9 min read
Cleansing is perhaps the most necessary step of a facial procedure. Without the removal of oil, makeup, dead surface cells, as well as the buildup of dirt and debris, all of the remaining steps in a treatment would have a diminished effect in making the skin look and feel great. It is for this very reason that many skin therapists perform the cleansing step twice at the beginning of a treatment; at first to clear the area of any residual matter that may be sitting on the surface, and again to insure a more thorough cleansing of the underlying epidermis. Read More
- Published in Resources
11 min read
In 2005, I traveled to Thailand for an international wellness summit and the opportunity to train with traditional healers. Thai foot and hand therapies are rich in history and they reflect the engaging customs of the region. Common courtesy should be used in any society but in Thailand it plays a key role and is a refreshing shift from the animated protocols of the western spa. Thai people live more in the moment with infectious enjoyment and services given with great respect and hospitality. This is reflected in the ritual of foot bathing that is customary before every treatment. Read More
- Published in Resources
7 min read
The manufacturing of vitamin D stimulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in our intestines. Calcium is necessary for muscle contraction and bone development of our skeletal bones and teeth. Calcium is also very important in the transmission of nerve impulses through our central nervous system. Phosphorus is a main component of ATP (adenosine triphosphate); which is manufactured by the body through the food we eat and the oxygen we breathe. ATP is energy and it maintains and repairs all our body's cells. The American Medical Association (AMA) now recommends 10 minutes of direct sun several times per week to obtain vitamin D levels. Read More
- Published in Resources
6 min read
Tweezers, the earliest known method of hair removal, have evolved little from the clam shells used by the Neanderthals. Julius Caesar tweezed his facial hair multiple times per day, inspiring men of the time to copy his style in a new forum, the barber shop. Women copying Queen Elizabeth I plucked their eyebrows completely off and removed their hairline to the middle of their head. The basic idea of grasping hair and removing it from the follicle remains the same. The materials used to make tweezers have changed from prehistoric shells to high tech stainless steel and today there are a variety of styles designed for specific types of hair removal. Read More
- Published in Resources
6 min read
For thousands of years, people have sought out the therapeutic benefits of sea water therapy. Thalassotherapy; stemming from the Greek word for sea, thalassos, is a term coined to describe the usage of sea water for therapeutic purposes and preventative measures based on the belief that immersion in sea water revitalizes, heals, and cleanses the system. The sea holds an abundance of natural, pure resources. Seaweed is a concentration of sea water and acts as a lifeline to our bodies. Healthy human blood, lymphatic fluid, and extra cellular fluid all contain a similar mineral makeup to sea water. Read More
- Published in Resources
7 min read
Humans have used a variety of facial masks for centuries. Some of the early accounts of facial treatments include the use of river clay, mud, and fruit being applied to the face for beauty purposes. The Egyptians were known for placing a lot of importance on their outward appearance and royalty often used various beauty techniques including face masks. It appears that the first face masks were made from different types of clay. Cleopatra is supposed to have used Dead Sea mud from the ocean to treat her skin twice a week. Read More
- Published in Resources
