Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/581665
to have a natural upright posture," wrote F. M. Alexander (1869–1955), founder of the movement education method known as the Alexander Technique. "It also creates a situation in which the work of supporting the whole body is wrongly distributed. Important functions such as breathing, blood circulation, and digestion are placed under enormous strain, reducing their effi ciency." 2 Nurturing Ourselves As estheticians and skin care therapists, our body is our most important tool; we owe it to ourselves to keep it in optimum condition. When we reach out to massage the pain away, we need to refl ect on what we did to manifest it and what we should do to alleviate it. We know it is our responsibility to ensure we take care of ourselves; otherwise, we cannot work effi ciently. What can we do to prevent and alleviate that pain? Proper body mechanics are essential to our daily esthetic lives. Jimmy Moss, director of sales and education for Comfort Zone, North America (which offers spa products, treatments, and education), recommends standing for facial, waxing, and body services. "This prevents me from having to hyperextend my shoulders and allows me to use my body weight for applying deeper pressure when needed for specifi c facial and body massage techniques," he says. "I would much rather have sore feet than to be in pain every time I move my upper body." An Ounce of Prevention Prevention is a key element to alleviating neck pain. Just like athletes warm up and cool down, so should estheticians. A simple technique to warm up your neck is to conduct a 10-minute self-massage prior to starting your day, before the onset of neck pain, and once again at the end of the day. TRY: THE NECK WARMER 1. Gently tilt your head to the left and hold for 3 seconds; return to center. Repeat on the right side. 2. Gently drop your chin toward your chest and hold for 3 seconds. 3. While your chin is resting, slowly rotate your head to your right shoulder, feeling a stretch on the left side of your neck. Rotate your head toward your back, gently arching your throat. Continue rotating your head to your left shoulder, feeling a gentle stretch in the right side of your neck. Complete the rotation by bringing your chin to rest toward your chest. 4. Reverse the above sequence by beginning the rotation toward your left shoulder, rotating your head toward your back, then your right shoulder, and fi nishing with your chin toward your chest. 5. With your right hand, squeeze your shoulder and trapezius on the left side and slowly allow your head to fall to the opposite side. Repeat on the right side. 6. Tilt your head forward and massage your occipital ridge, using your fi ngertips to apply pressure. 7. Using fi rm and deep acupressure, hold each of these acupoints for 2–3 minutes each: • GB 20: Heavenly Gate • B 10: Heavenly Pillar • GV 16: Wind Mansion • GB 21: Shoulder Well 8. Apply a warm or cool wrap (whichever is more comforting for you) to enhance the massage effects. This simple technique should awaken your neck muscles to provide you with ample mobility throughout your workday. Just like athletes warm up and cool down, so should estheticians. Create your free business website! www.ascpskincare.com 29