The Venik can easily stir up mixed emotions and pique curiosity when trying out the Russian Bathhouse ritual. After all, it is not every day that one gets whipped by a bundle of leafy tree branches!

Anyone who is brave enough to experience a Venik massage will tell you about the unimaginable relaxation it brings. The Venik is more than just an apparatus for a massage but is a symbol for the Russian bathhouse and is deeply rooted in the South-Western culture.

What is a Venik?

In MASSAGE TECHNOLOGY / MASSAGE THERAPY a Venik is a bunch of leafy tree twigs used to massage, by means of flogging your body, commonly consisting of oak, ( a natural astringent, anti-inflammatory, due to tannins and flavonoids)  birch, (contains a high level of ascorbic acid – Vit C, this is a great exfoliant and brightens the skin, reduces the appearance of scars and age spots) eucalyptus, (the leaves contain a substance called alpha-pinene, a proven decongestant with anti-bacterial properties) linden (has a sedative effect on humans, it improves blood circulation and is anti-inflammatory due to the Quercetin and Rutin substances) and juniper (has the same benefits as the eucalyptus but is harsher than the other Veniks, so get ready for some serious exfoliation).

Preparing for the Massage

Fill a bucket with warm to hot water, douse your Venik in the water, and leave it for approximately 15 min, while the Venik soaks, you will sit in a steam or sauna room before starting your Venik massage. After your body has warmed up a therapist will then tap your body in light whipping tapping motions all over your body with the Venik, or if you prefer you can perform this yourself in the sauna. Directly after, it is time to cool down and relax, you can either head straight to the cold plunge pool or shower or better yet, jump in the snow as the Russians would typically do.

The rapid temperature change tightens pores, leaving your skin feeling clean and taut, and improves blood circulation. This is also a great way to strengthen your immune system, as the extreme change in temperature tricks the body into believing it has a fever and triggers the production of white blood cells. After the cool down your muscles will feel loose, you will feel lighter, and breath easier, in other words, total and complete relaxation. In MASSAGE TECHNOLOGY / MASSAGE THERAPY, this process can be repeated several times for an invigorating effect. After the treatment, you can then relax with a nice cup of herbal tea in the relaxation area and enjoy the benefits of this unique massage experience.

Offer this European MASSAGE THERAPY/ MASSAGE TECHNOLOGY technique in your spa to provide variety to your treatment menu and you are guaranteed to entice clients into your spa.

We offer a variety of MASSAGE THERAPY / MASSAGE TECHNOLOGY COURSES, these can be done on a part-time or full-time basis.

Massage therapy can be broadly defined as the manual manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues in the body, including connective tissues, ligaments, and tendons, with the purpose of improving a person’s health and well-being.

In HEALTH AND SKINCARE/ BEAUTY THERAPY/ SOMATOLOGY/ MASSAGE THERAPY massage is often known for its ability to provide relaxation and stress relieving properties. Most know massage therapy has the power to calm us down, make us feel good, and relieve tension in our muscles.

In the study of HEALTH AND SKINCARE/ BEAUTY THERAPY/ SOMATOLOGY/MASSAGE THERAPY, you will learn that Massage stimulates the left brain, which houses feelings of happiness, motivation, excitement, and being pleased. If a person is motivated, they are capable of producing their utmost best work as opposed to when they are demotivated. Massage therapy is a great tool to produce awareness and heightens alertness.

The following are the psychological benefits of massage therapy:

• Reduced anxiety – when the body experiences physical reactions when hit by psychologically charged feelings, the body becomes negatively affected by these reactions. Massage therapy helps to reduce the feeling of fear, anticipation, and worry.
• Improved moods – Regular massage therapy helps to release endorphins and serotonin which help in making us feel happy. Endorphins are feel-good hormones that are essentially the body’s natural pain blockers that are associated with chronic pain.

• Increased relaxation – the overall ambiance, the lighting, the soft music, the aromatic scents, the soft and clean bedding, and the actual massage itself, all contribute to the overall experience of a relaxing and calming massage.
• Increased energy – While massage therapy can be relaxing, the brisk movement of certain massage strokes can energize the client and increase their concertation and mental sharpness.
• Improved rest/sleep – regular massage therapy helps to improve sleep patterns in most people due to the slowing down in the functioning of the nervous system thus allowing the mind to also slow down in functioning.
• Stress management – regular massages are effective in stress management techniques that assist with controlling stress symptoms which can be caused by being overwhelmed or over-committed to work, school, relationships, or home.
• Management of emotional disorders – Massage therapy can help you manage emotional disorders like depression, PTSD, ADHD, or anxiety as part of your overall treatment plan due to the fact it is soothing, calming, nurturing, and relaxing. Massage therapy can improve your state of mind if you concentrate on releasing negative thoughts during the treatment.

• Boosts focus – Most people have trouble staying present (work meetings, studying, reading a book) for more than 15 minutes. The effects of massage therapy will help improve your attention span and ability to focus. This is because, in order for you to best pay attention, your heart rate needs to be lowered thus making you more attentive.

What is the aim of this massage?

In MASSAGE TECHNOLOGY / MASSAGE THERAPY, the purpose of this massage is to create complete balance, harmony, and wellness, mentally, physically, and emotionally by using a technique that incorporates the use of pure essential oils and combining aromatherapy, reflexology, and massage therapy with moist heat to create healing and cleansing alignment to the body.

How is the massage carried out?

The Raindrop massage technique uses a sequence of nine essential oils that have been clinically tested to have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. These essential oils are dropped gently on the spine and then lightly massaged using various massage techniques. The oils include Basil, Cypress, Marjoram, Oregano, Peppermint, Thyme, and Wintergreen. The massage therapist dispenses the oils along the client’s spine like little drops of rain from a height of about 15cm. The oils are gently brushed up the spine and lightly massaged over the rest of the back. A warm heat compress is then applied over the area, which facilitates oil absorption and muscle relaxation.

The theory behind the treatment

This technique is based on the theory that many spinal conditions are caused by pathogens that reside dormant along the spine. This condition creates inflammation causing disfigurement along the spine. The application of antimicrobial essential oils reduces inflammation and kills pathogens, thus providing symptom relief. In MASSAGE THERAPY / MASSAGE TECHNOLOGY, we also know that we have a higher concentration of neurological and arterial activity in the spinal area. This concentrated activity supports greater blood flow and absorption capabilities, which allow for greater distribution and heightened function of the essential oils throughout the body.

Why not upskill your current massage technique and offer something new in your spa today? Join us for our MASSAGE THERAPY / MASSAGE TECHNOLOGY COURSE which can be done on a part-time or full-time basis.

The two main signs of facial aging are loss of skin tone causing sagging of facial contours called elastosis and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

In the field of SOMATOLOGY / AESTHETICS / HEALTH AND SKINCARE, the effects of aging and the causes thereof are covered in great depth. Different anti-aging solutions are available to either restore volume, using targeted injections/ dermal fillers, or tighten the skin by means of more invasive interventions. Soft Sutures however is a unique treatment that offers a non-invasive solution to both. A discreet and immediate lifting effect is achieved as soon as the suture is applied. The face is reshaped by means of a double action: compressing and elevating the tissue.  The component of the suture is then gradually absorbed by the body, and this allows the polylactic acid to restore the shape of the face offering a natural and regenerating effect.

The sutures come in the form of bidirectional absorbable thread cones. It is made in the United States and its development is based on six years of experience in suture suspension with cones. This method is widely used in reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. You can redefine your face, restore volume and reduce wrinkles in a 30-minute soft suture treatment with results that last up to 18 months. How amazing is that!

Areas that can be treated are various parts of the face like general contouring of the entire face or focusing on areas like the lower jaw, cheeks, and cheekbones. Contra-Indications to this treatment would be any allergies to the suture material or any local anesthetics.

Benefits of soft sutures include:

• Long-lasting results in just 30 min.
• The components of the suture are natural and fully absorbable.
• Look and feel young again.

Soft sutures are performed by a qualified medical aesthetic doctor and together with qualified SOMATOLOGY / AESTHETICS / HEALTH AND SKINCARE therapists conduct pre and post-care facial treatments which offer quick healing and rejuvenation of the skin.

The field of aesthetics is ever-changing and it’s important to stay up to date with all the latest technology. We offer courses in SOMATOLOGY / AESTHETICS / HEALTH AND SKINCARE to keep you up to date with the latest the skincare industry has to offer.

If you’re seeking a drastic change, the consensus has it that bobs and bangs will take over in 2023. Curtain bangs, bobs, and classic ’90s layers are becoming classic looks that experts say will continue to be huge for years to come.

The Blunt Bob

In HAIRDRESSING / COSMETOLOGY, the
blunt bob will remain popular throughout 2023
as people have become more daring with their
hair choices. This is a style that requires a big
chop, depending on your hair length, and really
adds so much definition and structure to the
face. Play around with your hair’s natural
texture and opt for undone, textured waves.
Grab a curling iron to curl hair in small sections.
Once your hair is curled, run your fingers through your hair to get that
“undone” look then add some texture spray to hold the look.

Curtain Bangs

In HAIRDRESSING / COSMETOLOGY
curtain bangs are here to stay. These face
framing bangs are complimentary to many
face shapes so a winner all around. When
styling, use a medium barrel round brush
to blow dry the bangs away from the face
and give your fringe (and the rest of your
hair) the classic blowout look.

One Length

If layers have never been your thing,
you’re in luck. A “one-length” cut has
already started to trend and will
continue to be big in 2023. To keep hair
from looking too limp, try styling it with a
mousse for added volume.