Massage An Age old Remedy

Massage therapy was in use in ancient China and Egypt as early as 3000 B.C. The Egyptians were thought to have created reflexology around 2500 B.C. Chinese massage, originating from a combination of traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts, Buddhism and Taoism, focused on correcting the energy flow in the body to cure illnesses and relieve symptoms. A form of relaxation, sensuality and healing massage’s place in rejuvenating the body is a therapy enjoyed by people throughout the ages.

Facial Muscles & Stress

There are more than forty muscles in the face. These muscles allow for the functions use of the mouth, nose and eyes; but also contribute to facial expressions.  Like other muscles of the body facial massage promotes relaxation, relieves the tension from stress and restores energy to your face and body by increasing circulation. Our faces look puffier and paler in the morning I due to decreased circulation while we sleep; Facial massage is a great way to get the blood flowing again. Even a brief facial massage given while washing our face in the morning lends to a healthy bright looking complexion.  A facial massage administered consistently tightens and lift the facial muscle and gives our skin a youthful appearance. It’s no wonder it has been called an anti-aging treatment!

Facial massages can keep the skin looking young, smoother, firmer and more beautiful. Massage accomplishes this by releasing tension, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increasing circulation, tightening facial muscles, normalizing the moisture balance, reducing impurities and toxins, and increasing radiance. Facial massages can be completed at home or are treatments offered at spas by massage therapists.

Steps to a Facial Massage

Here are the basic steps to treat yourself to facial massage:

1. Cleanse the face thoroughly and remove any makeup
2. A thorough cleansing and scrubbing will exfoliate the skin, removing any dead skin cells on the face
3. Choose a lubricant for your skin type.

• Skin that is very dry will benefit the most from vegetable oils that are rich in saturated fatty acids. These are thicker oils that are absorbed more slowly and maintain moisture longer.
• Oily skin types need oils that contain polyunsaturated fats which are thinner oils and are quickly absorbed by the skin.
• Sometimes oils may not be needed at all if a client has extremely oily skin.

1. Apply a small amount of massage lotion, moisturizer, or massage oil to the face which will be absorbed into the skin during the massage. This is important because the oil provides a slippery surface for the massage so that the fingers do not pull or stretch the skin. Pure vegetable oil or nut oil is good for facial massages. Pure vegetable oils provide great moisture to the skin and have long-lasting effects because they are absorbed by the skin more slowly without clogging pores.
2. Facial massage session usually last longer than 10 to 20 minutes. Massage that lasts too long or too often may actually stretch or lengthen the facial muscles. Special care must be taken as well if you have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is more easily damaged or irritated so a shorter duration is preferable.
3. Be careful not to exert too much pressure during the massage.
4. Gentle touch to massage the face. Pressure should never be exerted, especially on the neck area.
5. Softly working the different areas of the face. Maintain the movement of the fingers in an upward motion, which when done regularly, facial massage will keep your skin looking tight and youthful.

• Being with your forehead and nose are targeted to reduce the appearance of horizontal lines.
• Then nostrils are massaged to unclog pores and prevent blemishes.
• Next target the mouth and cheeks, rub them to help prevent wrinkles and sagging of the facial muscles.
• The area around the eyes is important. Massage to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and heavy bags under the eyes.
• Target the chin and neck to promote muscle tone and prevent sagging skin.
• Finally, gently massage and pull the ears because they have pressure points that stimulate other areas of the body.

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