Friday 24 January 2014

Pinda Massage - The Ultimate Detox!

With many people undergoing their ‘January detox’, Pinda massage has become a hot-topic in assisting an integrated detox and relax.  Not just for the new year, the Pinda massage is a fantastic post-massage treatment that provides multiple benefits all year round, making it a valuable skill (and additional revenue source) for therapists to offer clients.

Having originated in Thailand within between 14th–18th centuries when Ayutthaya was established, Pinda or Poultice massage has since been used in eastern medicine – being used specifically on soldiers returning home with painful muscles. 

Ancient cultures use the earth's herbs and spices, not only to cleanse, nourish and enhance the body’s physical ability but also to also tone the skin as well as to treat both Vata and Kapha disorders of which are naturally cold doshas.  Consequently a pinda (bolus/ball) massage involves the use of plant pouches - medicinal pillows made from cotton or linen and filled with aromatic mixture of plants, roots, blossoms, exotic fruits, Mediterranean salt and buckwheat, chosen for their stimulating and relaxing properties. Depending on what the client wants to achieve, blends for filling the cotton/linen can be customised accordingly, e.g; relaxing blends use meadow flowers and herbal plants whilst revitalising blends contain a mix of herbs, and captivating blends include a mix of camomile, calendula and lavender.

With a invirogating massage technique applying gentle movements, the pinda is warmed opening the body’s pores allowing the medicinal heat to the muscles which along with the pinda massage oil provide scent, touch and decompressions of contained energy that create a deep sense of relaxation, rejuvenation, peace and harmony and general balancing of inner energy.
Consequently the pinda neutralises negative energy that is often the source of health issues. Recovery is encouraged due to stress decreasing, internal energy re-balancing; and unwanted symptoms being eliminated. During the massage, harmful sedimentary substances are expelled from the body, since the specially concocted healing plant mixture is both absorbed through the skin as well as inhaled through the nose. The massage is fantastic for improving blood circulation, lymph circulation and the metabolism, as well as relieving tension in tight muscles and rebalancing abnormal sleep or eating patterns. It is also an incredible treatment for beautifying the skin, enhancing circulation and drawing fresh energy to the skin’s surface.  The ultimate detox for both spiritual and physical harmony?  It would seem so!
Estetica para Profissionais rate Pinda massage so highly that we are holding a one day workshop for trained massage therapists only.  Costing EUR 100, the workshop will be held on the 2nd February, (for those wishing to be taught in English), and the 3rd February, (for those wishing to be taught in Portuguese).  You will learn both the massage techniques of Pinda massage as well as how to make the actual Pinda itself, mixing a beautiful Valentine’s blend with rose petals and jasmin oil- just in time to offer clients a Valentines Day promotion! If you are interested in joining our workshop, contact us today and start promoting your Valentine’s Pinda promotion now!


For information, please contact 00351 282 762 606/00351 913211797 or email: Naomi@algarvebeautyschool.co.uk. 

Friday 17 January 2014

Indian Head Massage – The Power of Touch!

Indian women originally developed Indian Head Massage as part of their grooming routine, using a wide selection of seasonal oils (almond, mustard, sesame and coconut).  Routines were, and still are, passed on from mother to daughter, teaching that sharing massage with family members shows love and respect. 

Not only this but the Indian Head massage is prevalent in barber shops across India and Asia, with techniques being passed from barber to barber’s son whilst salons in the western world are also increasingly introducing the massage on their treatment menus.  For not only is it an enjoyable and beneficial treatment for the client but it also greatly improves the growth and condition of the hair and scalp – overall the client's salon/barber experience is enriched whilst the stylist’s work enjoyment improves (by adding skills) and the salon’s revenue is able to increase due to a wider treatment menu. 

Not just applicable to hair salons, this is a fantastic skill for any therapist within the beauty and massage industry to have in their repertoire!  But what is an Indian Head massage and why is it such a popular treatment?

The Indian Head massage is a form of Ayurvedic massage.  Ayurveda (meaning “the complete knowledge for long life”), consists of the words ãyus, (i.e., “longevity”) and andveda, (meaning “related to knowledge” or “science”).  It is the oldest recorded Indian healing system, and works on the understanding that to be well physically you have to be well spiritually and mentally/emotionally. Early Ayurvedic texts date back 4000 years and features massage and the holistic approach that health results from harmony in one-self. The Ayurvedic view is that health is maintained by 3 subtle life giving forces or doshas:
·         Vata:  a combination of Air and Ether (the air/atmosphere/upper air/the heavens). It is responsible for all movements of the mind, body and senses, and the process of elimination. The unique characteristic of Vata is dryness.
·         Pitta: is a combination of Fire and Water. It is responsible for heat, energy, metabolism and digestive functions of the body. The unique characteristic of Pitta is heat.
·          Kapha: is a combination of Earth and Water. It is responsible for physical stability, proper body structure and fluid balance. The unique characteristic of Kapha is heaviness.
The underlying principle of Ayurveda is maintaining balance in the body and a healthy balance of doshas, with Ayurvedic customs recommending both men and women should have a weekly Indian Head massage in order to promote soft skin, shiny hair and maintain emotional and physical health via balancing of our chakras.  This is specifically true of our higher chakras where most people carry the most amount of emotional stress. Each Chakra connects with a different part of the body and endocrine system. 

Balancing of 'chakras' means balancing the flow of energy through the body of which an imbalance can result in a feeling of being unsettled and of feeling of being unwell, i.e., the physical, emotional and mental body are not working in harmony with each other.

Using a range of stimulating and vigorous massage techniques this invigorating massage is performed with the client sitting in a chair, as opposed to lying down, since the therapist will have easier access to the shoulders, upper arms, neck, scalp and face - muscles/areas we hold the most tension and stress.  Although it can be carried out using beneficial oils, it can also be performed with the client fully dressed making it suitable to perform anywhere, whilst it is an ideal massage to give to people in wheelchairs, people who don’t want to take their clothes off and/or pregnant women.

This fantastic treatment provides a number of benefits to the client, such as:

·         Relieving tensions that result in headaches, neck and back pain
·         Stimulating lymphatic drainage and therefore detoxing the body
·         Boosting the immune system
·         Improving circulation, consequently increasing energy levels.
·         Increasing clarity and increasing concentration.
·         Calming the respiratory system and therefore soothing asthma symptoms.
·         Adding muscle tone.
·         Relieving sinusitis symptoms.
·         Improving circulation of cerebral spinal fluid.
·         Relieving sleeplessness, restlessness and insomnia.
·         Growth and condition of scalp.

Furthermore this massage can also improve general mental health by:

·         Relieving symptoms of depression/anxiety
·         Providing stress relief and encouraging relaxation
·         Increase concentration and memory levels
·         Promoting feelings of peace, calm and wellbeing.

Consequently, EpP – Algarve Beauty School will be holding a 12 week Indian Head massage course (starting 24th Feb) for complete beginners who will learn about the body’s systems and effects the Indian Head massage techniques have.  This course also teaches about the chakras, auras and also includes ear candling (also known as thermo-auricular therapy). 

Another version of this course is also available to more experienced massage therapists as a 1.5 day workshop (on 5th and 26th Feb) – ideal for therapists looking to increase their skills and learn new techniques - case studies will need to be provided. 

For more information on these, please contact the school on tel: 282762606 or email Naomi at naomi@algarvebeautyschool.co.uk


Wednesday 8 January 2014

New Year, New Inspirations!

At Estetica para Profissionais (EpP), we have set ourselves a New Year’s resolution – to bring to you some of the most inspirational people within the beauty industry from here in the Algarve as well as further afield.

This resolution came about when Naomi, Director of EpP - the Algarve Beauty School, observed “the classic thing I hear many people doing is comparing themselves negatively to other people…by all means look at other people but look for inspiration. Find traits you like and enjoy and be inspired.” 

As such once every month, the Algarve Beauty Blog will be questioning key people we believe to be inspirational, kicking off with Sarah Bruton, owner of Innovation Health & Beauty in Ferragudo and employed by EpP, Algarve Beauty School as the ONLY Jessica Sales Representative within Portugal:

Name:  Sarah Bruton

What qualification(s) do you have:   ITEC Aesthetics, ITEC Physiatrics

Where did you study?   East Berkshire College, Berkshire

What did you most enjoy about studying and what did you find most challenging?

I enjoyed the theory side of learning my profession, especially biology  -  I never realised how interesting the human body was until I started my Beauty Therapy course.  I found Latin challenging as spelling mistakes were not accepted! Also the acceptance of the human body -  you no longer look at a person as a whole picture, you focus on the parts you are working on.  It’s no longer a whole face it’s a beautifully natural shaped eyebrow.  You work on enhancing the best features someone has.

What is your current job role and where do you work?

I have my own Beauty Therapy business in Portugal [Innovation Health & Beauty] - I have a small salon and also work on a mobile basis as well.   I also am a sales representative for a Professional Nail Products range [Jessica Nails].  

What do you find rewarding about your current job and what do you find challenging about it?

I find the fact that I make people feel good about themselves very rewarding.  People come to you if they have a problem with their skin, weight, nails or are in need of relaxation. I can help with all of these things with either a treatment or even just by recommending things that they can use to correct their problem.

Dealing with the public can always be challenging however given that the beauty field is doing something that makes people feel good about themselves and makes them happy, it is far less challenging than in other sectors.

      What are your next steps in your career development and where would you like to see yourself in the future?

I enjoy my current profession it can be challenging on my body as I have been doing it for around 16 years now but I enjoy the fact I constantly meet new people and also see others on a regular basis.

I enjoy the Sale Representative job [for Jessica Nails] which I do alongside, and in conjunction with, my business I find it constantly challenging.

What do you think makes a good beauty therapist?

To listen, to be knowledgeable, to make people feel comfortable in your working environment and know you are only as good as your last client.

What do you think makes a good Spa or Salon?

Ambiance, attention to detail, warmth and a calm atmosphere  are key.

What is your favourite product range?

Elimis

What is your favourite treatment to have and give?

I have each treatment depending on how I feel and as to what will make me happy. With regards to giving treatments, I do not have a favourite as I enjoy variety in my working week.

 Beauty Therapy is one of the happiest sectors to work in according to City and Guilds, would you agree?

Definitely!!!  I love it!

Please tell us about someone who has inspired you and why? – can be in the industry or not.

My mum! She never gives up, always strives to be better and most importantly always listens to me when necessary and never pushes her opinion on to me BUT always tries to help me whenever she can.


We hope you have enjoyed reading what we believe makes Sarah and inspirational figure within the beauty industry.  If you would like to visit Sarah's salon, her salon is Innovation Health & Beauty tel:  282 353 132/Mob: 965638671.  And if you would like to contact Sarah with regards to the Jessica Nails range now available to purchase within Portugal, please email her on jessicanailsportugal@gmail.com or contact the Algarve Beauty School directly where 
Naomi will also be happy to help.  Telephone 00351 282762606 or visit Estetica para Profissionais, 
Rua Salgueiro Maia 29A, 8600-620, Lagos.