Galvanic body treatment powerpoint

Galvanic Body Treatment
NVQ Level 3 Beauty
Therapy
Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Introduction
The aim of a body
galvanic treatment is to
soften areas of stubborn
fat and disperse any fluid
that is retained in the
area. Therefore, the
treatment disperses the
lumpy fat cells associated
with cellulite.

The effect is achieved by using the properties of
the current and often the active ingredients
within a gel substance, which has a stimulating
effect. The products improve the interchange of
tissue fluids in the area; in addition, the
treatment also produces the specific benefits of
the galvanic current. This treatment creates a
slight warming and tingling sensation when
applied, which the client must be informed
about.

Iontophoresis and body galvanism
Galvanic currents are used in the following two ways in
a body treatment:
1. Iontophoresis - introduces water-soluble anti-cellulite
substances for specific effects using both the
positive and negative pole (depending on
manufacturer’s instructions). This substance will be
repelled into the skin to produce the desired effect.
2. Body Galvanism - uses pads that are soaked in
saline solution. The active electrode is the cathode
(negative). The inactive electrode is placed opposite
the active electrode.

The galvanic machine
The galvanic body machine uses a number of
electrodes, which allows the therapist to treat large
areas of the body. The machine will have the
following features:
 An on/off switch
 Outlets for the attachment of the electrodes
 Intensity control switch – operates variable resistance
 Polarity change over switch – alters current from – to +
 Milliamp meter – provides a reading of the current
flowing through the client

Galvanic current
A continuous and smooth direct current produces the
chemical effects of galvanic therapy. If a smooth current was not
used it would cause the muscles to contract. Galvanic units
operate from the mains electrical supply. Inside the equipment
the mains alternating current at 240 volts is converted into a
smooth direct current at up to 100 volts. This is achieved through
a three-stage process by the following devices:
 Transformer - reduces the voltage of the mains current.
 Rectifier - changes the current from alternating to direct.
 Capacitor - smoothes out any irregularities in the direct current.
The current can now be applied to the body as a smooth
galvanic current.

How does it work?
 A galvanic current is used to bring about a chemical reaction.
 Electrically charged water based solutions known as
electrolytes are applied to the skin to increase its electrical
conductivity.
 When dissolved in water an electrolyte partly splits and forms
ions, which carry either a positive charge (cation) or a negative
charge (anion).
 When the galvanic current is applied the ions within the solution
start to move – they are attracted towards either the positive
pole (anode) or negative pole (cathode). This is because:
Like charges repel
Opposite charges attract

How does it work? continued
 The current can pass through the body
because the bodies’ tissue fluids contain ions.
 In order for the treatment to work both positive
and negative connections are required.
 The electrode that creates the chemical effect
is known as the active electrode and this is
applied to the area requiring attention. The
other electrode is known as the indifferent
electrode, and this is placed on an opposite
area of the limb or trunk.

How does it work? continued
 The galvanic solution will contain active ingredients
that have a positive or negative charge and this will
be indicated by a + or – symbol on the product
container. The solution is repelled into the skin by
the active electrode, which must be the same
polarity as the galvanic solution.
 The most effective electrode for body iontophoresis
is the negative pole due to this being most effective
at treating cellulite conditions. The stimulating effect
will cause tissue fluid movement which will help to
improve the appearance of cellulite conditions.

Remember opposites attract!
Negative
electrode on
cellulite area of
the body
Indifferent
electrode
(positive)
placed on
opposite area
of the body
Negative ions in
product
Circuit

Effects produced by the electrodes
Positively charged active
electrode (anode)
Negatively charged active electrode
(cathode)
Acid reaction occurs producing the
following effects:
1.Skin tissue hardens and firms
2.Blood vessels vasoconstrict,
reducing erythema
3.Soothes nerve endings
4.Astringent and germicidal action
5.Tightens pores
These effects are called
anaphoresis.
Alkali reaction occurs producing the
following effects:
1.Skin tissue softens
2.Blood vessels vasodilate, increasing
erythema
3.Stimulates nerve endings
4.Emulsification & removal of grease
5.Relaxes pores
These effects are called
cataphoresis.

The main uses of a galvanic treatment
 Improvement of the blood circulation, aids with the
removal of waste products and toxins from the area.
 Improvement of the lymphatic circulation, aids with the
removal of waste products and toxins from the area.
 Introduces the specific benefits of the anti-cellulite
product when using iontophoresis.
 Improves the appearance of cellulite.
 Stimulates a sluggish or sallow skin as many products
used in iontophoresis contain seaweed or marine
extracts which are beneficial for these skin conditions.

Restrictions to a galvanic treatment
In addition to the general contra-indications, the
following will restrict treatment in the area:
 Hypersensitive skin or loss of skin sensation - as the
person would not know if the current was
comfortable etc.
 Metal plates or pins in the area
 Highly nervous clients
 Pacemaker
 Pregnant women
 IUD coils in the uterus

Effects of the treatment on the
different systems of the body
Remember the effects
will vary depending on
the polarity of the active
electrode.

Effects on the circulatory system
 Circulation is increased which brings fresh
oxygen and nutrients to the area.
 Increased efficiency in the removal of waste
products from the area.
 Blood vessels will either vasodilate or
vasoconstrict.
 Causes hyperaemia to the area due to the
stimulating effect on the blood flow.

Effects on the skin structures
 Cell metabolism is speeded up which improves the
appearance of the skin.
 Improvement in skin colour due to the vasodilation
of the blood vessels – if a negative polarity is used.
 Dilating or constricting effect on the pores.
 Softening or hardening of the skin tissues.
 May help with the movement of fatty deposits,
improving the contours of the skin.
 Speeds up the body’s metabolism, which will assist
with the burning of fat.

Effects on the lymphatic system
 Lymphatic circulation is increased which
assists with the removal of waste products
from the area.

Effects on the muscular system
 Increased circulation brings fresh oxygen
and nutrients to the muscles and removes
waste products. This is only a minor effect.

Effects on the nervous system
 Stimulating or soothing effect on the nerve
endings depending on the polarity used.

Skin testing
In order to perform a safe and effective treatment the
therapist must check that the client has normal skin
sensation. This is ascertained by performing a
sensitivity test on the client’s skin in the area being
treated. Examples of sensitivity tests are:
 Hot and cold - test tubes filled with hot and cold
water
 Hard and soft - orange stick and cotton wool

Precautions
Consider the precautions
that you should take when
performing a galvanic body
treatment.

Precautions
 Always check wiring and equipment before each
treatment.
 Ensure intensity dial is at zero at the start and finish.
 Do not allow the client to touch the machine.
 Remove all jewellery and metal objects from self
and client.
 Ensure electrodes are in full contact with the skin.
 Do not turn the current up or down suddenly as this
may cause a shock.

Precautions continued
 Check the client is not touching anything metal or
damp.
 If using saline solution, mix 2 teaspoonfuls of salt
per litre of hot water; ensure that all of the salt
crystals have dissolved before using.
 Saturate pads well and evenly, wring out any
excess fluid.
 Ensure that there are no breaks in the surface of
the skin.
 Ensure that the electrodes are in good condition
and that there are no breaks or protrusions.

 Ensure that the pads are the required depth and width.
 When the pads are applied they should be smooth and
wrinkle free.
 Always wash the pads in warm water to ensure that
they contain no chemicals from previous use.
 Mould the pads and electrodes to the body.
 Do not apply over areas of hard scar tissue.
 Reverse polarity at the end of treatment to reverse
build up of acid/alkali.

 Ensure that bony areas are not projecting into the
electrodes.
 Communicate with the client throughout the
treatment.
 Ensure the client does not have their weight on the
electrodes by checking that the client is lying in the
correct position.
 Ensure straps are applied evenly and securely.
 Wipe the skin over thoroughly afterwards to remove
the chemicals from the skin.
 Ensure that the treatment time does not exceed 30
minutes.

Galvanic burns
Galvanic burns may occur if there is an over production of either acid
or alkali. They appear as a dark grey spot and take a long time to heal
and very often scar. How can you prevent galvanic burns from
occurring?
 Ensure you have sufficient product on the skin.
 Check client sensation at regular intervals.
 Monitor current reading.
 Ensure current intensity and duration is appropriate.
 Check that there are no breaks in the skin, sponges or electrodes.
 Ensure that the sponges are sufficiently and evenly damp.
 Ensure that electrodes are not applied over bony areas.
 Ensure that electrodes do not touch each other.
 Check that the electrodes have smooth contact with the skin.

Treatment for a galvanic burn
If a galvanic burn occurs, it needs to be
treated in the same way as a chemical burn,
flush with lots of cold water, cover with a
sterile dry dressing, and recommend the client
seek medical advice immediately. Application
of lavender essential oil may assist the healing
process.

Availability and use of
homecare products
There are many products on the market that claim to assist with
cellulite conditions. Your salon will often retail products which will
improve the results of the salon treatment if the client uses them
regularly at home. You can recommend:
 An anti-cellulite body product - which should be applied in gentle
upward and circular strokes to the effected area 1-2 times a day.
 Body brushing - using a dry body brush apply in upward strokes to
the effected area for 5 minutes per day.
 Herbal capsules - can be taken daily to help eliminate toxins and
fluid from the body.
 Soothing product - may be applied to soothe the erythema
following the treatment application. Such as rose water or cool
water.

Aftercare advice
 Following a galvanic treatment, it is recommended that the client
avoid any form of heat treatments, lotions/creams or UV for 6-8
hours. Additional heat to the area could make the erythema that
occurs as a normal reaction to the treatment more intense.
 Drink lots of water to flush out the toxins.
 Advise about importance of a healthy balanced diet and the
avoidance of processed foods.
 Daily body care routine.
 Advise when to return for treatment- if the client is taking a
course of treatments they should receive treatment 2-3 times
per week for 10 sessions.
 Contra-action advice.

Galvanic body treatment powerpoint

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (20)

Similar to Galvanic body treatment powerpoint

Similar to Galvanic body treatment powerpoint (20)

More from hpinn

More from hpinn (6)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Galvanic body treatment powerpoint