There are many benefits to regular massage therapy. Massages can reduce blood pressure and symptoms of depression, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Massage therapy can also decrease both situational and generalized anxiety. By learning how to give a massage, you can avoid the cost while still reaping some of the benefits. A rejuvenating facial massage is a convenient way to incorporate daily relaxation and stress reduction into your hectic schedule.
Step 1
Block off at least 20 minutes of uninterrupted time. Close the door, dim the lights and turn off cell phones. Consider incorporating candles and soft music to enhance the sensation of tranquility. The person receiving the massage should either lay down or lay back in a chair with a pillow supporting her neck.
Step 2
Glide open hands slowly down both sides of the face from forehead to chin three times. At the bottom edge of the chin, grasp a small amount of skin between the pads of the thumbs and fingers in a gentle pinch. Repeat this light pinching action as you move along the edges of the jawline, finishing at the jaw hinge. Return to the chin and repeat three times.
Step 3
Place your fingertips along the jaw hinge and press softly, moving your fingertips in an upward circular motion for 30 seconds. Slide your fingertips to the area in front of the ears and repeat this action. Move to the top of the cheekbones and repeat. Revisit each area for a total of three circuits.
Step 4
Place the tips of your first two fingers at the base of the cheekbone, on either side of the nose. Press softly against the cheekbone and then release. Move along the underside of the cheekbones, repeating this action three times. Use the same massage technique and number of repetitions at the bridge of the nose and the area above the nose between the eyebrows. Tenderness in these areas may indicate sinus pressure.
Step 5
Position the tips of your fingers like a rake horizontally above each eyebrow and slide them upward across the brow and into the hairline. Repeat this until every part of the brow has been covered three times. Place your fingers in the center of the brow and repeat this raking motion again, this time moving your fingers outward horizontally and toward the temples. Cover the brow and temple three more times. Finish with small circular strokes to the brow and temple area.
Step 6
Move to the ears and lightly roll the edges of the earlobes between your thumb and forefinger. Work your way up the outer edge of the ear, squeezing the edge gently. Repeat three times. Place the entire palm of your hand over each ear and move in a circular motion with light pressure for 15 seconds.
Step 7
Glide open hands along the outer face, lightly stroking with your fingers. Start at the chin, working up the face and into the hairline. Repeat, moving inward toward nose. Once you reach the nose, return to the outer edge of the face. Cover the face three times.
Tips and Warnings
- These techniques can be performed on someone else or as a self massage. Practice the massage techniques several times to get comfortable with them. Don't rush through the massage. Massage both sides of the face simultaneously. Drink water after a massage to help to flush out toxins. (See References 2)
- People who are pregnant or have a medical condition should consult a health care provider before using massage therapy. (See Reference 2) Do not massage open, inflamed or injured areas. Remove jewelry and piercings prior to massage. Massage pressure should be light and should not cause discomfort. (See References 2)
Things You'll Need
- Candles
- Soft music
- Small pillow
- Chair or cot
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- The Patient Education Institute, Inc.
- "The Illustrated Guide to Massage and Aromatherapy"; Catherine Stuart; 2008
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