MM Chapter 15: Spa Therapies

Modern reflexology owes its development to the American doctor William Fitzgerald, who developed a comprehensive method for working the feet in the early 20th century. Dr. Fitzgerald discovered that when he applied pressure to the feet, other areas of the body were affected. He called his work zone therapy and mapped out ten zones in […]

Introduction to Hot Stone Massage https://vimeo.com/429815013 Basic Techniques https://vimeo.com/429817020 Full Body Procedure https://vimeo.com/481742140

Box 15-9 outlines some common mistakes that novice therapists make when first practicing stone massage. Technique 43 describes how to use placement stones effectively, and Technique 44 explains basic stone massage techniques. Finally, an outline of a relaxation stone routine is provided in Box 15-10. Box 15-9: Common Mistakes Therapists Make with Stone Massage The

The delivery of stone massage requires an investment in additional equipment and the careful organization of the treatment room to ensure a flowing delivery of techniques (Fig. 15-10). Stone sets for massage vary in the number and size of stones included. An ideal stone set contains about 55 basalt stones of various shapes and sizes.

Technique 41: Reflexology Techniques Cleansing the Feet. Cleansing is required before a reflexology session for hygienic reasons. In the simplest cleansing method, wipe off the client’s feet before the massage with disposable cleansing wipes such as a diaper wipe. Another simple method is to wet your hands in a bowl of warm water and apply

The massage table is set with massage sheets and a blanket, similar to a regular massage. A bath towel is situated horizontally at the bottom of the treatment table, where the client’s feet will rest. Provide a pillow for the client’s head. On a nearby worktable, place antiseptic wipes like diaper wipes, foot cream, hand

Aromatherapy can be viewed as the primary treatment or used as an accent to increase the pleasure derived from the session. Even the simplest aromatherapy application can benefit a client immensely by decreasing stress and boosting the effects of massage. The methods of application described below focus on some common ways essential oils are used

When therapeutic-grade essential oils (oils that are not artificial synthetics) are used at low concentrations (1% to 3% or 6 to 18 drops to every fluid ounce of carrier product) and applied topically, negative reactions are minimal. However, potential undesirable effects may occur if the oils are used inappropriately or without understanding their properties. Before

There are many different ways to approach blending essential oils, but many aromatherapists aim to create essential oil synergies. A synergy occurs when the whole is greater than the sum of its parts because the parts are mutually enhancing. Synergistic interactions between chemical compounds of essential oils create a greater spectrum of physiological actions than

Aromatherapy has significant therapeutic potential because each essential oil has a unique combination of chemical compounds that interact with the body’s chemistry and thereby affect specific organs, systems, or the body as a whole (physiological effects). For example, the essential oils of German chamomile and Helichrysum contain the powerful anti-inflammatory chemical alpha-bisabolol, which makes these