The Story of Cosmetics

The Story of Cosmetics is a seven-minute film written by Annie Leonard and produced by Free Range Studios.This entertaining and honest video examines the rampant use of toxic chemicals in our personal care products from lipstick to baby shampoo. These toxic chemicals end up in our bodies, our kids and our waterways. Many of these toxins are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, infertility, asthma, birth defects and learning disabilities.

Resources:

Jane Iredale, a pioneer in the ecologically sound cosmetics industry, was the first to supply a makeup line that is truly good for the skin and based on minerals. Jane Iredale Cosmetics can be found at the Atlanta School of Massage bookstore. Check out Sense & Sustainability – Practical tips for greening your spa a free webinare with Jane Iredale.

Atlanta School of Massage is a member of Green Spa Network the only spa industry resource devoted to bringing greening and sustainability to the health, wellness and beauty community.  The mission of GSN is to promote the natural connections between personal wellbeing, economic sustainability, and health of our planet.

Visit The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a national coalition of health and environmental groups working to eliminate harmful chemicals from personal care products.

Share This

Amy Leavelle Bransford- Eco-aesthetician

Amy Leavell Bransford, eco-aesthetician and graduate of Atlanta School of Massage opened “Aviary” last fall. Aviary, a collective located at Studioplex Lofts in Old Fourth Ward, is “a warm welcoming nest from which beauty and wellness take flight. It provides an oasis that is more about eco than ego, where the personal is professional and clients are considered friends.” The collective includes a hair stylist, makeup artist, massage therapist- Christine Legnon , also an ASM graduate and Amy Leavelle Bransford.

I asked Amy how she grew her successful skincare business and if she had any advice to share with current students and fellow graduates of Atlanta School of Massage and its skincare program, Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics. Since graduating in 2005 from ASM Amy has worked from home, worked with Natural Body Spa and rented space at Plum Salon. Last fall she bought the loft where she was renting space which is now home to Aviary. With a PR background, Amy has been persistent and attentive to marketing. A story in the Daily Candy last fall had a dramatic impact towards increasing business.

Despite its off-the-beaten-path location, Aviary is experiencing rapid success.Amy is a people connector, her advice- “get out of your shell and let everyone know what you do without being pushy.” A strong community vibe is present within the collective as well as among neighbors at Studioplex. “Everyone refers their own clients to other professionals. It’s not about competition.” Amy also brings community together through a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). She hosts a weekly pickup of locally grown organic foods.

Amy carries and uses only certified organic, chemical-free products. Dr.Hauschka, Juice beauty and Julie Hewett are some of her favorites. Amy is the only certified Dr. Hauschka aesthetician in Georgia. The Dr. Hauschka company philosophy and ethics are “powered by compassion while fostering well-being in the world and using ecologically sound methods of growing and sourcing ingredients.” Amy has followed her heart, with a mission to educate and nurture others while being a leader in sustainable business practices.

Share This

The Art and Science of Aromatherapy

1. What exactly is aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils through topical application, Inhalation, diffusion to affect mood and improve health. Aromatherapy is both an art and a science. The art refers to the blending of pure essential oils, how they mutually enhance one another, both in their action and aroma. The Science applies to the unique chemical and therapeutic properties of each essential oil. These oils are used to maintain and promote physical and emotional well being along with balance. It’s a way to improve everyday living on many levels, physical, emotional and spiritual to enhance the healing process inside and out. Creating blends requires some training and understanding of the oils. This skill develops over time; it requires knowledge of each essential oil and its properties.

2. What are pure essential oils? Pure essential oils are extracted from specialized plants using; leaves, twigs, barks, blossoms, flowers, petals, grasses, rinds, seeds, resins, etc. Example: the oils extracted from the roots of a plant tend to be grounding and centering enhancing our connection to earth. Example: Sandalwood, Cedar wood. When choosing essential oils you will want to look for 100% organic pure essential oils. To ensure you are getting good quality, look on the label for the name of the oil, the Latin name, the country of origin and the therapeutic grade of the oil. Pure essential oils are packaged in dark amber, air tight bottles. Keep your essential oils away from heat and direct light to ensure longevity.

3. What are the greatest benefits of these experiences /treatments? The greatest benefit of experiencing a spa treatment using pure essential oils is to help calm, balance, and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. The aroma wrap, spa treatment, creates a cocoon of warmth from the use of hot towels and warm oil blended with essential oils applied to the skin. While the client is wrapped they experience a facial / scalp pressure point massage encouraging relaxation and rejuvenation. Depending on the essential oil blend picked, in the sensory journey, the results will vary their experience.

4. What are the most commonly used oils and what do they each specifically target and help heal? Lavender is the most versatile and widely used essential oil, it is universal it can safely be mixed with other oils to enhance the action; it can be applied directly on the skin neat. Lavender helps reduce psychological stress, helps promote sleep and helps to normalize and balance the body.

5. Are there oils that target sexual activity and desire? There are essential oils that have aphrodisiac, euphoric qualities; Example: ylang ylang, enhances well being, calming, balancing, relaxing, induces sleep Jasmine, calming and uplifting, warms the emotions and has a sensuous quality. Helps restore joy and bring out the charisma in people.

6. What types of offers do you have for aromatherapy? We offer Aromatherapy in our all of our Spa treatments; Aroma wraps, Sea weed, Mud wraps and Treat your feet (reflexology). Before the session begins, our client’s experience a sensory journey, choosing which essential oil blend would be best suited for them in their treatment today.

7. Are there any at home “recipes” individuals can concoct? A Relaxing Summer time Milk Bath ½ cup heavy cream Lavender-5 drops Ylang ylang-2 drops Jasmine- 3 drops Blend the essential oils with the cream then add to your hot bath. (The water may become cloudy). You can enhance your bath by burning a candle, listening to your favorite music and relaxing. Education is the key to success when using essential oils. Start smelling the oils “Develop a nose for the oils” and learn the properties of each oil. Take a workshop, read a book on Aromatherapy. General Precautions: Keep out of the reach of children and pets Special care when using photosensitive oils Do not apply undiluted oils directly to the skin Some oils have higher toxic levels, use with care Essential oils are a form of complimentary medicine with many healing properties. They are not meant as a replacement for medical aid.

http://whitelotusaromatics.com/

http://www.birchhillhappenings.com/aroma1.htm

Carol Venclik

Share This

Therapeutic Benefits of Japanese, Chinese and Indian Facial Massage

Facial massage also referred to as facial acupressure or “facelift” massage has numerous therapeutic possibilities in addition to enhancing skin’s appearance. Facial massage by trained aestheticians and massage therapists can facilitate relaxation and boost collagen production promoting a more youthful look. Toxic buildup and trapped energy are released while circulation is increased within the facial muscles and tissues.

Japanese, Chinese and Indian facial massage each address balancing of the meridians (energy pathways) while applying slight pressure to acupressure or marma points . Marma points are the Ayurvedic equivalent of the Chinese acupressure system.  “Champi” or Indian head massage has been used for centuries by Indian mothers to stimulate hair growth and relaxation. Visual and physical results can be noticeable after just a few treatments.

Facial massage is a non-invasive treatment that can benefit the following:

Headaches

Migraines

TMJ dysfunction

Bells Palsy

Sinus problems

Facial Massage promotes:

Lymphatic drainage and detoxification of skin and organ systems

Preventative maintenance for aging and skin blemishes

Balance, clarity and focus

Toning and tightening the skin and fascia

This August Atlanta School of Massage will be offering the following workshops: Chinese Facial Fusion Massage taught by Lolita Knight and Indian Head, Face and Foot

Massage with Ayurvedic Oils taught by Wolfgang Luckmann. These techniques offer therapists and aestheticians additional tools that sooth, regenerate and provide pain relief for their clients. With several treatments clients can experience a non-invasive “facelift” and gain a more youthful appearance.

Share This

Karla Linden, Atlanta School of Massage Graduate, Shares Secrets of Success

Karla Linden, a graduate of Atlanta School of Massage, has had a private practice, “Masterpiece Massage”, for over 20 years. Karla relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico two years ago and recently opened a new 1400sq. foot massage studio.

Since graduating from Atlanta Scool of Massage in 1990 Karla has pursued advanced training including certification in Trager, Hakomi, NMT, and pregnancy massage. She is also a practitioner of the Arvigo Technique of Maya Abdominal Massage. Currently she is pursuing her Master’s Degree at the Southwest Acupuncture College and plans to complete it and become a Doctor of Oriental Medicine by age 50. Additionally Karla is about to complete her Transformational Life Coaching training at SWIHA in Tempe, Arizona.

Karla has a wide range of experience, working with hundreds of pregnant women, assisting in labor as a Doula, and providing high-level VIP bodywork services for celebrities, touring acts (dancers, musicians, road crew), on-site massage services for film crews, and much more. She appreciates referrals from doctors and other medical professionals, and accepts LOPs for personal injury cases. Karla’s rates are on the higher end and she does not discount her services.

Karla contributes her ongoing successful practice to her initial study and certification at the Atlanta School of massage.  “I’ve always said that the Atlanta School of Massage was one of the best things I’ve ever done, and I’m a big supporter of the school. “ Karla encourages therapists to find their “niche” or specialty. Karla said that as a practitioner of the Arvigo Technique of Maya Abdominal Massage she receives a lot of referrals. The Arvigo technique is an external non invasive manipulation that repositions internal organs. It is beneficial towards healing and treating fertility issues, C-sections, hysterectomies, abdominal surgeries and endometriosis.

Share This

Raison d’etre

raison d’être /rayzon detr / ORIGIN French, ‘reason for being’
• noun – the most important reason or purpose for someone or something’s existence.

My grandmother used to tell me that we are all given different gifts, and I believe without a doubt that massage is mine – my raison d’être. I believe this because I have had the great fortune of having seen first hand (no pun intended!) the positive effects resulting from us placing on our hands on someone.

From the soothing touch of a mother’s hand to the therapeutic effects of applied, informed touch, there is no question of the power that literally lies within our hands – whether it is to comfort, or in our case as practicing massage therapists, to assist in providing optimal healing to the body.

One client specifically comes to mind, a former college football player who has been diagnosed and has been living with, Avascular Necrosis for the past four years. He has been told that he will be a candidate to total hip replacement in roughly four years.

To come full circle for a moment from my last blog on technology, when I first found out what my client had, I searched the internet like crazy for any kind of article regarding massage and this condition. Because of the word “necrosis”, I knew something was dying.

Avascular Necrosis also known as Osteonecrosis is a disease resulting from the temporary or permanent loss of the blood supply to the bones. Without blood, the bone tissue dies, causing the bone to collapse, which then leads to joint dysfunction. Although it can affect any bone in the body, the most commonly affected sites are the epiphysis (ends) of the long bones, particularly the femur. Check out the cool diagram below, which I found under Patient Education on orthogate.org.

At any rate, my client has lost a significant amount of flexibility in the affected leg. In addition, the affected leg has atrophied considerably, so much so that it is noticeable both visually and physically. The affected leg is not just visibly smaller, but lacks muscle density.

He walks with a pronounced limp, with a gait that seems like he’s swinging his leg forward from the hip. He often complains about a “bone-on-bone” feeling which gives him a lot of pain – not just sometimes pain, but constant pain. When I asked him what his doctors said, he indicated that he was told there’s not much they can do but wait. If they do hip replacement surgery too soon, he may have to get another one in his lifetime.

Seems like a terrible prognosis, no? Wait until what? The hip fractures? Gives me the heebie-jeebies, I tell you.

It took me several months to convince this particular client to come in for some work, especially since by his reasoning, there was nothing that his doctors had been able to do for him so far except prescribe him pain medication. I managed to wear him down finally, and he came in for his first appointment.

I knew at the point he came in that there was nothing I could do as a massage therapist to “fix” him, and that all I can do is help him manage his pain. I spent an hour and a half working on him. I incorporate a lot of stretching in my sessions, but I was very careful not to stretch his affected leg, which had an atrocious range of motion – or is it a lack of? Flexion at the hip of the affected leg was roughly 35 degrees, with his leg medially rotated. From the feel of it, it seemed as though the bone was “fused”. I didn’t dare apply any kind of pressure whatsoever.

While it took me a several months to convince this very skeptical client to come in for a massage, the payoff was completely worth it. I always send a customary follow-up email the day after I work on a client, and when I sent him my customary email, he replied that he had not felt that loose or pain free in two years and he wanted to book his next appointment.

That was all the validation I needed – I had found my “raison d’etre”.

Melinda Eubank

Share This