Guest Blogger Joe Barbalaco, Director of Massage Programs

Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. Deep Tissue Massage is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries.

When there is muscle and joint overuse, these situations can occur:
·    nerve entrapments ( nerves being pinched)
·    muscle adhesions ( Gluing/ muscle groups and joint structures bind up)
·    inflammation and scar tissue (occurs from muscle strains/pulls)

These bodily injuries change the tissue in three undesirable ways.

1.  The tissue itself does not get enough oxygen, a condition also called “hypoxia.”

2.  There can be an accumulation of small tears, also called a micro-trauma.

3.  Acute conditions occur such as pulls and tears.

·    These three types of changes cause the body to heal by producing tough, dense scar tissue in the area that has been injured, which replaces the healthy tissue.
·    The scar tissue itself then binds up the surrounding tissues, so that they can no longer move freely.
·    As more scar tissue builds up, muscles themselves can become shorter and weaker.
·    Scar tissue in not as strong and stable as healthy tissue

A massage therapist is needed to help break down muscle adhesions and scar tissue.  Without treatment the condition will only progress as time goes on.

Scar Tissue Removal:
There are different methods of use to help get rid of unwanted scar tissue. One of those ways would be deep tissue massage.   Massaging with deep cross fiber friction will help to remove internal scar.

It can relieve such “overuse” problems as carpal syndrome, shoulder pain, shin splints, sciatica, plantar fascilitis, knee problems, tennis elbow and other conditions that hinder a person quality of life. These problems all occur because of overuse, and can be cured with specific trained massage therapy techniques.

In our next BLOG September 23, we will continue this topic about scar tissue and inflammation.  We will discuss its effects it has on athletes and the everyday person.

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Guest Blogger Master Esthetics Instructor Holly Judd

Holly is a Licensed Master Esthetician, Holistic Health Practitioner, and Licensed Massage Therapist.

What is one thing that we all hate?  Anxiety.  Anxiety is very natural before we take a step into the unknown, whether it be test taking, new job, or even a date.  So, what is the best preparation for any or all of those subjects?  Research, study, know your basics and communicate.  I’m going to dive into each one of those a little bit and help ease those restless nights, snappy days and/or tears.  A lot of the NIC Examination is going to be similar to your basic exam, but there are more questions on medical terminology, medical conditions, advanced spa, laser treatments, anatomy and physiology.

Research- I remember the days when the encyclopedias in the living room were the answer to anything and everything!  Now the internet  gives us access to books, articles, research and everything else you can imagine.  When you are studying for the NIC Exam, online tools provide a wealth of resources.  Practice tests, flashcards, books, forums from other students or estheticians that have moved to a different state and need to take exam all are great resources to help you prepare.  All of these tricks of the trade can help tremendously.

Study- Start as soon as possible.  If you are a student, start your first day.  When I say that I mean pay attention in class, takes notes, and read your chapters.  We teachers have all been through it.  We don’t teach to trick, we teach to assist.  In my class we play games and give assignments with subjects that I know are on the test or simply test questions.  Make flash cards and have your friends or family quiz you.  Remember this is something that is only going to help you as you advance in your career.  Make it fun, it’s only a small fraction of your life that you need to buckle down for.

Know the basics- Remember the Utah NIC Exam is the only test Utah students take.  There are basic questions from the first 600 hours of school, ie. electricity, chemistry, basic ingredients, basic skin disorders, anatomy and physiology.  If you want extra practice, there are a lot of different quiz websites, books and information online that can help.

Communicate- Talk to others that have taken the NIC Exam.  If you are not a student with other classmates that have taken it look online.  There are numerous forums that have estheticians from other states moving to certain places that require the NIC Exam.

Last but not least remember to breathe, take deep breaths and don’t cram for the test!

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Guest Blogger Olga Filatova, Internationally Certified Aesthetics Educator at Bellus Academy

Skin care is one of the fastest growing segments of the beauty industry. Historically there have not been multiple levels of certification and training offered through beauty school education. Some beauty professionals choose to apprentice under more experienced, licensed beauty therapists, while others opt for continuing education through professional associations and annual trade shows.

Because of expanding technologies and the advancement of products and procedures, the industry has recognized a need to provide esthetics professionals with advanced training.

Master estheticians typically absorb an in-depth esthetics curriculum focused on a variety of advanced procedures and spend twice the time training and studying. They receive training on equipment and modalities not covered in a basic esthetics program. Though each curriculum varies by school, topics may include:

Advanced general sciences: Infection control and sanitation; anatomy, physiology, and histology of the skin; chemistry and biochemistry; hormones.
Advanced skin sciences: Botanicals and aromatherapy; pharmacology for estheticians; skin care products; skin typing and analysis; advanced skin disorders.
Esthetics: Advanced facial techniques and massage, chemical rejuvenation, microdermabrasion, LED treatments.
Spa therapies: Body treatments including masks and wraps; alternative therapies, light therapy, and Ayurveda.
Medical: Terminology; pre- and post-medical treatments; plastic surgery procedures.
Business skills: Financial literacy; marketing, retailing.

Master Education for Bigger and Better Opportunities

The Master Esthetics inclusive course is designed to meet the requirements of licensure and goes beyond entry-level proficiency. The comprehensive curriculum has additional content modules for individuals who want to receive additional training in cutting edge machinery and protocols not taught at most schools. This course will give you the added knowledge and education to set you apart from your colleagues. With advanced education, you can become more competitive for medical esthetician jobs.

Treatments & Services you will be able to perform after completing our Master program:

Skin Analysis & Consultation
Treatment & Program Design & Implementation
Facials & Skin Treatments (Manual)
Specialty Masks & Treatments
Lip and Eye Treatments
Facials & Skin Treatments with the use of Machines
Body Treatments such as  wraps, masks and scrubs
Back treatments, Décolleté, Hand & Foot treatments
Microdermabrasion & Advanced Mechanical Exfoliation Techniques
Oxygen rejuvenation
Enzymes & Herbal Exfoliators
Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Peels
Modified Jessner Peels
Trichloracetic Acid Peels & Designer Peels
Light Therapy treatments, LED
Microcurrent  facial rejuvenation
Advanced Treatments of the Face & Body
Cellulite Treatments,  “VelaShape”

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On January 1, 2011 the Manhattan American Academy evolved to become the Bellus Academy.  This is the first expansion of the Bellus brand recognized as the Best Beauty School in the Nation  by Modern Salon.  Bellus has made headlines for revolutionizing the beauty and wellness education and as important, the hiring process for top spas and salons.

We are so thrilled to bring the Bellus brand and our advanced curriculum to this premier school lead by David Yocum the previous owner and now Academy Director.  David has always focused on providing his students and graduates with the finest educational experience in a well designed and equipped environment.  As David was looking to grow and expand, merging with the Bellus Academy was a visionary commitment to the community and to the students in Kansas!

To celebrate the first expansion of the Bellus brand, the company held a Grand opening celebration on January 12, 2011.  The event attracted over 350 guests from the Manhattan area including Salon and Spa professionals, current students, their family, clients, the community and Kansas elected officials.  The evening included demonstrations by the Bellus Artistic Director and Master Educator – Diego Raviglione and Nick Berardi who engaged the audience with the latest styles and hair design.  Joanne Berry, Director of Spa and Wellness introduced the International Certification (ITEC) that will be coming to Manhattan.  This will allow graduates to be certified internationally and have the opportunity to work in 35 countries worldwide.  Joanne also introduced the latest training from Dr. Murad – Inclusive Health.  Paula Konce the Nurse and esthetic practitioner for Dr. Murad presented an overview of the value of balancing your life, nutrition and skin care routines.  The Academy will be reviewing the opportunities to add the Bellus advanced curriculum into the Manhattan campus.

The Academy is planning our second event for April 2011 where we will unveil new opportunities for the Bellus Academy students and graduates – so stay tuned for your invitation!!!!!!!!!

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BRAZILIAN & ADVANCED WAXING TECHNIQUES
Date & Time: Monday, January 31st, 10am – 4pm
Requirements: Esthetics (all levels)
Instructor: Trisha Bean from Jaco Distributors
Price: $75 (20% discount for current students & alumni)

MUST BRING YOUR OWN BRAZILIAN WAX MODEL

Workshop Objective: Course covers sanitation, professionalism, several
styles and techniques to best prepare students.

About Trisha Bean
Trisha Bean’s esthetic career began in 2005 in Kansas City, MO at the prestigious Terry Binns Day Spa on the Country Club Plaza. During her time at Terry Binn’s Spa, she began teaching alongside Terry at his distribution center. Trisha was selected to attend an in-depth training seminar in Chicago, IL hosted by International Beauty Systems Group, the exclusive importer of Cirepil. Upon completion, she was honored to become one of seven Master Educators for Cirepil wax and the Cirepil waxing system.

Trisha prides herself on constantly raising the level of professionalism in the waxing industry. She holds herself, as well as her students, to the highest standards of sanitation and cleanliness within the waxing room. She encourages providing a safe, friendly and comfortable waxing environment while always maintaining the integrity of the skin during the waxing service.

Please RSVP
Contact Joanne Berry, Director of Spa Education and Recruitment
jberry@bellusacademy.edu
Direct: 858.748.1490 x321
RSVP at least one week in advance
Open to current students, alumni and all spas & salons

MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT TODAY’S SKIN CARE INGREDIENTS
Date & Time: Monday, February 7th, 9:30am-4:30pm
Requirements: Industry Professionals
Price: $95 before February 1st or $125 afterwards. (20% discount for current students & alumni
Instructor: Rebecca James Gadberry (The leading ingredient authority in the professional skin care industry)

About this workshop

These days it seems everything concerning skincare ingredients is controversial. One company claims their products are all natural while another says natural is an ideal that’s not within reach. Clients want us to “go green” but how can we make sure the products we provide truly deliver on this promise? We’re told cosmeceuticals are like drugs in the world of skincare, but does the FDA agree?

What about the ingredients themselves? Is more of an active ingredient always better? Legally, can we even claim an ingredient is “active” in a skincare product? When it comes to vitamins, which ones and which forms are the most effective? Does Vitamin A actually cause cancer like one organization maintains? What are peptides? Are they truly the miracle workers they’re made out to be? Can they really penetrate the skin? Which peptides are the best and how do we know? As for sunblocks, why do we still burn if they’re blocking out the sun’s rays? And do they really cause skin cancer?

To answer these questions and many more, we’ve asked Rebecca James Gadberry – the leading ingredient authority in the professional skincare industry – to explain the facts about some of the most common myths and misunderstandings in our industry. A licensed esthetician since 1977, an award-winning educator and cosmetic chemist who has formulated well over 1200 products, and the chief instructor of UCLA Extension’s popular Cosmetic Science courses for 25 years, Rebecca brings a unique understanding to the world of skincare ingredients. 
Please join us for a full and exciting day of ingredient education. The format is designed for open discussion and Rebecca welcomes the questions you haven’t been able to – or can’t – ask anyone else.

Instructor’s Bio
Rebecca James Gadberry is widely recognized as the professional skin care industry’s leading ingredient authority. An award-winning journalist, skin care developer, licensed esthetician and one of the industry’s most dynamic educators, Rebecca has been the senior instructor of the highly acclaimed User-Friendly Ingredient Series at UCLA Extension since 1986, is the chair-elect for the California Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, and is Chairman | CEO of YG Laboratories, manufacturers of private label professional performance skin care for cosmetic brands worldwide.

Please RSVP
Contact Joanne Berry, Director of Spa Education and Recruitment
jberry@bellusacademy.edu
Direct: 858.748.1490 x321
RSVP at least one week in advance
Open to current students, alumni and all spas & salons

About Bellus Academy’s Advanced Spa & Wellness Workshops
In the past five years, the field of medical and specialized Esthetics & Massage/Bodywork has continued to boom requiring Estheticians/Massage Therapists to seek out continued education. In fact, according to the US Department of Labor statistics for 2008-2018, Skin Care Specialists will experience an estimated 38% growth as consumers become more concerned with their personal appearance. Massage therapists’ employment is expected to grow by 19 percent from 2008-2010, as people learn more about the benefits of massage therapy. To meet the needs of this rapidly increasing segment and the demand for qualified Estheticians/Massage Therapists, we are hosting advanced, specialized workshops at Bellus Academy.

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