Stress Relief Facial Massage

By: Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, NCTMB

History of Facial Massage

For thousands of years men and women alike have enjoyed the relaxing and therapeutic benefits of face massage. Ancient medical texts of Asians, Greeks, Romans, Persians, Indians and Europeans describe the multifaceted benefits of facial massage techniques. Historically, people from diverse cultural perspectives have promoted face massage as a natural beauty treatment and stress reducer.

In contemporary times, popular scientists such as Dr. Candace Pert and Dr. Deepak Chopra, serve as proponents of massage therapy. In Molecules of Emotion, Dr. Candace Pert details how “our emotions and our biochemistry are part of one continuous information loop that accounts for how we feel and how mind-body medicine works.”

Dr. Deepak Chopra writes that, "when we stimulate the skin, we can cause, literally, a shower of healing chemicals to flow into our blood stream." Our emotions and our biochemistry are positively affected as a shower of healing chemicals flows into the bloodstream when a skilled massage therapist offers face massage.

Benefits of FaceMassage

Physical Benefits of Face Massage

• Gently and naturally relaxes the face, neck, and shoulders

• Calms and tranquilizes the nervous system

• Facilitates the reduction of sinus congestion

• Enhances muscle tone

• Stimulates the circulatory system

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

• Nourishes, hydrates and detoxifies the skin

Mental Benefits of Face Massage

• Reduces mental stress. Stress has been proven to be one of the major causes of premature skin aging because excess cortisol inhibits collagen and elastin production.

• Enhances capacity for clear, calm thinking

• Assists in mental relaxation and rejuvenation

• Lets the mind unwind

Emotional Benefits of Face Massage

• Calms emotional agitation

• Contributes to a feeling of deep relaxation

• Creates a feeling of well-being

• Significantly reduces levels of anxiety

• Helps the massage client feel nurtured

Creating a Relaxing Environment

Focus on creating a peaceful, serene environment for your facemassage clients to enjoy. Centering yourself is the most important part of creating a refined energy in which your clients can deeply relax and release tension.

In the ideal massage therapy environment, the room will be comfortable, quiet, uncluttered and serene. The temperature will be appropriately comfortable.

A musical soundscape can easily be created with a water feature and a choice of relaxing sounds emanating from the stereo. A welcomed dimension to the experience could include the use of pleasing aromatherapy essential oils suited to the client’s individual preferences.

Throughout the face massage session, focus on remaining consistently present with your client and utilize whatever techniques you feel appropriate to maintain an atmosphere in which you feel centered and balanced.

Maintain an inward expression of gratitude for the time you and your client are sharing together.

What to Expect in Ariana Institute’s Online Facial and Scalp Massage CE Class

In an online face massage CE class offered by Ariana Institute, students will gain knowledge regarding: (1) the history of facial massage; (2) the benefits of facial massage and scalp massage; (3) product information for facial massage; (4) information related to creating a relaxing environment; (5) practice building tip for marketing your facial massage specialization; and (6) a list of resources to further enhance your educational process in the art and science of facial massage.

In addition to the information presented in the preceding paragraph, charts and illustrations are provided in the CE course notebook illustrating (1) the bones of the face; (2) the lymphatic system; and (3) the muscles of the head, neck and face.

Support Your Clients in Maintaining A Healthy Glow In-Between Face Massage Sessions

Encourage your clients to give their skin daily attention in-between the face massage sessions that they schedule with you. Suggest that they begin their day by cleansing, toning, hydrating, massaging, and applying sunscreen. Invite your clients to conclude their day by cleansing, toning, exfoliating, hydrating (with a richer night moisturizer), massaging and utilizing facial acupressure points.

In addition to the self-care beauty ritual listed above, you could also offer suggestions to your clients for nurturing their skin, which might include: (1) managing stress; (2) hydrating by drinking more purified water (think of it as moisturizing your skin from the inside out); (3) scheduling sufficient restorative sleep; (4) easing up on alcohol, caffeine and sugar; (5) enjoying a well balanced diet; (6) taking daily supplements; (7) exercising regularly; and (8) eliminating smoking.

The beautiful results will be multifaceted. Your client’s face will appear more relaxed and at ease; the fine lines and wrinkles will be less noticeable; the muscles will be more toned and firm; and there will be a lovely, luminous glow emanating from each and every pore of the skin for all to enjoy.

Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, NCTMB

CEO of Ariana Institute

www.arianainstitute.com

Ariana Vincent directs the Ariana Institute in Austin, Texas, which offers online continuing professional development for massage therapists. Ariana is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist and Massage Therapy Instructor who has practiced massage therapy and bodywork for thirty-three years. Her focus, personally and professionally, is to facilitate the integration of mind, body and spirit and ultimately allow a state of balance to effortlessly and peacefully be an integral part of everyday life.

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Other Resources

This DVD, Facial Massage: The Definitive Collection teaches more about the facial muscles, benefits and techniques of the massage, and the tips that help make the stress melt away from the tension-filled muscles.

In addition to facial massage, you can learn about other facial exercises and natural solutions for wrinkle free skin to share with your clients.

Lifecell wrinkle cream is an amazing facial cream that reverses the damage caused by the sun and visibly improves the structure of the skin. It also eliminates the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, making the skin firm and improving elasticity, providing a beautiful complexion.

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