© copyright 2010 milady, a part of cengage learning. all rights reserved. the complete spa book for...

© Copyright 2010 Milady, a part of Cengage Learning.All Rights Reserved.

The Complete Spa Bookfor Massage Therapists

BATH AND SHOWER TECHNIQUES

HEAT & COLD APPLICATIONS

EXFOLIATION

THALASSOTHERAPY

LESSON S-2.0

© Copyright 2010 Milady, a part of Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

SPA THOUGHT

“Nature’s blood is water.”

Professor Jonathan Paul De Vierville, Ph.D.


DO SPA TREATMENTSREALLY WORK?

• The short answer to this question is “yes!”• The effectiveness of many spa therapies is the

direct result of basic hydrotherapy.


HYDROTHERAPY

the application of water in its liquid, solid, or

vapor forms, either externally or internally, to

induce health benefits in the recipient


HYDROTHERAPY EFFECTS

• The primary physiological effects of hydrotherapy fall into three categories:– thermal– mechanical– chemical


THERMAL EFFECTS

• By far the most important effect

• Caused by application of water at temperatures above or below body temp

• Causes changes in circulation, digestion, perspiration, and other functions


MECHANICAL EFFECTS

• Caused by the impact of water on the body– hydrotherapy tubs– Jacuzzis– showers

• Mild (shower) or intense (hydro tub)

• Impact stimulates local circulation, decreasing muscle aches and pains


CHEMICAL EFFECTS

• Ingesting spa waters– European spa clients often drink mineral-laden

spa waters. • Using water for colonic irrigation


BATH TECHNIQUES

• Bathing has been, during many times in many cultures, the essence of the spa experience.

• In much of the world, “taking the waters” is used interchangeably with “going to a spa.”


BALNEOTHERAPY

• Means “therapeutic bathing,” from the Latin balneum (bath), and includes:– all types of water

• thermal spring, mineral, silt-filled

– additives used in the waters• herbs, powders, oils, & gases

– the thermal, mechanical, & chemical effects of the waters, plus the additives


THERAPEUTIC BATHS

1. Herbal Bath

2. Essential Oil Bath

3. Seaweed Bath

4. Fango Bath/Mud Bath

5. Mineral Bath

6. Enzyme Bath

7. Whirlpool Bath

8. Hydrotherapy Tub Bath


THERAPEUTIC BATHS (CONT.)

9. Underwater Massage

10. Cold Bath/Cold Plunge

11. Carbon Dioxide Bath

12. Hot Bath

13. Contrast Bath

14. Localized Bath

15. Foot Bath

16. Sitz Bath


HYDROTHERAPY TUB

• Used by top spas

• Powerful underwater massage hose

• Jets separated into zones for customized treatments


HYDROTHERAPY TUB BATH

• Thermal and mechanical effects of water create primary benefits

• Therapeutic ingredients also have effects– essential oils– seaweed extracts– clay powders– herbs


• Found extensively in spas

• A quick way to close pores and refresh the body

• Improves immune functioning

COLD PLUNGE


• Roman thermae featured cold plunges.– room called the frigidarium for cooling– as important as warming the body– Sebastian Kneipp recommended cold baths

• Most clients skip the cold plunge.– miss out on the benefits of contrast therapy

– therapists can educate clients about benefits

COLD PLUNGE


• Spa shower techniques: any directed spray of water for therapeutic purposes from one or more outlets, aimed at clients who are either standing or lying down

• Percussive treatments that meld both mechanical and thermal therapeutic effects

SHOWER TECHNIQUES


• Vichy shower

• Swiss shower

• Scotch hose

TYPES OF SPA SHOWERS


MAIN EFFECTS OF HEAT/COLD

• Local• Systemic• Reflex


LOCAL EFFECTS OF HEAT

• Affects skin & tissues 3–4 cm deep

• Increases circulation & metabolic processes

• Draws white blood cells for healing & detox

• Creates vasodilation

• Helps diminish pain & muscle spasms

• Applied w/ fomentations, hydrocollator, etc.


SYSTEMIC EFFECTS OF HEAT

• Vasodilation of superficial blood vessels• Increased heart rate• Quick spike then drop in blood pressure• Increased sweating (diaphoresis)• Muscles & soft tissues more supple• Increased diuresis (elimination by kidneys)


REFLEX EFFECTS OF HEAT

• Application of heat to one area causes increased circulation & heat in another

• Spa treatments that heat the skin also affect internal organs


LOCAL EFFECTS OF COLD

• Vasoconstrictor, analgesic, tonic• Blood flow restricted• Skin blanches• Local circulation slowed• Local tissue temp lowered• 10–20 minutes lowers metabolic process• Brief = stimulating; prolonged = sedative


SYSTEMIC & REFLEX EFFECTS OF COLD

• Lessens sensibility to pain – analgesic• Local muscle tone increased – tonic• Few spa treatments involve systemic cold

– contrast therapies, cold plunge• Long exposure to cold – hunting response

– body attempts to re-warm by dilating & contracting blood vessels


MAJOR CONTRAINDICATIONSFOR HEAT THERAPIES

• High or low blood pressure

• Cardiovascular conditions

• Diabetes

• Fever

• Pregnancy


SPECIAL PREGNANCY ISSUE

• No deep strokes or heat application to legs!

• In second trimester, more clotting factor

• Higher fibrinogenic activity

• Risk of deep vein thrombosis 5x higher

• Risk of dislodging a blood clot

• Avoid 3 months postpartum


• Most popular is cold plunge• Other therapies include:

– wet sheet wraps– sunburn-relief cooling treatments– cold mitten friction

• Localized applications:– ice pack– cold compress

SPA COLD TREATMENTS


• Main effects are created through the removal of heat from the body

• Recommended for:– reducing fever & inflammation– soothing minor sunburn– cooling down during & after heat

applications• Also exert effects through retrostasis

– heat removed from one area & sent to another

SPA COLD TREATMENTS (CONT.)


• Intensity depends upon several factors:– water temp (ranges from ice to 60ºF)– duration– frequency with which material is dipped in

cold water– vigor of the friction applied

SPA COLD TREATMENTS (CONT.)

© copyright 2010 milady, a part of cengage learning. all rights reserved. the complete spa book for...

Documents

cengage learning

sitz bath slide

hydrotherapy tub bath

mineral bath

herbal bath

seaweed bath

enzyme bath

whirlpool bath