Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/918051
A B M P m e m b e r s e a r n F R E E C E a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / c e b y r e a d i n g M a s s a g e & B o d y w o r k m a g a z i n e 39 SIMPLE STEAM TREATMENT Potential Benefits • Warms and hydrates the skin and extremities • Increases circulation • Reduces overall stress and muscle tension • Uplifts the spirit when essential oils are added Application You will need one or more hot, steamy hand towels. In order to make a towel hot and steamy, you need to wet it, wring it out so it's not dripping on the client, warm it, and keep it warm until use. There are a variety of good heating elements available. For example, after wetting and wringing the hand towels, you can roll them up and put them in a crock pot set on a low/warm setting, microwave them and put them in a cooler, or make the investment in a hot towel cabby. If you and your client wish, you can also add essential oils to the towels before rolling them up. Just be sure your clients aren't sensitive to the oils you are using, and that the oils are safe on the skin. Consider using oils that are uplifting, such as grapefruit, tangerine, or sweet orange. These scents are excellent when sunshine is minimal. For most body parts, such as the back, arms, and legs, simply lay the hot, steamy towel directly on the body, wait 30 seconds, then apply compression strokes over the towel for another 30 seconds before removing. Be sure to remove towels before they cool too much, since the goal is to warm the body. Muscles relax quickly with moist heat, but when a damp towel cools, it can ruin your desired effect. When applying a hot, steamy towel to the face, start with the center of the towel on the forehead, and wrap each side of the towel around each side of the face toward the chin. Be sure to leave a gap for the nose, and possibly even the mouth if the client experiences any discomfort, such as claustrophobia, when having the face covered. When using on hands and feet, wrap each one individually and completely with a towel, and give several good squeezes to the whole hand or foot before removing the towel. SEASONAL ADD-ONS MAKE A DIFFERENCE Including seasonal add-ons that support the body's natural systems is an excellent way to distinguish yourself from other therapists. Even incorporating a warm rice bag into a session or offering a cup of hot tea upon a client's arrival will add that special touch that feels good and has them longing for the next session. A small amount of time, minimal money for supplies, and a little bit of effort make a big difference in supporting your clients' health and gaining repeat visits. It's easy to help them erase those winter blues! Since 2000, Cindy Williams, LMT, has been actively involved in the massage profession as a practitioner, school administrator, instructor, curriculum developer, and mentor. She maintains a private practice as a massage and yoga instructor. Contact her at cynthialynn@massagetherapy.com. Featured Courses Title CE Hours Cost Sale Cupping Therapy 18 $200 $160 CranioSacral Therapy 10 $115 $92 Refl exology Basics 6 $65 $52 Research Education 3 $35 $28 Ethics Refresher 3 $35 $28 relax Obtaining CE hours is more convenient than ever! www.massagetherapyceu.com 866-784-5940 80+ Courses Online Now! View our comprehensive library of CE courses at www.massagetherapyceu.com. ABMP Members save 20% off your next order. Use code ABMP20 1. Purchase 2. Test Online or On Paper 3. Receive Your Certifi cate Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your