What Is Facial Massage?
Facial massage is a soothing and relaxing procedure with both physical and psychological benefits in modern society. It is good for the skin, and it delays skin aging. In this procedure, facial skin is subjected to cleansing, steaming, massaging, toning, moisturizing, in a systematic manner.
What Are the Types of Facial Massage?
-
Swedish Facial Massage: Utilizes gentle, gliding strokes to promote relaxation and improve circulation.
-
Shiatsu Facial Massage: Applies pressure to specific points on the face to relieve tension and promote overall well-being.
-
Lymphatic Drainage Facial Massage: Classical facial massage using gentle, rhythmic movements to stimulate the lymphatic system, reducing puffiness and promoting detoxification.
-
Ayurvedic Facial Massage: Incorporates traditional Indian techniques to balance the doshas and promote holistic wellness.
-
Gua Sha Facial Massage: Involves scraping a flat tool across the skin to increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote lymphatic drainage.
-
Facial Cupping: Uses small suction cups to lift and tone the skin, reduce puffiness, and improve circulation.
What Are the Uses of Facial Massage?
The different uses of facial massage are:
-
Massage is an important aspect in all the facials.
-
It stimulates vascular and glandular activity.
-
It helps in natural cellular regeneration.
-
It helps to correct oil and moisture balance.
What Are the Involved Finger Movements in Facial Massage?
Facial massage requires various movements of the fingers of the service provider over the skin surface of the individual. Movements are basically sequential. The continuous manual movements with unidirectional linear strokes or circular clockwise fingertip movements cause mechanical stimulation, and its frictional force causes thermal stimulation of the skin.
Mechanical stimulation should be done in the direction of hair growth so that there is the stimulation of stretch receptors in the muscles. This will lead to an increase in muscle tone. Stronger tapping, kneading, pinching, and squeezing during massage stimulate muscle contraction. This will lead to skin tightening, and so the skin looks young.
Thermal stimulation due to friction causes dilatation of blood vessels of the skin, which leads to an increase in the demand for oxygen and nutrients in the tissues. It also eliminates harmful metabolites.
What Is Face Yoga?
Face yoga is a type of facial exercise that helps provide strength to the muscles present in the face. It is the best alternative method for facial fillers and Botox. There are only a few studies regarding the effectiveness and benefits of facial yoga. Many kinds of research are being carried out to date. Some of the actual benefits were identified. Face yoga is a type of treatment plan for patients who are suffering from paralysis of the facial muscle. It is possible to achieve proper coordination of the muscles in the face. In addition to this, the following health-related condition can be solved with the help of face yoga.
-
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders.
-
Neck pain.
-
Snoring.
People who practice face yoga regularly are known to reduce their wrinkles gradually. This is due to the improvement in the mental health of an individual who practices them. A 30 minutes face yoga every day can be performed to achieve better results. The important facial exercises are listed below:
1) Forehead Smoother: Forehead Smoother is an exercise that helps in reducing wrinkles in the forehead. It also prevents fine lines. This exercise has to be repeated six times a week.
-
Procedure: The person has to make a fist with the help of both hands. The fingers have to face towards. The middle finger's knuckles should be placed exactly in the center of the forehead. Make sure to apply moderate pressure while sliding the fists on each side of the portion of the forehead so that it ends in the temple region.
2) Natural Lip Plumper: This exercise helps in adjusting the size of the lips. The person has to repeat this exercise five times a week.
-
Procedure: While performing this exercise, have to sit in a relaxed position. Slightly tilt the head backwards. After tilting, push the lips forward by tightly puckering the lips. Hold the lips for ten seconds before releasing the lips.
3) Wide Awake: This exercise provides shine to the area of the skin around the eyes. The under-eye darkness can also be treated with this exercise. It is recommended to follow this exercise four times a week.
-
Procedure: Keep the palms on the sides of the face. The ring fingers should be on the end part of the eyebrows. Apply mild pressure and try to lift the hands upwards. After lifting, pull back the skin. While doing this, try to drop the lower jaw as much as possible to make the face longer.
4) Double V: This exercise helps in overcoming drooping eyelids. It is good to repeat this exercise eight times a week.
-
Procedure: Learn to make a peace sign. The person has to do this sign with both hands. On the inner edge of the eyebrows, try to place the middle finger. On the outer edge of the eyebrows, place the pointing fingers. While squinting, look upwards and apply mild pressure with the fingers.
How Does Facial Massage Influence Tantric Practice?
For an individual to have a good facial look, a happy mental state is necessary. Facial massage has a strong correlation with tantric practices. Many ancient forms of tantra have emphasized the importance of massages and their positive effects on an individual's mental health. When a person is given a facial massage, it not only provides a relaxed feeling but also stimulates the cells in the face and enhances the blood flow. In tantric practice, couples are advised to use olive oil for performing an enjoyable act of massage. This massage between the couples is known to improve their bonding and degree of intimacy. The focus is not only on the facial massage but a complete massage of the whole body. A regular habit of facial massage between couples is known to provide more psychological benefits to both males and females. Women are known to enjoy a higher degree of pleasure by facial massages. As a result of emotional and physical satisfaction, the skin of the women starts glowing.
How to Do Facial at Home?
Facial massage can be done at home by following these steps.
-
Cleanse the face using a gentle cleanser to remove the dirt, oil, and makeup.
-
With the help of the brush or scrub, the dead skin cells are exfoliated to expose the brighter skin.
-
Steam the face for five to ten minutes. This helps in opening the spores.
-
Apply hydrating face masks for the recommended time and rinse off.
-
Apply toner to balance the pH of the skin and to tighten the pores.
-
Finally, moisturize the skin and complete the facial massage.
Conclusion:
Facial massage would be suitable only for certain people. When some of them try to perform facial massages with multiple creams and oils, there are possibilities for side effects. Facials should be avoided in individuals who have active acne over the face or infection or known hypersensitivity to the products used in facials. Otherwise, it is safe. Regular facials at three to four weeks intervals delay the skin aging process