Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide Indian head massage as part of a spa program.
It requires the ability to consult with clients, plan massage routine and massage arms, neck, shoulders, scalp and face. Indian head massage can be an individual treatment or form part of a series of treatments.
This unit applies to beauty and spa therapists who work in day, destination and resort spas and beauty salons. In this environment they operate with some level of autonomy or under limited supervision.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Establish client objectives. | 1.1 Access and review client treatment plan if available. 1.2 Discuss with client Indian head massage requirements and lifestyle factors to identify treatment priorities. 1.3 Identify contraindications to Indian head massage, and refer client to appropriate professional as required. 1.4 Identify client scalp condition, scalp disorders and possible adverse reactions and discuss with client. 1.5 Identify client medical history, medications and obtain medical approval prior to treatment as required. 1.6 Assess the capacity of Indian head massage to meet client needs. |
2. Design and recommend Indian head massage. | 2.1 Design proposed treatment for a single or series of treatments. 2.2 Discuss with client benefits and potential adverse effects of selected Indian head treatment sequence. 2.3 Explain recommendations for duration, frequency and cost of treatments. 2.4 Modify treatment plan, record updates and obtain client consent. |
3. Prepare for Indian head massage treatment. | 3.1 Check readiness of treatment area and availability of equipment required. 3.2 Prepare client and select massage products according to treatment plan, as required. 3.4 Position self to minimise fatigue and risk of injury. 3.3 Use energy, water and other resources efficiently during preparation and subsequent treatment process. |
4. Provide Indian head massage treatment. | 4.1 Ensure client modesty throughout treatment. 4.2 Instruct and monitor client on breathing technique. 4.3 Apply massage medium as required avoiding product waste. 4.4 Perform Indian head massage techniques according to treatment plan. 4.5 Monitor client comfort throughout the treatment and adjust massage techniques and routine as required. 4.6 Identify adverse effects and respond as required. |
5. Review treatment and provide post treatment advice. | 5.1 Evaluate Indian head massage treatment with client. 5.2 Manage client expectations of potential outcomes. 5.3 Recommend home care, lifestyle changes, products and future treatments to improve health. 5.4 Update client treatment plan and rebook client as required. |
6. Clean treatment area. | 6.1 Remove used linen and clean surfaces and equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 6.2 Restock equipment and products in preparation for next treatment. 6.3 Dispose of general waste to minimise negative environmental impacts and according to organisational policies and procedures. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
communicate, follow and adjust treatment plans to provide six safe and appropriate Indian head massages for different clients
provide Indian head massage to treat each of the following areas as appropriate to the above clients:
arms
face
neck
primary chakra areas
scalp
shoulders
design, record and update treatment plans and records for each client using correct anatomical terminology and specifying details of:
client feedback
contraindications and conditions
massage routines
outcomes of previous and current treatment
post treatment lifestyle and product advice
products used
recommended future treatments
relevant medical history and medication
treatment duration, areas treated and areas not treated
treatment objectives
design and provide treatment routines that demonstrate appropriate selection, application and modification of the following massage movements:
effleurage
petrissage
Marma point
tapotement
vibration
present self, according to organisational policy
comply with health and hygiene regulations and requirements.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
state or territory and local health and hygiene regulations and requirements relevant to providing massage treatments
organisational policies and procedures relevant to providing massage treatments:
client record management
equipment use and maintenance
incident reporting
linen use and laundry procedures
personal hygiene and presentation
presentation of treatment area
waste disposal
water use minimisation
work health and safety
legal and insurance liabilities and responsibilities regarding treatments
scope of practice:
when to refer clients to other practitioners
importance of not stating a diagnosis of a contraindication
limitations to Indian head massage
role of complementary therapist and medical practitioner
factors likely to affect suitability of treatments for client needs:
budgetary and time constraints
outcomes of previous treatments
physical attributes
history, origins, and traditions of Indian head massage
features, benefits and effects of Indian head massage
principles of body, mind and spiritual wellness
basic aspects of Ayurveda and Ayurvedic bodywork
Marma points application
major chakra areas as they relate to Indian head massage
benefits of continuous treatments
effects and benefits of Indian head massage on body systems:
circulatory
digestive
integumentary
lymphatic
muscular
nervous
respiratory
skeletal and articular
common disorders of body systems and their relationship to Indian head massage
contraindications that prevent or restrict treatment or require clearance from a medical professional to proceed and relationship to Indian head treatments:
allergies to products
areas exhibiting loss of sensation
bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections
cancer
clients under the influence of alcohol or drugs
clients with symptoms of infectious disease:
fever
nausea
extreme fatigue
extremes of body temperature
dysfunctions of the nervous system
epilepsy
heart condition
injury or surgery in treatment area
recent scar tissue
severe circulatory disorder
severe migraine or headaches
skin trauma
spondylitis
thrombosis or embolism
type one and two diabetes mellitus
undiagnosed lumps, bumps or swellings
very high or low blood pressure
adverse effects to Indian Head massage and appropriate remedial action:
dizziness
headache
nausea
skin irritation
lifestyle factors and benefits of lifestyle changes
sustainable operating procedures for the conservation of product, water and power
aftercare advice, products and future treatments to maintain client objectives.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in a spa environment; this can be:
an industry workplace or
a simulated workplace set up for the purpose of skills assessment, that provides services to paying members of the public.
Assessment must ensure access to:
paying clients, both new and regular, with different Indian head massage requirements, who have the expectation that the services provided reflect those of a commercial business
access to hand washing facilities:
basin
hot and cold running water
liquid soap
single use towels or hand dryer
relevant workplace documentation:
blank client cards
organisational policies and procedures relevant to massage treatments
product instructions
safety data sheets for cleaning products.
Assessment must ensure use of:
cleaning and disinfection products and equipment
individual work station consisting of:
adjustable treatment table or chair with safe working access for client and worker
trolley for products and bowls
massage mediums
treatment towels or linen, or disposable linen.
Assessment activities that allow the individual to:
complete Indian head massages within commercially and organisational realistic speed, timing and productivity
demonstrate competency in an environment reflective of real work situations
manage tasks and contingencies in the context of the job role.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisation’s requirements for assessors and:
hold a qualification as a beauty therapist
have worked as a beauty therapist for at least three years where they have applied the skills and knowledge of this unit of competency.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement. | |
Skill | Description |
Reading skills to: | interpret and follow manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets for dilution, handling, storage and disposal of cleaning and treatment products and equipment. |
Writing skills to: | record treatment using basic anatomy and physiology terminology to describe body areas and anatomical positions. |
Oral communication skills to: | select and use appropriate terminology in consultations with clients protect confidentiality of client information by ensuring that other clients and colleagues do not overhear discussions use and interpret verbal and non-verbal communication to develop rapport with client to convey service and product advice. |
Numeracy skills to: | calculate treatment time and cost. |
Technology skills to: | use client software to update client notes, rebook future treatments, record stock data and product purchases. |
Sectors
Beauty
Competency Field
Spa Services