INTODUCTION
The
professional esthetician must always create a good first impression when
meeting a client, and that first good impression should be a lasting
one. You cannot create a good visual impression if you have neglected
your posture and your physical appearance. Good posture and proper body
alignment add to your sense of well-being because they allow your
internal organs to function properly. You will look more confident and
your clothes will fit better.
Correct posture is vitality important
to your body because it helps to prevent fatigue, improves your personal
appearance, and permits graceful movements. Good posture is an
important part of personal care.Regular exercises keeps the muscles of
the body in good condition and assist I forming the habit of good
posture. Practice trains the muscles to hold the body correctly. Good
posture is a matter of habit. Avoid slouching, humped shoulders, and
spinal curvature while working.To walk and stand correctly, and to
attain good body balance, distribute your body weight properly.People
who are on their feet for long hours should stand with their feet close
enough together so that the body weight is distributed onto the balls of
the feet rather than onto the heels. Standing with the feet side by
side tends to throw the body out of alignment, causing fatigue. When one
foot (either the left or right) is placed slightly ahead of the other,
it is easier to balance the body weight. Good balance, muscle control,
and coordination of the hands and feet help to prevent fatigue.
This is
the basic (at ease) stance for men and women:
- Turn the left foot out at a
forty-five degree angle.
- Point the right foot straight ahead with the
heel at the instep of the left foot.
- The right foot may also be placed
several inches ahead of the left.Keep both knees slightly flexed with
the right knee bent inward.
The basic stance enables you to shift your
weight from one foot to another easily. The basic stance is helpful when
you are standing in one position for any length of time, because it
helps to prevent fatigue. Keep your entire body in alignment, thus
preventing the fatigue, headaches, and backaches.
Back Strain
Poor posture
– Don’t place the feet side by side when it is necessary to bend
over.
Correct Posture – keep the knees flexed when standing.
Comfort for
the client and esthetician – The esthetician’s chair should be adjusted
to a height that is comfortable.
The spine is divided into three
sections. The first seven vertebrae, the cervicals, support the head.
The second section is composed of the middle twelve thoracic vertebrae.
The third section of the spine is known as the lumbar region and has
five lumbar vertebrae.
An exaggerated inward curve of the spine is
called lordosis or swayback. When the thoracic curve is exaggerated and
affects the shoulders it is called kyphosis or humpback. Scoliosis means
a lateral (toward or from the side) deviation of the spine. When an
abnormality of the spine is suspected, or when there is persistent pain
any area of the back, you should see your physician without delay.
Body
Postures
Normal erect postureStiff-rigid posture and stiff knees.
Swayback
or lordosis
Humped shoulders or kyphosis
Deviation of the spine or
scoliosis
Good posture rules:
Carry the weight on the balls of your feet,
not on the heels. Imagine a plumb-line falling from your shoulder, and
stand.Keep your knees flexed.Keep your shoulders back.Hold your abdomen
in.Hold your head high. This gives you the appearance of confidence and
reduces aching shoulders as well.
Advantages of good posture:
It gives a
feeling of confidence.Good posture helps build good health by allowing
the inner organs room to function properly."standing tall" helps to
improve your speech by freeing the power-source of your voice, the
diaphragm.Proper body alignment contributes to a dynamic
personality.
Correct Sitting Posture
Place your feet on the floor directly
under your knees.Have the seat of the chair even with your knees.Allow
your feet to carry the weight of your thighs. Rest the weight of your
torso on the thigh bones, not on the end of your spine.Keep your torso
erect.Make sure your chair is at the height so that the upper and lower
parts of your arm form a right angle when you are working.Correct
sitting position is important because it helps avoid general fatigue and
back strain. Sit with the lower back against the chair, leaning
slightly forward while giving a service. If a stool is used, sit on the
entire stool. Keep chest up.To avoid back strain while reading, writing,
or studying, whether it be in school, business, or at home, sit well
back in the chair. Do not sit in a slouching position at any
time.
Correct Lifting Technique
When you lift something heavy, be sure to
use the weight lifter’s method, or lift with the heavy thigh muscles,
never the back muscles.
Correct Stooping Or Technique
To pick up an
article from the floor:Place your feet close together.Keep your back
perpendicular to the floor as you bend your knees.Lift with the muscles
of your legs and buttocks, not with the back.
HAND AND NAIL GROOMING
When
you must place your hands in harsh solutions, wear plastic or rubber
gloves.Use a protective hand cream or lotion after washing your hands
and at bedtime.Keep the cuticles pushed back. Use a cream or oil to keep
cuticles soft. Push back the cuticles with a soft cloth after washing
your hands.Nails should not be too long and never pointed. Nails that
are too long can interfere with your work, and you run the risk of
scratching the client.If you bite or pick your nails, you must break
this habit.
CARE OF FEET
Poorly fitted shoes are often responsible for
poor posture, malformed feet, and aching backs. Women should avoid
extreme high heels because the weight of the body is thrown forward.
Well fitted shoes give the body support and balance which help to
maintain good posture. Keep the toenails filed smooth. Corns, bunions or
ingrown nails should receive care from a chiropodist. Sensible shoes
that support the arch will help prevent fatigue. Giving the feet a few
minutes daily care is essential to good posture and good health. Healthy
feet help produce a more pleasing personality.
Normal And Weak Arches
A
normal footprint is narrow in the middle and wide at the heel and at the
toes. Good arches are characteristic of the normal footprint. A weak
foot is caused by a weak arch. Its footprint is wider in the middle than
a normal footprint. Fallen arches or flat feet is a common foot
ailment. The flat foot leaves a footprint that is almost the same width
throughout its entire length. Weak and flat feet may be eased by means
of massage, exercise, or the wearing of arch supports and proper shoes,
after consultation with a foot specialist.
