Tension can build up within our facial muscles from the pressures of everyday life without us realising it. It can be easy for certain thoughts and emotions to become habitual, locking themselves into expressions on our faces - sometimes over the duration of a whole lifetime. Under such conditions muscles can actually "dry up" and contract, inhibiting freedom of expression. This can encourage ageing and the formation of wrinkles as the face loses its muscle tone and elasticity and begins to sag.

Facial massage is designed to be a gentle, non-invasive approach to looking younger. It works primarily by freeing constrictions both within the facial muscles and in the connective tissue.

Through gentle massage of the face, we can help to delay the ageing process. This is achieved by using simple massage techniques and energy balancing, thereby giving the facial muscles a lift and a new lease of life.

The facial massage involves a sequence of massage techniques which act as a natural facelift with no need for surgery, helping you look (and often feel!) younger. We all have tension which builds up in our facial muscles and many of us would love to reduce wrinkles, so it’s not surprising that this is a very popular and sought-after treatment.

The routine releases stresses and traumas locked deeply into the muscles and energy of the face, head and neck. Our face is often our mask, hiding who we really are, and it takes much energy to maintain this "front". To experience dropping the mask can be the door to profound relaxation and inner ease.

The Benefits of Facial Massage

• Improves skin suppleness

• Reduces and releases any muscle tension in the face and jaw

• Reduces expression lines and wrinkles

• Relieves stress symptoms such as insomnia, headaches and eye strain

• Tones and helps to tighten the skin and underlying muscle

• Stimulates rejuvenation and cellular activity

• Aids lymphatic circulation, increasing the elimination of toxins and the supply of nutrients to the cells

• Aids the removal of dead skin cells

• Maintains a fresh, youthful appearance

• Improves blood circulation

• Enhances mental and physical relaxation

• Makes you feel great!

Tips for giving yourself a facial massage

When cleansing and moisturising your face, use this as an opportunity to treat your skin to a facial massage. An easy movement to do at home is roll patting, just under the jaw line. Try patting the flat of your fingers onto your face and rolling them forward before the next pat to help tone this sag-prone area of skin. Use generous amounts of cream, especially if your skin is a little dry. If too little massage cream is applied, the hands will not glide over the skin, creating excessive stimulation.

You can also use palm frictions, where you squeeze the back of the neck with one hand, to help loosen tension. Use your entire palm when massaging a wide area. In the direction of facial curves, massaging should be done in a rhythm of inner to outer motions. If you do not massage in the direction of facial curves, wrinkles can be formed. Again, use plenty of cream.

If you suffer from headaches (and we all do from time to time!), then small circular frictions of your own temples will really help to alleviate these. This is particularly true for those stress related headaches.

The frequency of massaging should be appropriate to the skin’s condition. Those who fear skin problems may continue a gentle, effective treatment on a daily basis, limiting the time to short periods. For those who do not routinely massage their skin, massage every 3-4 days with a good massage cream.

Facial massage releases powerful "Feel Good" endorphins. Incorporate regular facial massage into your routine, and you’ll be amazed at how good this can make you feel!