It’s no secret that spa days are the best. I mean come on, who doesn’t love getting a massage and listening to soothing music. Massage therapy has been around for over 4,000 years dating back to Ancient China in 2700 B.C.E. Since then, methods have progressed and massage therapy has grown into one of the most commonly used forms of holistic medicine.
Our ancient ancestors had the right ideas and modern science has proven that massage therapy provides a plethora of benefits to the human body. Massage therapy can be for both the body and face. Both forms provide a variety of benefits. Let’s take a deeper look into what facial massage therapies are available and what benefits they provide.
There are a handful of facial massages available to choose from. Here are a few:
Therapists may use various techniques during holistic treatment. Techniques associated with facial massage therapy include but are not limited to: cupping, tapping, digital or knuckle kneading, and vibrations.
The eight benefits described are based on anecdotal evidence and research over the past two decades.
The lymphatic system and immune system are heavily connected. The lymphatic system plays a huge role in the body’s ability to prevent infection and remove bodily waste. The system drains the body of a fluid called lymph and when blockage occurs, lymphatic drainage massage therapy is utilized. There has been little research conducted to determine whether or not facial lymphatic drainage provides the same benefits as body lymphatic drainage, however many women find it reduces fine lines.
Collagen is an important part of our skin and it reduces over time with facial expressions leading to the creation of facial lines over time. An increase of blood flow generates oxygen and nutrients which in turn helps the skin produce collagen. To help stimulate and better blood flow, facial massages and at home roller balls can be used. Studies have shown that using an at home facial massage roller ball has a positive effect on facial skin blood flow. These practices which lead to better blood flow can help promote collagen production and help reduce facial lines.
Facial massages help facial scars during the healing process by stimulating blood flow, circulation, and by loosening tissues in the surrounding areas. Additionally, it has the ability to relieve symptoms associated with scars such as pain, itchiness, and tenderness in the area.
As previously discussed, the lymphatic system drains the body of waste which means it rids the body of toxins. This means excess product build up and other toxins in the body can be kicked to the curb by stimulating lymphatic drainage through massage.
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The face has 42 individual muscles each of which contribute to facial expressions used everyday. A lot of tension can be held in the face, especially when feeling stressed, tired, or concentrated. These emotions lead humans to sense the muscles around their eyes and forehead. A mini-massage rubbing the temples and using upward motions around the neck can help alleviate the tension in these areas. These massages can even aid tension headaches!
Along with reducing toxins, promoting collagen, and relieving muscle tensions, facial massages may leave you with bright, glowing skin. In 2002, 142 women aged 27-63 partook in research exploring the benefits of rejuvenating facial massage. According to the women in the study, 59.1% reported benefits of feeling freshness and rejuvenation, 50% reported benefits of warmth and tightening of the skin, and 53.5% reported their skin maintained suppleness, or soft and elastic.
Numerous studies have proven that massage therapy leads to a reduction in stress and increase in relaxation. Facial massage therapy achieves this notion by calming muscle tension in the face. A reduction in stress can reduce inflammation of the body’s immune system which can in turn reduce the body’s likelihood of flare ups caused by inflammation of the immune system.
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TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint and those who have TMJ conditions may experience uncomfort in the jaw or face, most commonly headaches, earaches, or lockjaw. Oral habits such as grinding teeth, chewing gum, lip biting, and jaw clenching are known to exacerbate TMJ symptoms. Massage therapy utilizing the trigger point technique may alleviate some of the uncomfort faced with TMJ.
We hope after reading this you feel a bit more confident in your massage therapy options and the benefits you’ll reap by showing yourself some love. Whether you choose to do it at home with a massage roller ball or seek professional facial therapy, there’s no going wrong. It’s time to kick back, relax, and show yourself a little extra TLC! You deserve it.
Written by Lauren Conklin
