The Power of a Face Massage
At the beginning of my first session at FACELOVE, Rachel Lang, the founder tells me that my only job is to relax. I think to myself that I can do that, despite my long to do list. I sunk into the comfy chair, as she placed a warm blanket across my lap. I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths and was eager to receive my first face massage. FACELOVE is tucked inside of Stretch*d Studio in New York’s Flatiron neighborhood and specializes in tailored massages for your face. Most, if given the opportunity might book a full body massage, but after my thirty minute session, I realized just how much the face is connected to the body. Not only did I feel a slight tingling in my legs and sinus relief, but that evening and the following, I slept like a baby. Unlike most massages that will incorporate a variety of essential oils, FACELOVE only uses one tool at their disposal, their hands. Rachel says, “Products often prevent the rolling and grabbing on face muscles. We find we can isolate the muscles and strengthen and redirect them when there is no slip on the skin. Also, there is less to be sensitive to if product is not a consideration.” We asked Rachel to share more about both the short and longterm benefits of face massage. You can book 30/45/60 minute session here.
What are the immediate and noticeable physical benefits of a face massage?
Immediately, the face looks more relaxed and radiant. Massage increases 10x the circulation to the surface of the face creating a glowing, energized complexion while freeing the visible muscular holding patterns and tension. Muscle holds memory, which is why we can sculpt our bodies, so each time you redirect and tone the face muscles, you increase long-term results of an uplifted face posture.
“A joyful face presents more positively than a stressed face.”
How is the face linked to the body and mind? Do certain areas of the face hold stress?
The face is a blueprint for balance of the whole body. We know from 10,000 year old Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that there are reflexive acupressure points on the face that correspond to the energy (chi) pathways and organs of the body. If stimulated, the entire body begins to relax tapping into the parasympathetic nervous system, which creates a healing and rested state of being. This works on an energetic and cellular communication levels.
The face muscles are also connected to emotions and when relaxed and released the 'FaceJoy' is visible, enhancing overall beauty, while releasing the pleasure chemicals/pain blockers, or as I call them ‘happy juices' that support sleep wellness, mind wellness and overall well-being. If you feel better you look better. A joyful face presents more positively than a stressed face.
Mechanically, the body's posture and position of the spine and neck can drag the face muscles down or lift them up. Think ‘dancer posture’, open chest, shoulders released, upper back slightly arched, versus rounded back, hunched over a computer or tech neck tilted toward your gadget. Tension in the upper back, shoulders or neck creates tightness in the head, which pushes the forehead muscle down and the rest of the face muscles sag to follow.
Many people have been advised to be extra careful around their eye area, but you say that you can put pressure.
There is a pretty significant eye muscle (orbicularis oculi), it is a donut shaped muscle that hugs the eye and is responsible for stability, movement and tension around the eye area. It is an underserved area due to the previous approaches that only considered the skin around the eye as opposed to the muscle that is constantly overworked. Releasing the tension in this muscle results in a brighter eye area, softer lines and more energized eyes. Pressure feels amazing and only increases the integrity of the skin's ability to eliminate and plump. We like to say that 'blood follows hand' and that temporarily fills in the fine lines and dissolves fatigue and dullness.
At the start of our session, you mentioned if there were any problematic areas. What are some typical areas that you pay attention to?
We always work the 'five zones of surrender' in every FaceLove session: jaw, temples, eyes, base of the head and between the eyebrows. The most requested areas of focus from clients are to release jaw tension (TMJ), forehead tension, and the back of the neck (tech neck), so we always tailor more reps and time in those areas during the session.
“The face is a blueprint for balance of the whole body. ”
How do you recommend someone to give themselves a massage at home?
Your best tool is your hands—nothing can replace human contact, even if it is self-care. I recommend that in cleansing or moisturizing rituals, clients massage with repetitive upward and outward firm circles or hand sliding movements for 2-5 minutes. Jade rollers are wonderful especially if they have been kept chilled so that the temperature change can reduce swelling, puffiness and dramatically increase circulation resulting in a higher elimination of toxins and more nourishment of skin tissue.
Photograph via Eivin Hamran