room. Take time before and after every treatment to relax and refocus. Jump up and down. Shake out your arms and legs. Stretch, breathe, and do a few yoga exercises. If you really need to let out some major tension, march in place and clap loudly, or even scream into a pillow. 14ASCP Skin Deep September/October 2013