Report on the 2007 International Congress of Esthetics and Spa Philadelphia

by Julie Register

The 2007 International Congress of Esthetics and Spa was at the Philadelphia Convention Center Sunday, October 7 and Monday October 8. I attended the Sunday session.

I arrived in time to catch the end of Margaret Ancira's talk Turn Treatments into Profits. Her message - Carrying out effective pretreatment consultations and educating clients on a proper home care regimen are key to the bottom line. Skin is on a 28-day cycle, therefore, your clients should be on a monthly facial cycle. Be sure to leave enough time in the treatment time to explain what you are doing and, at the end, rebook and teach clients how to take care of themselves between visits by making post-treatment product recommendations. Never appear rushed. Give them your absolute undivided attention. Use the same products in the treatment as you sell retail so they can experience them with you first. Use treatments as a demo of products you sell. Educating your clients establishes trust, increases compliance with recommendations, ensures repeated retail sales and builds the bottom line. Margaret Ancira is an educator, esthetician and founder of PCA Advanced Skin Care Systems. In 1990, she launched the first nonprescription, clinically researched skin care line marketed directly to physicians and clinical estheticians. Her innovative products aid in correcting a variety of skin conditions including acne, hyperpigmentation, psoriasis, rosacea and sun damage.

Gil Amsallem demonstrated Bamboo Massage. Gil used bamboo of varying thicknesses. The thinner Bamboo allowed for deeper penetration. Short, thin sticks are used for facial massage. Used upright, the bamboo is used to stimulate pressure points. Gil also demonstrated how the technique could be used with two therapists at the same time. He varied the speed, contact area, and depth. Bamboo massage is said to reduce tension, relieve tightness in muscles and tendons, contour the body, stimulate blood and lymph flow, and relax the body and mind. Gil Amsallem is a trainer in France and has been a kinesiotherapist for 24 years. He is also the creator of “sensory massage,” which involves a balanced combination of massage techniques. He teaches massage and care of the body at the school of Esthetics Éysée Marbeuf of Paris and is the program director of Vital TEAM, and co-founder of Academy Massage.

Gil Amsallem Demonstrating Bamboo Massage

 

Melanie and Robert Sachs of Diamond Way Ayurveda displayed their many ayurvedic spa & beauty products, equipment, books (see below) and education material at the expo.

Melanie and Robert Sachs Diamond Way Ayurveda

Tibetan Chakra Stone Treatment

They also presented two 90-minute classes. Mind and Body Ayurvedic Renewal for You and Your Clients presented centuries-old Tibetan longevity exercises to maintain vital essence and core strength, boost energy and clear the mind - marma vital energy points and guided visualizations to clear negative emotions. Tibetan Chakra Stone Massage presented Tibetan Ayurvedic chakras, the vital energy wheels of the body, with a demonstration of Ayurvedic massage techniques using semi-precious stone placement for spiritual growth and transformation, and guided imagery visualization. Robert Sachs is a counselor, licensed massage therapist and educator. He is the author of Health Secrets from The Roof of The World. Melanie Sachs is a certified Ayurvedic life counselor. She authored Ayurvedic Beauty Care and is renowned for applying Ayurveda in the world of beauty. Robert and Melanie work as a team.

There were about 200 exhibitors displaying a wide range of products such as skincare products and cosmetics, skin care equipment, microdermabrasion & ultrasonic machines, photo rejuvenation equipment, airbrush tanning equipment, disposables, spa wear, body detoxification systems, body care products, massage instructional videos, relaxation and meditation equipment, spa music, brushes, uniforms, candles, eyelash extensions, magazines, waxing products, spa refreshments, computer software, cellulite treatments, teeth whitening systems, cosmetic packaging, online advertising and more. Here is a small sample of what was there (click on the images to enlarge):