The Complete Spa Book for Massage Therapists THALASSOTHERAPY: PRACTICAL LESSON L-7.1

SPA THOUGHT “Every element in seaweed is found within the body in the same proportion. In a very real sense, you are seawater.” Dan Fryda President, Spa Technologies

SEAWEED BODY WRAPS Completely envelops clients in algae Sometimes called cocoon or body masque Not considered heat treatments No application of heat Clients still become warm Body heat trapped by blankets, sheets, etc.

WET ROOM TECHNIQUE (WITH VICHY SHOWER) Vichy shower, not towels, removes product Product washed from skin – client on table Plastic wrap protects sheets & blankets After shower, plastic removed plastic slipped from beneath while client rolls or, client steps off table while plastic taken off

WET ROOM TECHNIQUE (WITH VICHY SHOWER) Client covered with drape & steps off table Washes off product in shower Therapist removes plastic & prepares table Client dries off, then returns to table Treatment completed with lotion application

BASIC 6-STEP WRAP PROCEDURE In wet room or dry room, same procedure: exfoliate first apply product wrap treat the head or feet while client is wrapped remove product with shower or towels apply finishing product

SEAWEED BODY WRAP

SEAWEED BODY WRAP PROTOCOL Preparation layer blanket, towel, sheet, plastic, & draping mix seaweed if reconstituted add 6–8 drops of essential oil blend place seaweed in spa bowl & warm wring out 4 hand towels & keep hot

SEAWEED BODY WRAP PROTOCOL Procedure 5–10 min. exfoliation (loofah, gloves, or brush) apply seaweed to back (client sits up or rolls) apply seaweed left leg (knee up, foot on table) lower leg to table & wrap in plastic repeat on right leg apply seaweed to abdomen & décolleté breast drape over chest

SEAWEED BODY WRAP PROTOCOL Procedure (cont.) apply seaweed to right arm, cover in plastic repeat left arm, cover arm & left side in plastic flip blanket & bath towel up over client place bolster beneath knees wrap 20–25 min – head massage or reflexology remove product w/ spatula/hot towels wipe seaweed away starting on left leg

SEAWEED BODY WRAP PROTOCOL Procedure (cont.) second towel, remove seaweed from left arm/back tuck plastic under, client lays on clean sheet repeat last two steps on right side w/ third towel completely remove plastic wrap from beneath fourth towel, remove seaweed from abs, décolleté apply finishing product to skin, front then back

SEAWEED BODY WRAP PROTOCOL Cleanup dispose of plastic wrap clean seaweed from spa bowl & spatula launder towels & sheets sanitize shower stall floors & all surfaces properly store & refrigerate seaweed

THALASSOTHERAPY BATH

THALASSOTHERAPY BATH Applied in bathtub, jetted tub, or hydro tub Thalasso centers use fresh, warm seawater Most spas just add sea extracts to water 2–3x/week, 20+ total, 10–25 min., temp increases progressively

THALASSOTHERAPY BATHS Brief exfoliation recommended beforehand Sometimes add essential oils to mask odor No rinsing, leaves active ingredients on skin

THALASSOTHERAPY BATH PROTOCOL Preparation bath mats, non-slip surfaces, towels, ice water, wash cloth, and ingredients within reach draw bath before client enters the room, temp. average 102°F therapeutic sea ingredient added to bath while tub is filling or after client has entered room

THALASSOTHERAPY BATH PROTOCOL Procedure treatment explained to client prior to start client assisted into tub using Bath Entry Draping Protocol from Chapter 4 explain how to turn the jets on & off have cold compresses available for forehead

THALASSOTHERAPY BATH PROTOCOL Procedure (cont.) bath lasts 10–25 min. depending upon client assist client out of tub, offer robe & water help client to chair or guide to next treatment optional finishing product may be applied seaweed-infused massage oil emollient lotion seaweed massage gel spray with seaweed extracts

THALASSOTHERAPY BATH PROTOCOL Cleanup sanitize tub after every treatment with a disinfectant spray floors dried between treatments to maintain a safe environment towels & washcloths laundered, bowls cleaned, products stored, and room tidied

CELLULITE a normal condition created by deposits of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissues, especially on the thighs, hips, and buttocks, that give a puckered and dimpled appearance to the skin

OTHER TERMS FOR “CELLULITE” orange peel skin cottage cheese skin adiposis edematosa dermopanniculosis deformans status protrusus cutis gynoid lipodystrophy

CONDITIONS CONTRIBUTING TO CELLULITE Growing fat cells push against the skin. Septa harden, holding skin down in spots. High estrogen levels weaken collagen. Fluid imbalances worsen cellulite. Poor microcirculation builds wastes.

CONDITIONS CONTRIBUTING TO CELLULITE (CONT.) Drugs and medications impact cellulite. Genetic predisposition comes into play. Poor diet contributes to growth of fat cells. Inadequate exercise = growth of fat cells. High stress levels negatively affect hormones, leading to more cellulite.

TREATING CELLULITE No treatment will eliminate cellulite; only temporary reduction in appearance To look better is an adequate goal. 1–2x/week,10–20 total, proper nutrition, exercise, 2 liters water/day, + home care Even athletes get cellulite. Liposuction will not reduce cellulite.

HOW SEAWEED TREATMENTS AFFECT CELLULITE 3 main processes: stretches septa, opens interstitial spaces promotes local vasodilation body re-engages natural ability to break down fat cells, a process known as lipolysis lipolysis clears fat & excess fluid from superficial areas, improving appearance of the skin

STAGES OF CELLULITE The Nurnberger – Muller scale classifies cellulite into four stages, as follows: Stage 0: skin pinched – no dimpling Stage 1: no dimpling when standing, but visible when skin pinched Stage 2: dimpling visible without pinching when standing, but not when lying down Stage 3: dimpling visible standing & lying down, with no skin pinching

SEAWEED CELLULITE TREATMENT

SEAWEED CELLULITE TREATMENT Many treatment options offered at spas: laser ultrasound mesotherapy Endermologie® Many substances have positive effects: ivy, butcher’s broom, ginkgo biloba, arnica, green tea, sweet clover, horse-chestnut, grapes, and evening primrose, among others

SEAWEED CELLULITE TREATMENT Seaweed most widely applied in spas Also paraffin wax, which enhances effects Massage is vigorous and intense. Hydrotherapy tub can add to effects. Cellulite treatments can be life-changing. Therapists can recommend home care.

SEAWEED CELLULITE TREATMENT PROTOCOL Preparation offer a consultation option: fill hydrotherapy tub with 102°F water cut plastic wrap & prepare table layers 4 hand towels in hot water, wring & keep hot add 6–8 drops essential oil to ¼ cup seaweed add 4–6 drops of same oil to 1 tbsp of cream

SEAWEED CELLULITE TREATMENT PROTOCOL Procedure exfoliate target areas w/ dry brush or loofah option: underwater massage hose 10–15 minutes on target areas apply seaweed to target areas wrap client in sheets & blanket; allow to rest for 20 minutes option: apply short reflexology routine

SEAWEED CELLULITE TREATMENT PROTOCOL Procedure (cont.): unwrap & remove seaweed vigorous massage to targeted areas several long effleurage strokes. knuckle effleurage long strokes skin rolling to stretch septa & encourage circulation finger & hacking tapotement to stimulate circulation light, lymphatic drainage movements finish by applying seaweed-based product

SEAWEED CELLULITE TREATMENT PROTOCOL Cleanup dispose of plastic wrap clean seaweed from spa bowl & spatula launder towels & sheets sanitize floors where clients walk barefoot properly store & refrigerate any seaweed that has been reconstituted for the treatment disinfect hydrotherapy tub if one was used

SUMMARY You now know: how to perform seaweed wraps how to perform seaweed baths how to perform spa cellulite services