There is nothing more relaxing than a facial massage. Massage therapist and Core Transformation fitness instructor, Liz Evans, ends each workout class with this facial massage demonstration. Use this at the end of your workouts, when you wake up in the morning, or maybe as a way to decompress before bed! A facial massage helps to relieve the pressure that comes with stress and relax the entire body. (And when you need a full body massage, be sure to book a session with Liz or the Korean Massage Bed at the wellness center.)
You will want to find a spot to lie down. On your bed, a couch, a yoga mat, or maybe the grass in a shady spot! Before beginning the massage, take a few deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Here are the steps to take during a facial massage.
#1 Raise Eyebrows
Using the pads of your fingers, gently massage in an upward motion your eyebrows. Letting your hands continue up over your forehead. As you return your hands to repeat the motion you can add in tracing your eye socket bones.
#2 Massage the Scalp
Using the pads of your fingers again, rake your hands through your hair massaging the scalp in a circular motion. Be sure to hit every part of your head including the area around your ears. It is recommended to end at the crown of your head. You can also grip the hair and gently pull. This scalp massage softens the muscles and skin. This technique also increases hair growth!
#3 Silent Scream Technique
Place your hands to the side of your face and gently massage in an upward motion as you open and close your mouth. You can also reverse this motion so your hands are traveling down. Repeat this 3-5 times. Remember to slow down and really enjoy thse sensations.
#4 Raindrop Hands
Imagine your fingertips are raindrops and gently tap your face with all of your fingers. Starting at the chin and working your way upward until you reach the hairline. Repeat this for as long as you like, be gentle over your eyes.
#5 Caterpillar Crawl
Starting at the jawline, pin and press the skin tracing upwards to where the jaw meets the ear. Always move in an upward direction. Instead of a pin and press, you could also march the fingertips up the jawbone as if they are caterpillar legs. Another option would be to trace the jawbone with your thumb and forefinger. Experiment with all three options and see what feels best to you.
With any massage, allow yourself time to rest before getting up and continuing with your day. 2-3 deep breaths and slowly getting up are just as important as the massage itself!
We hope this self-massage technique helps you as you create moments of relaxation throughout your day. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out! We look forward to helping you create practices of self-care into your daily life.
Love people, love vitality
Wellspring Vitality
