A Stress Release Facial Massage

The actual massage techniques are derived from the areas of lymph drainage, energy balancing, and a reverse reflexology of the nervous system (beginning with the head rather than the feet).

The recipient is seated in a reclining position with legs slightly elevated for proper spinal relief. The massage areas include the face, scalp, neck, shoulder blades, and arms. The lymph canals are drained toward the mastoid just under the ears and down to the lymph nodes under the collarbone.

Acupressure points in all the areas covered are also incorporated in the massage to ensure stress reduction and to eliminate blockages in energy flow. This balances the electro-magnetic field, which relaxes the nervous system, and this in turn relaxes the muscles. It also reduces pain and increases the body's ability to heal.

The massage treatment begins with surface cleansing of the skin, which removes surface debris. It is a quiet time for the recipient of the facial massage, allowing a pause from noise and cares. The mind also seems to be cleansed by the subliminal massage, which places a person in a wonderful meditative state.

The massaging action should be constant, for the entire duration of the treatment, which lasts for about half an hour. After cleansing, begins the deep pore-cleaning phase of the massage, which can be done by using an Alpha Hydroxy acid containing granular cream. This granular cream exfoliates the dead skin cells on the face, and should be followed by warm towel packs, which stimulates blood circulation bringing increased flexibility to the pores.

This is a transition state and also prepares nerve endings for the massage. Next a conditioning clay, or hydrating mask is applied, which draws out any remaining liquefied impurities in the pores while firming and tightening the skin. The mask is left on for three to seven minutes, and then rinsed repeatedly with clear warm water until completely cleansed away. Mildly sedative, it has a vaso-constrictive action on the capillary structures, which acts to texture the skin.

A toning rinse is the next step, used to close the pores and bring the skins pH into balance. This toning rinse breaks down complex oils enabling them to easily rise to the skins surface along with any residue of waste products from within the skin.

Then a protective day-cream is applied, which will normalize the skin and help it to retain moisture evenly.

Finally, the hair covering is removed and a light scalp massage with gentle tugging brings the recipient back to gradual awareness.

The final result is an intense sense of serene energy, which comes from the internal organization and achievement of facial fitness. The exercise massage accelerates your skins natural cell renewal, which remoulds loose contours and restores elasticity and radiance.

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons use this massage to alleviate anxiety and fully prepare the skin and muscles for treatment.