Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/253819
clients know what to expect: dry brushing stings a little and the skin will be reddened for a short time after the treatment. Some experience it as an alternating hot/cold sensation, and others may feel itchy. In a typical dry brushing treatment, the client lies on a treatment table and is draped with a sheet, as in massage, with only the area that is being worked on uncovered. If your training and scope of practice allow, you can include all parts of the body that would be treated in a standard massage. You can also shorten the suggested full-body protocol below to include just the arms and legs, or as a back treatment. All strokes should lead toward the heart, to follow the natural patterns of lymph flow. Movements should be deliberate, light, and slow, with overlapping strokes. At the end of the treatment, offer a drink of lemon or cucumber water. 50-MINUTE EXFOLIATION WITH HYDROTHERAPY AND OILS 1. With the client supine, brush beginning at the left foot and work toward the left shoulder, and then go back down the right side of the body, undraping each section as you go. Brush toward the heart, alternating long strokes with clockwise, circular strokes. Strokes should be slow: never scrub. Ask the client if the pressure feels OK when you begin. Finish this step by walking your hands up the outside of the draped body; then have the client turn over. (Total time: 10 minutes.) 2. Have the client turn over, and repeat the previous step on the back side of the body. (Total time: 10 minutes.) 3. Now it's time for your water treatment of choice. Depending on what equipment you have available, this could include a sauna or steam canopy, steam shower or Vichy shower, tub soak, wet body wrap, or any similar treatment. If you are not set up for any type of water treatment in your spa, you can mist the client's limbs with cucumber mandarin spray (see recipe on this page) and cover her with a sheet and blanket while you perform a scalp massage or other relaxing service. Warm your oil for the next step during this part of the treatment. (Total time: 20 minutes.) 4. After hydrotherapy is completed, repeat the treatment using blended oils (see recipe on this page) instead of the dry brush. This time, start with the client prone. Pour the warm oil into your cupped hand, begin at the client's left foot, and massage up and around the body using similar strokes to those you used at the beginning of the service. (Total time: 5 minutes.) 5. Repeat on the front side of the body. (Total time: 5 minutes.) Brush Off Winter There are many ways to incorporate dry brushing into your menu, especially if your spa has a hydrotherapy focus. Most people who experience it become addicted to the feeling and will want to begin every day with a brushing before they shower. With warmer weather coming up, and body exfoliation on many clients' minds, dry brushing is the perfect addition to your menu. Encourage clients to brush off winter with this great treatment—providing an antidote to dull, lifeless skin while invigorating the body and mind. Lynn Parentini is a respected author, educator, esthetician, massage therapist, former makeup and skin care salon owner, and supporter of Dress For Success. She is a member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the National Cosmetology Association, and is the author of The Joy of Healthy Skin (Prentice Hall, 1995) and Stone Journey (Esthetic Alternatives Inc, 2000). Free Business Advice! (Limited-Time Offer) Lynn Parentini offers ASCP members a free 20-minute personal phone consultation to help your practice stand out. You'll also receive her downloadable guide 10 Ways to be Original. Please send your contact details to lparentini@ymail.com to schedule your phone call. Limited appointments available. Ayurvedic Warm Oil 1 cup sesame oil 1 cup sweet almond oil Blend the two oils together in a bowl. Warm in a wax pot, or microwave on high for 30 seconds at a time, testing the temperature until the oil is comfortably warm to the touch. Create your free business website! www.ascpskincare.com 29 Cucumber Mandarin Spray 1–2 large cucumbers 1 cup filtered water 5 drops mandarin essential oil 1 spray bottle Juice the cucumbers. Combine 1 cup of cucumber juice with the water and essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake well and refrigerate. Yields enough for several treatments.