High frequency Treatment

Clare Hargreaves-Norris
High Frequency
NVQ Level 3 Beauty
Therapy

Introduction
This treatment can be applied directly or indirectly
to the skin and can be used to heal, stimulate or
sanitise the skin. The machine uses a high frequency
current that alternates over 100,000 cycles per
second. The output of the machine is a high
frequency, alternating/oscillating current of
250,000 Hz at a high voltage and low current flow. A
high frequency machine will have an on/off switch
and an intensity control.

Direct High Frequency
The glass electrode is
placed directly onto the
skin or over a layer of
gauze and is applied
using slow circular
motions. The current
passes through the
electrode and is
dispersed into the skin.

Indirect High Frequency
During an indirect high
frequency treatment,
the client holds the
electrode in their hands.
The therapist then uses
their hands to apply the
massage to the client’s
skin, which causes the
current to transfer
from the client’s skin to
the therapist’s hands.

Direct high frequency Indirect high frequency
Method of
application
A glass electrode is moved
in circular motions slowly
over the skin
The client holds the electrode
in their hand and the therapist
massages the client’s face with
their hands
Sensation Client will feel a warm,
tingling/buzzing sensation
A warm sensation will be felt
under the therapist’s hands
Uses 1. Drying effect on any oily
areas
2. Destroys bacteria and
assists with the healing
of any pustules
3. Improves the condition
of a blemished skin
4. Improves a dry skin due
to the stimulation of the
sebaceous glands if
applied for a short time
(5 minutes)
1. Improves the condition of a
dry skin
2. Improves the appearance of
a sluggish skin
3. Aids deeper absorption of
the massage medium
4. Aids relaxation of the client
and skin tissues
5. Tightening effect improves
the appearance of fine lines

Electrodes
The current is applied via a glass
electrode and when the electrode is
fitted into the holder, it connects with
the metal plate situated inside the
holder, which passes the current through
to the glass electrode. Within the glass
electrode is a very small amount of gas
that ionises when the current passes
through, the current then flows through
the tube and passes into the skin tissues.
The electrode will glow a certain colour
depending on the gas contained inside.
There are different types of electrodes
which are discussed in detail in the next
slides.

Mushroom electrode
Mushroom is the most popular electrode for
the direct method. It is used on any part of
the body, and is particularly ideal for facial
work. It is often supplied in two sizes, the
larger for body work, and the smaller for
facial work.

Flattened dome electrode
The flattened dome is excellent for
moulding around the contours of the chin
and nose during direct high frequency
application.

Horseshoe electrode
The horseshoe electrode is used for
directly working over large curved areas of
the body such as the neck or trapezius
muscle.

Roller electrode
The roller electrode is directly applied to
large flat areas such as the back.

Fulgurator
The fulgurator is used to produce an
accurate sparking effect directly over
papules or pustules.

Saturator
Glass saturator is used during an indirect
high frequency treatment. The client holds
the saturator in one hand and the handle in
the other.
Metal saturator is an alternative to a glass
saturator and is used to make a circuit
during an indirect high frequency treatment.

Direct High Frequency

In direct high frequency the glass electrode is placed
directly onto the skin or over a layer of gauze that is
positioned over the client’s face, and is applied using
slow circular motions. The current passes through the
electrode, when it comes into contact with oxygen
ozone is produced. The current is then dispersed into
the skin. Contact with the skin must be maintained
throughout the treatment, with the therapists free
hand used to hold the cable. This treatment produces
a buzzing sound when applied, which the client should
be made aware of prior to the treatment. When
direct high frequency is applied, the client will feel a
slight warmth and tingling sensation.

Restrictions to direct high frequency
In addition to the general contra-indications, the
following conditions will restrict application to an
area:
 Highly vascular conditions
 Sunburn
 Excessive metal fillings or bridgework
 Blocked sinuses
 Tense or nervous client (due to the noise produced
by the equipment)
 Migraine
 Acne rosacea

Effects of direct high frequency
 Stimulates sebaceous gland activity when applied for
a short period of time.
 Germicidal effect is produced which destroys
bacteria, therefore effective at treating pustular
conditions. This sparking effect produces ultraviolet
emissions, which also destroy bacteria. This effect
is produced when the electrode is moved away from
the skin slightly causing the current to jump across
the air gap to the skin.
 Speeds up cell metabolism, which improves the
appearance of the skin.
 Blood vessels vasodilate resulting in improved colour
to the skin.

 Constricting effect on the pores.
 Due to the oxygen being converted to ozone the
treatment has a drying effect on the skin.
 Increased blood circulation results in vasodilation
of the blood vessels causing an increase in heat to
the area.
 Circulation is increased which brings fresh oxygen
and nutrients to the area.
 Improves the efficiency of waste product removal.
 Increases lymphatic circulation, assisting with the
removal of waste products.
 Stimulates superficial sensory nerve endings.

Indirect High Frequency or
Viennese Massage

During an indirect high frequency treatment, the
client holds the saturator in their hands. When the
current is switched on, it passes through the
saturator and is dispersed into the skin, which
effectively charges the client. The therapist then
uses their hands to apply the massage to the client’s
skin, which causes the current to transfer from the
client’s skin to the therapist’s hands. The therapist is
part of the electrical circuit during the application of
indirect high frequency. Contact must be maintained
with the client’s skin throughout the treatment, to
prevent any shocks from occurring, therefore no
tapotement movements should be included in the
massage.

Restrictions to indirect high frequency
In addition to the general contra-indications, the
following will restrict treatment in the area:
 Highly vascular conditions
 Sunburn
 Excessive metal dental work
 Migraine

Effects of indirect high frequency
 Cell metabolism is speeded up, which improves the
appearance of the skin.
 Activity of the sebaceous and sudoriferous glands is
increased.
 Pores dilate.
 Massage movements aid desquamation.
 Vasodilation occurs due to the increased heat in the area.
 Circulation is increased which brings fresh oxygen and
nutrients to the area.
 Lymphatic system speeds up therefore improving the
elimination of waste products from the area.
 Has a soothing and sedating effect on the nerve endings.
 The increase in blood supply will nourish the bones.

Consider the precautions you should
take when applying a high frequency
treatment.

Precautions
 Ensure dials are at zero before applying the electrode onto the client.
 Test the machine on yourself prior to application.
 Always remove all jewellery to prevent shocks.
 Ensure that both you and the client are not in contact with anything
metal otherwise you may feel a shock.
 Explain about the buzzing noise, ozone smell and glow produced by the
electrode.
 Always keep the electrode in contact with the skin to prevent shocks
when applying the direct method.
 Always keep one hand in contact with the skin when applying the
indirect method to prevent any shocks from occurring.
 Remember to reduce the intensity when working over bony areas.
 Do not spark further than 7mm away from the skin as this can cause
tissue destruction or shock the client.
 Do not use any products containing alcohol on the skin as it has
flammable properties.
 Check client comfort throughout.

High frequency Treatment

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High frequency Treatment