As an esthetician and massage therapist, facial acupressure has to be my favorite massage technique to give to clients of all ages and skin types. Facial acupressure provides a natural and holistic approach to enhancing well-being. This ancient technique has gained popularity in recent years and has numerous health and beauty benefits. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupressure is based on the concept of meridians, or energy pathways, that flow throughout the body. According to TCM, these meridians connect various organs, facilitating the harmonious flow of energy or Qi. When there is an imbalance or blockage in the Qi, it can manifest as physical or emotional symptoms. Acupressure aims to restore balance and promote healing by applying pressure to specific acupoints along these meridians.
WS2311_Making_Waves_fcx
As an esthetician and massage therapist, facial acupressure has to be my favorite massage technique to give to clients of all ages and skin types. Facial acupressure provides a natural and holistic approach to enhancing well-being. This ancient technique has gained popularity in recent years and has numerous health and beauty benefits. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupressure is based on the concept of meridians, or energy pathways, that flow throughout the body. According to TCM, these meridians connect various organs, facilitating the harmonious flow of energy or Qi. When there is an imbalance or blockage in the Qi, it can manifest as physical or emotional symptoms. Acupressure aims to restore balance and promote healing by applying pressure to specific acupoints along these meridians.
Facial Acupressure Benefits
Stress Reduction. Facial acupressure promotes deep relaxation, alleviates stress and calms the mind. By targeting specific acupoints, spa professionals can release tension, ease headaches and promote a sense of overall well-being. Reducing stress has the added benefit of reducing inflammation in the body and skin. Considering many skin conditions are related to low levels of inflammation such as acne, premature aging, rosacea and even hyperpigmentation, this touch technique makes it ideal to use in an esthetic practice.
Improved Skin Health. Regular facial acupressure can improve blood circulation, which helps nourish the skin cells and promote a healthy complexion. Increased blood flow also aids in the elimination of toxins, reducing the appearance of blemishes and promoting a natural glow.
Facial Muscle Tone. Regularly incorporating facial acupressure into skin care and massage routines can help improve facial muscle tone and firmness. As well as each meridian being connected to organs in the body, they also connected with tissues. Muscle tissue is associated with the stomach meridian and there are eight specific stomach acupoints found on the face alone. Including these points in the facial acupressure sequence can be additionally beneficial for muscle tone in the face.
Relaxation. Tension and stress can cause the muscles in the face to tighten, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. By applying pressure to specific points, facial acupressure helps relax these muscles, reducing the signs of aging and promoting a more youthful appearance.
Overall Wellness. Facial acupressure is not just about the face; it is a holistic approach to wellness. By promoting the flow of Qi in the face, it can have a positive impact on the entire body. It can help balance emotions, improve sleep quality and boost energy levels.
Related: Consumers Opt for Acupressure During the Pandemic
Incorporating Facial Acupressure Into Massage
Unlike the traditional Swedish style of massage, acupressure requires no massage medium to perform. It may be performed over makeup without cleansing the skin first, making it ideal for massage therapists. One of the most useful ways massage therapists can incorporate facial acupoints into their treatments is when the client has been lying prone and turns to a supine position. Frequently clients’ paranasal sinuses can become stuffy when they’ve been lying face down for a while.
Acupressure Points for Sinus Pressure Relief
- LI20 (large intestine) pressure point. Place fingers either side of the nose, on the cheeks where the nose and cheeks join. Apply press and release technique at least seven times. This will ease pressure in the maxillary sinuses.
- BL2 (ethmoid) sinus bladder pressure point. Found on the supraorbital notch of the eye socket, the medial end of the eyebrow. Use light to medium pressure as this point is typically tender on many people.
- Third eye pressure point. This is a single acupoint located between the brows, slightly superior to the level of the inner brows on the frontal bone. Along with helping to relieve pressure in the frontal sinuses, this point is well known for calming the mind and easing anxiety Incorporating Facial Acupressure Into Esthetics
There are various times when a few acupressure points could be added into a skin care treatment without adding more time or omitting any part of your protocol. Add them to your regular face massage sequence, when you’ve applied the face mask, or when you’ve applied the moisturizer.
Aesthetic Acupressure
In conclusion, this ancient healing art of facial acupressure, with its holistic approach, not only revitalizes and rejuvenates the skin but also promotes overall well-being, relaxation and stress reduction. By tapping into the power of acupressure points and the body’s innate healing abilities, spas can provide their discerning clientele with an unforgettable and transformative experience, leaving them not only with radiant and glowing skin but also a profound sense of balance and harmony. With facial acupressure’s ability to nurture the mind, body, and spirit, it is poised to be a timeless staple in the spa industry for years to come.
Gaynor Farmer-Katics is passionate about teaching estheticians how to refine their touch by increasing their repertoire of massage techniques. With almost 40 years of industry experience as an esthetician, massage therapist and educator, her business Enhanced Touch (www.enhanced-touch ) offers both online and in-person training.
