As a Holistic Therapist specialising in Women’s Wellbeing I am always mindful of the potential effects of my client’s state of mind on the state of her health….and even the state of her skin.
The term “Psychodermatology” sounds like a complicated concept, but put very simply it is just the link between our thoughts & feelings and the condition of our skin. For example, an inability to process stress or emotions can present in our skin as common conditions such as eczema, rosacea or psoriasis.
Psychodermatology is the reason why, the first time I see you as a new client, I put aside at least 20 minutes (and a cup of tea!) to have a thorough consultation with you prior to your treatment so that I can understand exactly what emotional issues and stresses are weighing on your mind. I want to really understand how you are feeling and get to know you before I even touch your face! More often than not, the issues that you raise with me can be read in your skin and can be effectively treated on two levels - not only with the correct skin care product prescription, but also with a holistic approach to easing your worried mind.
Having had a chat around your state of mind and stress levels in our initial consultation means that I am much better positioned to help you achieve the improvement to the condition in your skin that you are seeking, all because we have opened up a vital dialogue about the effects of your thoughts and feelings on the appearance of your skin, a concept which you might not have really given much consideration to before.
During your facial treatment we will then proceed to use the skin care products that will best treat your own specific skin care concerns; but equally as importantly, we will discuss holistic approaches to help you manage stress and negative feelings going forward, and even incorporate some of them into the treatment itself.
For example, one of my most popular facial treatments, the Divine Ritual Holistic Facial, actually incorporates aspects of other healing modalities such as facial reflexology and crystals to soothe stressed energies and enhance feelings of well-being. Indeed, all of my facial treatments include a slow neck, scalp and shoulder massage to help you slip into a really deep state of relaxation during your treatment. You can even opt for a hot stone facial where tiny warmed pebbles are massaged with a melting balm over temples and tight jaws to release worries and tensions.
After a treatment I always give you feedback as to what I found – for example I use Ancient Chinese Facial Mapping to understand if there could be issues within different systems of the body from the positioning of areas of inflammation or congestion on the skin, and I use my advanced facial reflexology training to let you know whether I picked up on any reflex points that might be sensitive.
Quite frequently when a client comes to me for a facial with a particular skin concern that is upsetting them, I can also feel it as an imbalance in the energies over their brain reflex where they are holding onto the associated stress and tension of feeling that they are not looking their best.
Approaching every facial treatment that I deliver not just as a Facialist but as an expert Holistic Therapist means that we always address the psycho-dermatological aspect of your skin issues during your facials. The aftercare suggestions that I offer you as you float back down to earth at the end of your treatment are just as important as the soothing glides, pressures and rhythms of my hands and the application of a bespoke selection of skin care products.
Don’t be surprised if you leave the Treatment Room having been encouraged to download a new meditation app, been given a handful of herbal tea bags to help you kick-start a withdrawal from your caffeine habit, or had a flyer for the local yoga studio pushed into your hands so that you can find new ways of managing any stress and negative feelings in your life and thereby improving the condition of your skin.
If you take my aftercare advice to heart and look after yourself mind, body and soul, I guarantee I’ll be able to see an improvement in the condition of your skin the next time you hop onto my cosy, heated treatment bed for your facial and sink into that blissful state of deep relaxation when you know that you’re in the hands of a Therapist that truly cares for all aspects of your well-being and beauty.
Can’t wait to see you for your next Facial!
Vicky xx