subject: Fight Stress But Also Fight Pain By Way Of A Fun, Relaxing Facial Massage [print this page] When you stop to consider your options for massage therapy, do you think about the importance of a facial massage? Most people don't ... but they should, because when it comes down to it, your face is not unlike the rest of your body, in that massage therapy can provide relaxation and relieve tension. Just as you restore energy to your body, you need to do the same thing to your face, and facial massage accomplishes that by increasing your circulation. When you awaken in the morning, your face probably looks paler and puffier due to the lessened blood flow that occurs as you sleep. Why not return your face to its healthy glow with a nourishing facial massage?
If administered on a regular basis, facial massage therapy tightens and lifts the facial muscles, which helps to reverse the signs of aging. Adding to its popularity is its ability to reduce the wrinkles and fine lines we experience as we age. You face can look dull as a result of the existence of dirt and dead skin cells; facial massage therapy helps to exfoliate the skin and restore its luster.
A facial massage session usually lasts only about 20 minutes, because if administered for longer than that, the muscles in the face can be stretched. This is especially true for people with sensitive skin, which is prone to damage or irritation if too much pressure is used during the facial massage. Because different skin types require different types of lubricants, your massage therapist will examine your skin prior your facial massage to determine what type is best for you. Clients who have very oil skin may not require the use of oils or lubricants at all.
Facial massage therapy is not only known for its circulatory and anti-aging benefits ... it also moisturizes the skin, improves your skin's tone and texture, and lessens any redness or sensitivity you may be experiencing. Anyone who suffers from breakouts and blemishes can find relief with regular facial massage therapy as well.
When beginning your facial massage session, your therapist will scrub and cleanse the skin (which is called exfoliation) to insure a completely clean surface, free of makeup and contaminants. He/she will then continue the session by applying massage creams or lotions to reduce friction during the actual massage. When thoroughly lubricated, your therapist will complete your facial massage by the use of gentle, soothing strokes on various areas of your face to achieve the most benefit.
Let's talk about the various benefits that are provided by the different areas of the face during your facial massage.
Massaging the forehead and nose areas reduces the appearance of horizontal lines.
Pores are unclogged and blemishes reduced by targeting the nostrils.
Massaging the area around the cheeks and mouth can prevent wrinkles and sagging muscles.
Bags under your eyes are eliminated by targeting the area around the eyes.
Muscle tone is increased - and sagging skin reduced - by massaging the chin and neck.
Massaging the ears stimulates other parts of the body.
So remember ... whenever you feel a certain amount of stress from everyday life or your body starts to ache, and you feel like you could use a good massage, think about your face. Just like in your body, stress and fatigue can show up in your face; the best remedy is a facial massage to take the stress out of your face and make you feel like a brand new person.
