What’s in a massage?

Love yourself, get a massage.

Wikipedia defines “massage” as follows; “Massage is to work and act on the body with pressure. Massage techniques are commonly applied with hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm, feet, or a device. The purpose of massage is generally for the treatment of body stress or pain”

There are many massage techniques and practitioners are always looking at ways to improve the basics and make it more effective.

When most people think of massages, they will think of “Swedish Massage”. Swedish Massage takes its name from a 19th-century Swedish physiologist, Per Henrik Ling, whose system of medical gymnastics included massage.  Johan Georg Mezger (1838-1909) later re-organised it into the modern system that we know today as the “Swedish massage” system. Swedish massage is defined by five techniques, which have French names: effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic choppings), and friction (rubbing).

Aromatic oils and creams enhance the massage treatment

Deep Tissue Massage differs from Swedish Massage in the sense that Deep Tissue Massage is used to break down scar tissue and muscle knots that affect the normal function of the tissue and muscles. It usually focuses on a specific problem and are not a general relaxing massage as Swedish.

Lomi lomi is the word used today to mean "massage therapist" or "Hawaiian massage." In the Hawaiian language, the word used traditionally, called lomi, means "to knead, to rub, or soothe; to work in and out, as the paws of a contented cat.” (Wikipedia)

This definition only touch on the true meaning of what a Hawaiian lomi lomi massage is. Traditionally it is much more than just a massage technique and although the western massage therapists are trained in this unique form of massage, we will probably never reach the heights in our treatments that the traditional Polynesians have in theirs.

"A Lomi Lomi usually commences with a stillness between the practitioner and client, often with the practitioners hands gently resting on the clients back," says Tracey Lakainapali. "In this stillness the practitioner will quietly say a blessing or prayer asking for whatever healing is needed to take place during the massage. Alternatively or as well, the client may be asked to set their intention for any healing they would like to receive. The masseuse then works very intuitively with the client. In this respect there is no set format or sequence for the massage and no two massages will ever be identical"

Thai Massage moves away from the stroking, relaxing and kneading techniques of the other massages and uses stretching, pulling, and rocking techniques to relieve tension and enhance flexibility and range of motion. It is sometimes painful and uncomfortable, but the massage therapist should then adjust her technique and movements to ease up on the pressure.

No matter which massage technique you prefer, massage has a wide range of benefits and can help with the following:
• Relieve tension headaches
• Reduce types of back pain
• Relieve joint stiffness and pain
• Increase flexibility and range of motion
• Stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage
• Boost energy
• Calm the nervous system
• Relax and calm down muscle tension and spasms
• Release blocked energy


Come and experience our massage therapy. We do not cut corners.

Contact Gerda at gerda@agbeautysalon.co.za or Cell 0823989817

Product review: TheraVine™ Face Muscle Relaxant Ampoules

AGB Salon reviews are written by a trained beautician with first-hand experience with the product as well as interactive feed-back from clients for more than 13 years.

http://www.agbeautysalon.co.za/beauty-products/theravine/theravine-face-relaxant-ampoules-forsale.html

Presentation: 60 ampoules

Product description:
This age-defying, satiny smooth serum contained in an ampoule targets the formation of lines and wrinkles caused by skin folding due to the contraction of facial muscles as well as natural ageing. It contains a clinically proven active, Argireline®, which has shown to reduce the skin depth of wrinkles by up to 50% within 30 days. It is a milder and safer atlernative to Botox.

How to use: Cut the tip of the ampoule and squeeze the contents into your hand. Gently massage into the forehead and expression lines around the eye and mouth.

Active ingredients

Argireline®-Acetyl Hexapeptide-3:  It reduces the depth of wrinkles caused by the contraction of the muscles of the facial expression up to 50% in 30 days

General comment/s: These ampoules have a “ready-to-use” dosage contain within, so it is easy to use without any waste.

Evaluation Keys:                 

Product effectiveness         = Does it do what it says

Value for money                 = Good value compared to similar products

Advanced Ingredients        = Modern technologically advanced ingredients

Skin Effect                         = How does it feel

Absorption                        = Does it absorb into the skin

AGB Salon Review

Product effectiveness:      95%

Value for money:              90%

Advanced Ingredients:      95%

Skin Effect:                       90%

Absorption:                      95                          

Overall rating:                   93%

Best used with: TheraVine™ Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream and TheraVine™ Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream

Please contact gerda at; gerda@agbeautysalon.co.za or 082 398 9817 for more information

Get your even skin tone back-no fuss-TheraVine™ MelanoVine™ anti-pigmentation range

TheraVine™, the manufacturer of scientifically advanced skincare products and the leader in topical
antioxidant technologies, announces the launch of the revolutionary MelanoVine™ range along with
two complimenting treatment procedures.

Men and women from different age groups, are affected by dark spots or patches which can occur on
the face, neck, décolleté or hands. This results due to an increase in melanin production which is
caused by a variety of factors of which the number one cause is excessive sun exposure.
When treating a skin condition like hyperpigmentation, it becomes vitally important to work with a
professional skin care range in conjunction with a specialist who will analyse your skin, help plan your
skin improvement treatment schedule and show you how to properly care for your skin’s needs at
home.

The MelanoVine™ range addresses hyperpigmentation by making use of 2 cutting edge melanosome
inhibiting peptides, a combination of 5 active ingredients comprised of Advanced Hydrating Systems
and Anti-Oxidant Phyto-Chemistry as well as the nano-encapsulation technology of a revolutionary
bilayer liposome leaving the complexion brighter, younger and more uniform.

Combining advanced technology with the latest skin brightening research advances delivered a unique facial treatment using specialised skin care techniques to provide effective and visible brightening results.

Ideal for a dull, devitalised skin with discolouration concerns, the MelanoVine™ Pro-Brilliance
Brightening Facial is specifically aimed at diminishing uneven skin tone while also minimizing the
appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Targeting hyperpigmentation at various levels with scientifically
advanced actives and natural lightening plant extracts, this treatment will aid in a rehydrated
complexion, leaving your skin looking luminous and feeling radiant.

A glycolic acid preparation facilitates deep exfoliation of the stratum corneum cells which allow for
more effective penetration of the Solution+ Concentrate amongst other active ingredients. This
intensive treatment complex leaves the skin looking brightened and more radiant. Specially formulated for skin struggling with brown spots, uneven skin tone and a dull complexion, this scientifically formulated serum contains a synergistic blend of bilayer liposomal technology and skin rejuvenating peptides to refine skin texture, lighten existing melanin and prevent photo-ageing.The use of an energising vitamin enriched mask to perform the unique TheraVine™ pressure point massage and lymphatic drainage massage technique will further enhance the stimulation of the skin prior to the application of the revolutionary Pro-Brilliance Illuminating Mask.

The key active compound of this mask is Biowhite™, a plant complex made of active plant extracts of
mulberry and grape extract amongst others. Known for its ability to inhibit the activity of enzymes
involved in the formation of pigment, this powerful specialised active skin rejuvenation treatment has a
unique skin brightening activity on both normal and hyperpigmented skin.

Results:
- Improves the appearance of sun damaged skin by helping to achieve a more uniform
complexion
- Brightening effect on skin thus helping to create an even skin tone
- Smoothes the appearance of wrinkles and refines skin texture
- Increases radiance and vitality

How to remove your eye make-up without trauma and tears…

Follow these easy steps to stress-free makeup removal:

• Use a good salon make-up remover and damp cotton wool, as some of the cotton wool feels like abrasive pads on the skin when dry. 
• Soak the cotton wool in the make-up remover and place over the eyelids. Wait 5 to 10 seconds for the make-up to softens, then gently stroke the eye lashes from base to tip to remove the mascara. 
• Then stroke softly (not rub and scrub!) from the inside to the outside corner of the eye. 

Be gentle with skin around your eyes

• Repeat this process until all make-up is removed. If there is still be some stubborn make-up, especially eyeliner around the lashes, use an ear bud (Q-tip) soaked in the remover and gently wipes it away. 
• Now you can cleanse your whole face with your skin specific cleanser. Use a gentle toner and the correct eye cream for your age and gently tap it on the eye bone.

Products to try:
Vitaderm Gentle Eye Make-up Remover
Removes water resistant and smudge-proof makeup

TheraVine™ Ultimate Eye Make-up Remover

Ultra fine oils formulated to delicately help remove stubborn eye make-up whilst moisturising the eyelids.

Vitaderm Pre-Cleanse

Highly effective pre-cleanser

Please also read the following articles:

The importance of cleansing your skin

Which cleanser for my skin type?

If you need any further information on how to choose your home care products, please contact us at 082 398 9817 for an appointment or if you want to know more about the products that we stock in the salon, please visit our website @Agbeautysalon

TheraVine Sculpt-O-Vine Contouring and Firming Body Cream Review

Here is the AGB Quick Product Review:

• Sculpt-O-Vine Contouring and Firming Body Cream contains active ingredients specifically designed for the treatment of cellulite and remodelling the body. 
• It is also firming and moisturising cream.
• It will minimise stubborn cellulite , stimulate the removal of stored fat, reduce stubborn curves and refine the hips and moisturise the skin.
• Apply in the morning and evening using upward, circular movement with intense pressure. Massage in well.
• You will get better results if you use the Sculpt-O-Vine Contouring and Firming Body Cream with the Sculpt-O-Vine Cellulite Oil. If used with Sculpt-O-Vine Cellulite Oil apply in the evening after the oil.
• In terms of value for money and quality of product I rate this product at “4”

TheraVine Sculpt-O-Vine Cellulite Oil

Here is the AGB Quick Product Review:

• If you are struggling with cellulite and have tried everything else on the market, try Sculpt-O-Vine Cellulite Oil.
• It is a light mixture of essential oils and botanicals that will refine the tissues, aid in the reduction of a spongy appearance, stimulate, tone and smooth the epidermis. It will improve circulation and detoxify the tissues.
• Apply at night to a damp skin using upward movements.
• You will get better results if you use the Sculpt-O-Vine Cellulite Oil with the Sculpt-O-Vine Contouring and Firming Body Cream.
• In terms of value for money and quality of product I rate this product at “4”

Skin Doctors Gamma Hydroxy Skin Resurfacing Cream

Here is the AGB Quick Product Review:

Skin Doctors Gamma Hydroxy

• Gamma Hydroxy works like a time-released chemical peel, constantly resurfacing the skin, day after day. If you want the resuts of a chemical peel, but cannot see yourself going through the flaking and peeling process, this is the answer!
• Originally developed as a resurfacing cream for acne scarring and pitting, it became quickly evident that this product would provide a lot more. Gamma Hydroxy have a dramatic, visible effect of wrinkles, skin pigmentation, acne scarring, dull environmentally damaged skin, ingrown hair and enlarged pores. Gamma Hydroxy leaves the skin clearer, fresher and silky smooth.
• It is suitable for all skin types. In extreme problematic skin, you can use it all year round. For other clients, we recommend that you use it twice a year during spring and autumn for a 12 week period to boost and renew your skin. Please remember that it contains AHA’s and BHA’s therefore you do need to wear at least a SPF 30 as well.
• In terms of value for money and quality of product I rate this product at “5”

Beauty Rules: Does and Don'ts for Skin Care

THE TEN THOU SHALT/ SHALT NOTS OF BEAUTY-according to me, that is!

In no particular order of importance, except numbers 1 and 2

THOU SHALT NOT tan, EVER!!! The sun is your enemy, NOT your friend. 

There is no such thing as a safe tan, sun beds included. It has been proven over and over and over....that the sun and sun beds give cancer. Sun beds and similar equipment are nothing but cancer machines and should be avoided at all costs. The sun is the number ONE reason for premature ageing and pigmentation.

THOU SHALT use a sun block SPF15 every day of your life. 

Come summer, winter, rain or snow you must wear it 365 days a year. Surfaces like water, snow, sand, glass, cement, even grass and all shiny ones reflect the sun’s rays causing even more damage. Altitude enhance the sun rays so be very careful if you are outside in the mountains.

 THOU SHALT NOT covet your neighbour’s skin. 

Your genes play a major role in how your skin looks and feels. Proper skin routines and STAYING OUT OF THE SUN will make your skin look healthy and beautiful in its own way. 

 THOU SHALT NOT look at the pictures in the magazines of beautiful anorexic looking YOUNG models and believe that all women should look like that. 

The photos are taken in perfect lighting, they use perfect make-up application, spend three hours getting their hair done and their teeth bleached, then the picture goes through digital enhancement and air brushing until it creates the perfect image.

 THOU SHALT NOT buy products over the internet from unreliable sources, during your friend’s “beauty party” at home or through TV shopping channels. 

These people are not trained to give you the best advice. Most of the time they will sell you anything as long as you buy something because they get commission on each and every sale they do, irrespective if the product contains caviar or baking soda.

  THOU SHALT remove ALL make-up every night before going to sleep.

 The body heal and repair itself only during sleep and the skin will absorb and make the most use of any treatment creams applied at night.

  THOU SHALT not squeeze, pick and hassle your skin until it is red, swollen and has irritated spots all over. It creates scarring and pigmented areas that can take months to heal, if at all.

 THOU SHALT not slather your body in cream until you look like a marshmallow. 

More is Not better. Use the creams sparingly and apply a little more if the first application is not enough to feel comfortable. You will only waste a lot of money and products if you overdo the application.

 THOU SHALT NOT exfoliate more than once a week, no matter what the lady in the shop tells you. 

Our outer skin layers can take up to 45 days to replace itself and if you rub and scrub the poor things off every day, you WILL get red, irritated and sensitised skin. THOU SHALT love yourself, ever minute of every day. We are all special and we all have endearing qualities, so let no one tell you differently.

Please be gentle to body, mind and spirit-Namaste