FACE MASSAGE Facial massage is a technique that focuses on relaxing, toning, and firming the facial muscles. This type of massage aims to improve blood circulation, stimulate lymphatic drainage, and relieve muscle tension. Facial massage can bring benefits both in aesthetic and health terms. Performed at regular intervals, facial massage is a workout for the muscles, strengthens them, helps maintain the correct face oval, maintains skin elasticity and supports the introduction of active skin ingredients. Where to do a FACE massage Facial massage can be performed in various places, both professional and home environment. Outside the home, such a massage can be performed in such places as: Beauty salons usually offer facial massage services, often performed by licensed cosmetologists. They may use a variety of massage techniques and high-quality products. Spas and wellness centers often offer a variety of massages, including facials, as part of a comprehensive relaxation experience. Aesthetic medicine clinics may offer facial massages performed by specialists in facial aesthetics. Trained massage therapists offer facial massages, but it is important to choose professionals with experience and appropriate education in the field of massage. Facial massage is easy to do at home. There are many self-massage tools available on the market, such as crystal massage rollers or special massage devices. Massage performed with hands will also give great effects. It is best to do it with natural face oils due to their good slip and the action of active ingredients. facial massage benefits Facial massage can bring many benefits, both physical and mental. Not only does it improve the appearance of the skin, but it also strengthens our well-being and allows us to relax, especially when performed with beautifully scented oils. The potential benefits of facial massage include: Improved blood circulation: Facial massage can increase blood flow to the skin, which can help to better supply tissues with nutrients and oxygen. The skin looks healthy and radiant. Reduces muscle tension: Facial massage can help relax tense facial muscles, which can provide relief from headaches, migraines, and muscle tension. Stimulation of Lymphatic Drainage: Massage can help remove toxins and excess lymphatic fluids, which can help reduce puffiness and swelling in the face. Improves skin elasticity: Regular facial massage helps maintain skin elasticity, especially when the skin becomes inelastic and sagging. Massage is especially helpful for so-called "hamsters" - or sagging skin under the cheeks. Hamsters are one of the characteristic signs of skin aging. This problem usually appears in women and men in adulthood. Due to reduced production of collagen and elastin, facial skin gradually loses density and firmness. Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines: Massage can help boost collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Improves overall skin condition: Massage can help to exfoliate dead skin cells, which can result in more radiant and healthy skin. Relaxation and stress reduction: Facial massage can help reduce tension and stress, especially if performed in a peaceful environment. Improves skin radiance: By stimulating blood and lymph circulation, massage can help improve skin radiance. However, it is worth remembering that the benefits of massage may vary depending on the individual needs and skin conditions of the person. Facial massage, including facial muscle massage, should be done in moderation, especially when it comes to delicate areas such as the eye area. facial massage contraindications Although facial massage can bring many benefits, there are some contraindications and situations in which it is better to avoid or approach massage with caution. Below are some potential contraindications to facial massage: Fresh wounds, burns or inflammations: If there are fresh wounds, burns or inflammations on the face, massage can be irritating and delay the healing process. In such cases, you should wait until the skin has completely regenerated. Purulent acne: People with purulent acne should avoid vigorous massage of the acne-affected areas as this can aggravate the skin condition and spread the bacteria. Acute skin infections: In the case of an acute skin infection, such as herpes, massage can help spread the infection to other areas of the face. In such cases, you should wait until the infection has healed. Skin conditions: People with certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, should be cautious with massage and consult a doctor or specialist before undergoing such a procedure. Condition after plastic surgery: In the case of plastic surgery on the face, such as a facelift or other aesthetic surgery, facial massage should only be performed after consultation with a plastic surgeon and with appropriate precautions. Improperly performed massage: Improperly performed massage, especially if too intense or not properly adjusted to individual needs, can lead to irritation, bruising or even skin damage. If you have any doubts or have any health issues, it is always advisable to consult your doctor before starting a facial massage. Professional facial massage must also be performed by experienced beauticians or massage therapists who are aware of potential contraindications and will adapt the procedure to the individual needs of the client. Facial massage and botox We often get questions from you about when to have a facial massage after Botox. If you have had a Botox treatment, it is important to follow a few recommendations regarding massage after this procedure. Botox, or botulinum toxin, is used to temporarily weaken muscles, which helps reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. After Botox injections, you should wait at least a few days before starting a massage. After Botox treatment, the muscles are temporarily weakened, and too intensive massage can contribute to undesirable effects. It is recommended to start with gentle and gentle massages. If you really want a massage, it is recommended to consult with the doctor who performed the procedure after the Botox treatment. They can provide individual advice tailored to your situation. Avoid pressing or massaging the areas you have had Botox treatment. Try to avoid vigorous movement in the areas where Botulinum toxin has been applied. If you have any concerns or concerns about massage after Botox treatment, please consult your doctor. It is important to provide a safe and effective environment for the healing process after the procedure. The most popular facial massages There are many different facial massage techniques and we often wonder which facial massage to choose. Which one is best may depend on individual preferences, skin needs and its purpose. Below we will introduce you to the most popular facial massage techniques. Classic massage: This is a general massage technique that includes gentle stroking, kneading, rubbing, and tapping. It can help to relax the facial muscles overall and improve blood circulation. Lymphatic Massage: Focused on stimulating lymph flow, this type of massage can help reduce swelling, remove toxins, and improve the overall condition of your skin. Acupressure Massage: Uses pressure on specific acupressure points on the face, which can help relieve tension, improve circulation and balance energy. Roller Massage: Tools such as crystal rollers can be used to gently massage the face. They can help reduce puffiness, stimulate circulation, and relax muscles. Relaxation Massage: Focused on relaxation and stress reduction, this type of massage may include gentle movements, pressure, and stroking. The most important thing is to adapt the massage technique to your own preferences and skin needs. It is also worth remembering that regularity of massage can be key to achieving lasting benefits. Facial massages originating from Asia Gua Sha Massage: This massage uses a special stone (often jade or rose quartz) that is gently moved across the skin. It can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation and most importantly, it affects the contour of the face. The technique of massaging with gua sha stones comes from China and was used during the Ming Dynasty in the 4th century. Gua sha massage was performed to treat ailments related to chronic pain resulting from inflammation. The massage covers the front of the head, the side of the neck, the eye area, the face, and the collarbones. Centrifugal movements are key, always directed towards the lymph nodes. The movements of the gua sha stone are varied, sometimes fast, sometimes smooth and slow, but also pressing, sweeping and scratching. This technique also uses elements of acupressure. Much attention is paid to the massage of the eye area, including the upper eyelids. The effects are impressive, as the session deeply nourishes and oxygenates the skin, increasing the flow of arterial blood to the areas undergoing massage. The skin becomes radiant and the contours of the face are clearly defined. Puffiness is reduced, and hamsters or double chins are eliminated. Gua sha massage with a facial plate also helps to increase the elasticity of the skin and muscles. Tanaka Massage Tanaka Massage originated in Japan and was created by Yukuko Tanaka, a Japanese beauty author and skincare expert. Yukuko Tanaka is a renowned aesthetic therapist and began promoting her massage technique in the 1980s. This technique is based on the principle of stimulating acupressure points and improving blood circulation to improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles and overall facial rejuvenation. Tanaka massage assumes that by regularly performing certain massage movements, you can achieve a natural face lift. Simple instructions on how to perform Tanaka Massage at home: 1. Preparation: Thoroughly cleanse your face and wash your hands before starting the massage. Use the best quality natural oil to minimize friction and allow for smooth movements. 2. Warm-up: Gently warm your hands before the massage. Apply the oil to your face , avoiding the area around the eyes. 3. Massaging the forehead: Using your index fingers, massage the forehead area in circular motions from the center outward. 4. Massaging the Eye Area: Gently massage the area around the eyes using circular motions with your thumbs. 5. Massaging the cheeks: Knead the cheeks gently with your fingers in the direction from the nose to the temples. 6. Massaging the jawline: Using your index fingers, massage the jawline in an upward and sideways motion. 7. Massaging the neck: Gently massage the neck area by lifting your hands from top to bottom. 8. Massaging the décolleté: Using your thumbs, massage the décolleté area in circular motions. 9. Finish: Gently pull skin upwards towards hair on face, neck and décolleté. Repeat each movement several times, trying to keep it smooth and gentle. Kobido Massage Kobido massage is a traditional Japanese facial massage technique, also known as "Japanese Facelift" or "Natural Facelift". Kobido is a Japanese word that means "ancient way of beauty". This massage is considered a natural way to improve skin elasticity, reduce muscle tension, and make the face look radiant and healthy. This type of massage is mainly performed outside of beauty salons. Kobido massage is usually performed by a trained therapist or massage therapist, but there are also techniques that can be used at home after proper training. Before starting any new massage technique, it is always a good idea to read the recommendations and possibly consult a professional. The main elements of Kobido massage are: Warm-up: Kobido massage usually starts with a gentle warm-up to prepare the skin for the deeper massage. The fingers of the masseur should be slightly warmed before starting. Lymphatic Stimulation: Through gentle movements, the massage therapist stimulates the lymphatic system, which can help remove toxins and excess lymphatic fluids from the facial area. Kneading and pulling the skin: This technique helps improve skin elasticity and firm areas that are prone to loss of firmness. Stimulation of acupressure points: Similar to the Tanaka massage, the Kobido Massage involves the stimulation of acupressure points on the face. Stimulation of these points is intended to restore energy balance. Roller Technique: Some versions of Kobido Massage use rollers that are gently moved across the skin in specific directions to improve blood circulation and stimulate muscles. Massage of facial muscles: Kobido massage also includes a gentle massage of the facial muscles, which can help reduce tension and improve skin elasticity. Finish: The massage usually ends with gentle stroking movements and calming touches to relax the skin. Ayurvedic Massage (Mukhabhyanga) This massage comes from Ayurveda, which has its roots in India., also known as Mukhabhyanga, is a massage technique inspired by the ancient Indian medicine Ayurveda. This massage is often performed using natural plant oils to provide the skin with moisture and support regenerative processes. Ready-made oils for Ayurvedic facial massage are made from sesame, sunflower, almond and jojoba oils. Mukhabhyanga Ayurvedic Massage stimulates acupressure points and life energy called "prana", and puts the skin in a state of rest. Ayurvedic facial massage aims to restore energy balance, improve blood circulation, improve skin elasticity and overall relaxation. Below are the most important steps to perform an Ayurvedic facial massage: Warm-up and Relaxation: Start with a few deep breaths to relax. Lightly rub your hands together to warm them up, then place them on your face to create initial relaxation. Cleansing : Gently apply the oil to your face in a circular motion. Focus on the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin and neck areas. Massaging the forehead : Begin by massaging the forehead area using circular motions with your fingers in a clockwise direction. Cheek Massage: Gently knead and massage the cheek area, avoiding too much pressure. Massaging the Nose: Using your thumb and forefinger, gently massage the nose area using up and down motions. Eye Massage: Apply gentle pressure around the eyes using your index fingers. Avoid too much pressure in this delicate area. Massaging the lips : Gently massage the area around the lips using circular motions. Chin and jaw massage: Using your index fingers and thumb, massage the chin and jaw area using up and down motions. Neck Massage: Proceed to massage your neck using gentle up and down movements. Finish: Finish the massage with gentle stroking movements to soothe the skin.