My Blog

How to massage a Baby...

03/31/2012 22:24:00

How to massage a Baby....

Massaging your baby enhances the emotional bond with your child and can calm him down, improve sleep patterns and help digestion. It's also a wonderful way for dads, brothers, sisters, grandparents and other caregivers to share special time with the new addition to the family.

Additionally, research has shown that gently massaging premature babies actually helps improve their growth and development. According to one study, preemies who were massaged three times daily for ten days gained almost 50 percent more weight, were more active and alert and were able to leave the hospital six days earlier than other premature infants.

Preparation Tips

Timing: Choose a point when you're relaxed and unhurried and won't be interrupted. Don't plan to massage your baby when he has a full stomach or is hungry.

Position/Setting: Make sure you're comfortable. Sit on the floor or on the bed, or put your baby on your lap. Lay your baby on his back on a terry towel since first you'll massage the front of your baby, then the back. The room should be warm (75 degrees if possible). Talk to or sing to your baby. You both might also enjoy some soothing music in the background.

Massage Oils: Natural oils are the best-almond oil or a fresh bottle of vegetable oil scented with a drop of fragrance, such as lemon, vanilla or lavender. Warm a few drops in your hands. Don't use oil on the head or face. (Cornstarch is useful for a quick, few-minutes massage.)

Your Baby's Comfort: It's important to respect your baby's space and integrity. Ask permission, even if your baby can't give verbal consent yet. Stop if you sense overstimulation. A newborn may enjoy only two to five minutes of massage, while a child over two months of age might love a more elaborate one.

A Word about Free Radicals

03/26/2012 23:57:00

FREE RADICALS are highly active molecules in the body that are produced through various reactions on normal safe molecules. They basically consist of molecules like oxygen and hydrogen peroxide that have an extra electron (an unpaired electron in the outer circuit). The cause of free radicals may be UV rays, oxygen or enzymatic reactions, as well as through some degradative processes of our cells that destroy invading bacteria etc (macrophages = pathogen-'eating' cells of the body). Free

Radicals can oxidize proteins, lipids, DNA, and cellular membranes thereby doing damage to the body. Free radicals are taken care of in the body in two ways:

by enzymes within the body.

by antioxidants that are taken in through the diet

the skin can be protected by antioxidants applied topically to the skin.

ANTIOXIDANTS have the ability to act like a 'sponge' to neutralize the radicals before they can do any real damage to the body. They can supply the missing electrons or absorb the energy that creates the Free radicals. The most effective antioxidants are

vitamins C

Vitamin E, and

The carotenoid family.

Some research points to the possibility that free radicals are responsible for the effects of ageing, for cancer, for heart disease, and/or for other chronic diseases. Hence the recent interest in these antioxidant chemicals.

Skin Analysis: Primary causes are found in the consultation

12/27/2011 08:43:00

There are many components to a successful skin analysis, with much of the most valuable information being supplied by the client during the consultation process; however one of the most beneficial pieces of information to be gathered during the consultation is details of the client’s phototype, genetic and UVR exposure history.

There are important reasons why the professional skin treatment therapist needs to know this information; firstly, it will ascertain any pre-dispositions to certain intrinsic cellular disadvantages, and secondly, it will also provide you with a clear picture of what level of cellular damage can be expected for their age.

With this knowledge, you will not only have a clearer picture of what clinical interventions may be required, but also a more realistic view of what level of remedial improvement can be achieved.

Skins that suffer from cellular ageing beyond their years will be more difficult to achieve the same results from similar treatments than skins with less damage. One of the most detrimental things a therapist can do for their own confidence and reputation is over-promise and under-deliver when it comes to skin treatments.

So many of the treatment modalities used today involve chemicals, heat, and light or electrical impulses, all of which, if not controlled, can burn, pigment or scar the skin. Therefore, the clarification of the skin photo type, skin colour and burn time should be established early in the skin analysis process.

This classification will dictate the treatment protocols chosen at the end of the consultation and when preparing a treatment program for the client.

The original Fitzpatrick index (or Fitzpatrick scale) established the “minimal erythema dose,” also known as the MED. One MED was the point of reference used to describe the time it took for a skin colour to burn, and it is still used as an indication of a sunscreen’s sun protection factor also known as the SPF.

What we have learnt more recently about skin colour is called the “minimal melanogenic dose,” or MMD This MMD is the terminology used when describing the melanocytes ability to protect skin, and it has been proven that even the fairest skin can accumulate melanin within the epidermis over a period of a summer. We refer to MMD as the skin’s ability to tan or the epidermis’s ability to accumulate melanin.

With the mixed ethnicities of the world today, there are many hidden dangers, and hair and eye colour as an indication of photo type is now misleading. The MC1R (Melanocortin 1 receptor) gene, or redhead gene, as it is often called, can also be hidden which means that the clients’ risk of skin cancer may not be obvious. If the genetic history has a combination of the ability to tan and the red head gene, it should be considered a recipe for disaster, because the ability to tan often means that the skin has long hours of unprotected exposure. This could culminate into skin cancer and pigmentation as the melanocyte and keratinocyte cells age.

There are a number of skin conditions that have primary causes from one or a combination of intrinsic/extrinsic factors. Information gathered during the consultation can provide you with data to determine the leading cause of the skin conditions your client comes to you with.
Figure 1 shows the leading causes of UVR history linked to skin conditions that usually result from sun exposure, along with the effect on cells and systems.

Figure 2 shows the leading causes linked to genetic history, and the resulting skin conditions (with effects on cells and systems) from living in more aggressive climates than genetically intended.

Important information to gather during the consultation
Let us walk through each of the intrinsic or extrinsic factors we need to know about, and the reason or rationale.

Genetic heritage:
Darker skins naturally come with risk for pigmentation (photo type 4 to 6) however the photo type 3 can also tan into the photo type 4 because of minimal melanogenic dose (MMD).

Where did the client live for the first 25 years of their life? If the client was born in New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Polynesia, or environments around the equator, the chances of their skin being more aged or more pigmented earlier in life is high because of the extended sun exposure.

Tanning ability:
It is during the teenage years when most people will have gained a tanning experience; use this timespan to determine skin’s tanning ability. Include sunburn history into this story to gain knowledge about body areas that may have been repeatedly sunburnt. You can then check these areas for other skin anomalies.

Redhead gene:
Carries the potential for the red pigment pheomelanin to oxidise and create the superoxide anion radical which can then damage the mitochondria DNA of the melanocyte; this may lead to the risk of skin cancer.

Sunbed usage:
Because the bandwidth of UV that is used in many sunbeds is UVA, it is a given that sunbeds will cause pigmentation, we also know that this bandwidth of light will accelerate ageing by increasing the enzyme collagenase. This enzyme will denature the supporting collagen fibril of the dermis and accelerate vascular damage. It has been postulated that for every ten sunbed sessions the skin will age forward by one year.

The reason for skin analysis is to establish the leading causes of why the client’s skin is in less than perfect condition. What we have been looking at are some of the intrinsic and extrinsic diagnostic clues, found during a complete consultation process.

We know that the intrinsic factors cannot be changed; however, no major improvements can be made to the skin if the client is not prepared to make changes to the extrinsic factors that cause oxidative stress. For the client to do this, the therapist must practice informed consent by giving the client every option and every choice to make an informed decision.
The client must be given all information and protocols for daily care for their skin, and be made to understand that over 70% of the skin’s improvement will come from the use of home care products and a change to their work/play lifestyle. The balance will come from a course of clinical services.

Environ Skin Care

10/14/2011 21:49:00

Environ for the past 20 years has been devoted to delivering innovative products that contain vitamin A and essential antioxidants. Environ is about skin appearance, education, training, professional development, customer support and marketing partnerships using cutting edge science and consistently staying one generation ahead.

Environ is one of only a few companies in the world with their own dedicated manufacturing facility. Maximum efficacy of formulations is maintained by prevention of exposure to light, heat, air and irradiation. All products are tested by independent laboratories who have certified facilities for, microbiological and vitamin analysis.

Because our focus is a beautiful skin for a lifetime, we strive to deliver the freshest products possible. Environ products are, mostly non - fragranced and colorant free. No preservatives are added during manufacturing process and the final products are never tested on animals. Environ is never compromised by marketing trends; scientific principles underlie the selection of all ingredients.

Our unique step-up system allows skin to become comfortable with increased levels of vitamin A and other essential vitamins and antioxidants to guide the skin on its journey to a soft glowing appearance. Professional treatments and home skin care programmes all contribute to Environs philosophy. Environ's product line is based on varying intensities and levels of ingredients to ensure that your client's skin adapts in a healthy and safe manner encouraging client visits and retention.

Due to the unique nature of our products, they require face to face consultation with a trained Environ professional. This is why we do not sell our products through the internet or mass markets. We are devoted to the success of you, the skin care professional, and the appearance of your clients' skin which is why we focus on referring clients to your business through our dedicated client service department. Environ is serious about skin care. Our partnerships with our trained skin care professionals are vital to the success of our brand, therefore, Environ is only sold in a professional environment where consultation and skin analysis is carried out by trained skin care professionals.

Environ provides in-depth, hands on training to enhance your knowledge as a skin care professional and enable you to offer your client the Environ brand advice. We have two training centres located in South Africa and a worldwide network of distributors to train you in your country. We also have a panel of medical advisors standing-by, ready to answer any of your skin care queries to enhance the quality of the service you provide to your clients.

So what can Environ do for you?

Client satisfaction

Environ is driven first by client satisfaction. The ingredients contained in our products are of the absolute highest quality sourced from all corners of the globe to provide your clients with the best skin care possible.

Environ's exclusive DF II Machine, specially designed for use in professional treatments, utilising iontophoresis and sonophoresis was developed to create a unique new salon treatment achieving greater client satisfaction.

Product satisfaction

Environ's product range is equipped to assist the appearance of skin of every age and in every life stage. Our unique step-up system and specific intensive products means that Environ offers a comprehensive range for a complete skin care regime. You therefore need look no further.

Increase loyalty

Environ is only sold through consultation with a trained Environ professional, stockists of our brand will benefit from the personal contact and trust relationship that is built-up with their clients. Clients and stockists alike can rest assured that Environ will always deliver only the highest quality products that have passed our own stringent quality tests. Client loyalty is of utmost importance to Environ.

Increase sales

Word of mouth is the most powerful form of advertising there is and good news travels fast! Environ stockists benefit from our international reputation of being a pioneer in innovative skin care. We also have a dedicated client service department to direct clients to your business, anywhere in the world.

Increase profitability

Satisfied clients translate into repeat business so strengthen our company with a professional brand that is passionate about you and the appearance of your clients' skin.

Why should you create a strategic partnership with Environ?

Environ is a well respected organization continuously demonstrating innovation, leading edge technology, and an unending commitment to customer service and education.

Environ Ethos

10/14/2011 21:08:00

Ever since Cleopatra took milk baths to preserve her beauty, it has been the quest of women to improve their skin and delay the effects of ageing. Men took a while longer to catch on but now more than ever the male market is realising the importance of protecting and caring for their skins.

Many advertisements for skin care brands today make unsubstantiated claims of eternal youth, promoting fad ingredients that are made out to be miracle cures. Consumers are no longer fooled by glamorous photos of air-brushed celebrity beauties, but are looking for products that offer real results and a glowing, healthy radiance.

Environ's vision has always been to make the best skin care in the world, through a philosophy of well researched, scientific skin care. Our products are effective, proven, cost-effective and inspired through teamwork.

As a brand we value and perform extensive research and development to offer our consumers exceptional skin care products.

We strive on integrity and keeping the meaningful promises we make to our consumers by offering the most effective skin care range that science permits.

INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE

10/13/2011 16:42:00

INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE

Do you suffer from neck and shoulderstiffness, eye strain and headaches? Sick of feeling tired with low energy?

Then Indian Head Massage may help you:

Indian Head Massage involvesworking with a strong, but gentle rhythm helping to unknot blockages andrelease tension, this effect is not just physical, it also works on anemotional level, calming the spirit, promoting relaxation and relieving stress.The head, neck and shoulders are important energy centres within your body, ifyou are stressed or anxious, tension tends to accumulate.

Massaging the scalp

· stimulates the flow of blood to the follicles,

· improving the supply of nutrients needed forhealthy hair growth.

Today the common cause of poor blood flow is stress generated muscle tension, by

· helping dispel such tension,

head massage not only proves an invaluable treatment but

· helps releive stress linked problems likeheadaches, eye strain, neck and shoulder stiffness.

Stress can beresponsible for 80 per cent of illnesses, so if we can eliminate this from ourlives we are sure to prevent illnesses from occurring. Out of balanced bodiescause all sorts of issues. It only takes one gland or organ to be out of whackand it affects the others. Poor circulation makes us cold, injuries don’t healas quick and our organs and tissues can’t work as efficiently.

Sowhat are you waiting for? Relax - Rebalance - Revive. Through the reflexes ofyour Scalp and shoulders you will walk in and float away.

For appointments, phone Nirmata or Deborah on 09 273 1612