Just imagine a fantastic spa appointment. The quiet atmosphere, the gentle sound of the fountain bubbling, the soothing scent of essential oils, and the promise of all your cares and worries just melting away as your muscles are massaged. As great as that sounds, a quality spa appointment is expensive and not everyone is able to get away to a spa whenever they want. However, you can do face massage techniques at home to bring the health benefits to your body with no appointment required!
Face massage is similar to whole body massage as the same techniques are used, such as Swedish massage or deep tissue massage, but they are done on a much smaller and gentler scale. Massage is excellent to stimulate blood flow in the muscles, relieve soreness, and it also helps to reduce pain. While you may not think you have tight muscles, like the ones in your back, the face often has many tight areas that can be relaxed during a face massage.
The muscles are not the only things that are helped, the lymphatic system is also assisted through massage. The lymphatic system is similar to a drainage network removing excess fluid in the body. Eating overly salty foods or being in hot, muggy environments (that make you sweat) will increase the fluids within your face causing a puffy-like look. By doing face massage techniques, you can assist the body to remove those fluids and drain them, thereby leaving your face less puffy and swollen in appearance.
Interestingly, the whole body is affected positively by massage. It can help reduce your blood pressure, regulate your hormones back to normal levels, improve your immune system, and even elevate your mood to help with depression-like symptoms.
The body likes everything to be balanced in its systems, and a face massage is a great way to help bring that balance to the body. The most significant way that the body brings balance is by the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response. The NEM detects minute and significant changes in the body, and sends help via six different circuits to deal with stresses in the body whenever an imbalance is found.
One such imbalance that a lot of people tend to struggle with is depression-like problems and anxiety. The little worries and cares begin to build up in your life and overwhelm you causing physical and mental issues. When the neuroaffect circuit is imbalanced, you can have symptoms such as
All of these symptoms can be caused by one or many things such as challenging work environments, family stress, or long-lasting illnesses. The body attempts to release hormones through the various circuits, like dopamine and serotonin, to help the body feel better through the difficult times. However, these hormones are not endless in their supply. Cortisol is also another hormone released to help bring the body back into a healthy state, but as it begins to run out, the body may start experiencing symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS).
AFS can be very minor as it begins with generalized symptoms such as tiredness or needing more caffeine than usual. As it progresses, the body shows more signs of needing more stimulants to keep going. You may have carbohydrate (such as pasta) and sugar cravings as the body needs a quick energy source to maintain the status quo. However, the energy that is found in sugar is similar to a band-aid. It helps momentarily, but the problem has to be taken care of underneath. If the problem is not removed, it will continue to grow and return once the band-aid has been removed. AFS needs to be addressed by giving the body the proper nutrients and relaxation techniques to restore it back to the appropriate balance.
When considering doing your own face massage, it is best to plan in advance to give you the best experience as you possibly can. So, look at your schedule and find a time that will be optimal for you.
You will need a quiet room that is dimly lit and preferably will have no interruptions. For those with small children, you can schedule this time during the children’s nap time. Other great times would be in the evening, somewhat close to your bedtime because an excellent face massage can make you sleepy.
An eye mask is helpful to relax your eyes. If you do not have one, a thicker washcloth dipped in warm water is also beneficial to bring relaxation to you.
A nice smelling room is good too. You can diffuse essential oils in a diffuser, or you can put a few drops of the oils on a tissue near your head so you can smell them. Some deliriously relaxing scents are lavender, sandalwood, and vetiver. Of course, make sure you only source your essential oils from quality suppliers that certify their pureness as cheaper suppliers often mix in synthetic fragrances and filler oils.
Lastly, set the mood with some gentle sounds or music. Whether you choose rainfall, ocean waves, some soft Mozart, or even Tibetan singing bowls, find something that relaxes you in your unique way.
Yes, you can! A great face massage does not need special training. Find a quiet room, slip into something comfortable, turn on some relaxing music, and follow these steps carefully. You can massage your way into a blissful night of sleep.
The next time you wish for a getaway at a spa, just remember that you can have a pleasant face massage in the quiet and comfort of your own home. This simple massage can bring so many benefits of balance to your body and help to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and “the blues.” So don’t delay, your appointment time is now.
Yes, you can! A great face massage does not need special training. Find a quiet room, slip into something comfortable, turn on some relaxing music, and follow these steps carefully. You can massage your way into a blissful night of sleep.
