CHAPTER 9 FACIAL MASSAGE

MASSAGE

• manual or mechanical manipulation of the body by rubbing, gently pinching, kneading, tapping, and other movements to increase metabolism and circulation , promote absorbtion, and relieve pain

• mental and physical benefits

• when the body senses touch, reflex receptors respond by increasing blood and lymph flow

• assists in product absorption and relieves pain

IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING FACIAL MASSAGE

• learning and practicing your techniques will allow you to provide your clients with superior results and create a loyal clientele

• must be able to explain the physiological and psychological benefits of facial massage to the client

• knowing the proper techniques and the contraindications for facial massage is important for client safety

• foundational service that enhances product effectiveness ; provides relaxation, and increases circulation to assist with oxygenating the skin and bringing vital nutrients to the epidermis while assisting in the removal of waste

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE

• relaxes the client

• stumulates blood and lymph circulation

• improved overall metabolism and activates sluggish skin

• helps muscle tone

• helps cleanse the skin of impurities and softens sebum

• helps slough off dead skin ella

• reduces puffiness and sinus congestion

• helps product absorption

• relieves muscle tension and pain

• provided a sense of well being

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF MASSAGE

• contagious diseases

• inflamed acne

• sunburn, windburn, irritation, severe redness

• sensitive skin (or severely sensitized)

• open lesions, cuts. sores, abrasions

• skin disorders

• severe, uncontrolled hypertension

• uncontrolled diabetes

SCOPE OF PRACTICE

• massage only allowed on face, neck, décolleté and shoulders

• back facials only apply products no massage

EFFLEURAGE

• light, continuous stroking movement applied with the fingers (digital) or the palms (palmar) in a slow, rhythmic manner

• often used to begin and end massage sessions

• hands should never leave the face or body once started

• slightly curve fingers with just the cushions of the fingertips touching he skin

• hold hands loosely, keep wrists and fingers flexible and curve fingers

PETRISSAGE

• kneading movement that stimulates the underlying tissues ; performed by lifting, squeezing, and pressing the tissue with a light, firm pressure

• kneading, squeezing, pinching

• pressure should be light but firm and movements rhythmic

• skin and flesh are grasped between the thumb and forefinger

• tissues are lifted from underlying structures and are squeezed, rolled, or pinched

TAPOTEMENT

• movements consisting of short, quick tapping, slapping, and hacking movements

• also known as percussion

• improved circulation by stimulating the diffusion of the capillary network

• good for toning and nourishes the skin by releasing nutrients and purifying by releasing carbon dioxide and waste material

• percussive stroke in which the fingertips strike the skin in rapid succession or fast tapping movements

FRICTION

• invigorating rubbing technique requiring pressure in the skin with the fingers or palm while moving the under an underlying structure

• stimulates circulation and glandular activity of the skin

• circular or cross cross with a maintained pressure

VIBRATION

• in massage, the rapid shaking movement in which the technician uses the body and shoulders, not just the fingertips touching create the movement

• accomplished by rapid muscular contractions in the arms

• highly stimulating

• balls of fingertips are pressed firmly on point of application

ACUPRESSURE

• applying pressure to specific points of the face and body (acupressure points) to release muscle tension, restore balance, and stimulate chi

• derived from chinese medicine

• the points follow the same pattern of meridians in the body as acupuncture

SHIATSU

• form of acupressure

• Japanese technique

• using acupressure massage points to relax and balance the body

• also used on the scalp

PRESSURE POINT MASSAGE

• similar to acupressure

• repeated 3-6 times on each point with a 3-6 second pause on each point

• top to bottom of the face

• special training needed

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

• uses essential oils mixed with an emulsion or oil and applied to the skin during massage movements

• used to promote mental relaxation and to treat skin in numerous ways

MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE

• MLD

• gentle rhythmic pressure on the lymphatic system to detoxify and remove waste materials from the body more quickly

• reduces swelling

• very light touch

MASSAGE LASTS 10-20 MINS

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• hand movements need to flow and be consistent, gliding easily from one area to the next

• mental focus is important when giving a massage (don’t let mental distractions reduce your focus on the massage and your clients)

• helpful to explain to guests what you are trying to achieve with your massage technique

• communicate with clients and adjust your touch accordingly

• educate clients so they understand that excessive or deep massage is too rough for facial skin and too much pressure can weaken elastin fibers

• massage pressure, massage type, and duration will vary on skin type

• even tempo, or rhythmic flow, promotes relaxation

• may be started on the chin, décolleté, or forehead

• don’t remove your hands once you have made contact with the skin

• always massage from muscle insertion to origin of the muscle to avoid tissue damage

• upward and outward on the face and neck

• hands must stay flexible and have a controlled and firm touch

• hands should be soft with short smooth nails

MASSAGE PRODUCTS

• serum or gel based (gentle friction and ideal glide to leave all skin types relaxed and hydrated)

• rich herbal cream based (ideal glide to perform facial massages for drier skin)

SET UP

• select a product that is appropriate for clients skin type and start with a light touch, gradually getting firmer pressure

• consistent amount of movements

• always massage downward on the side of the neck

• don’t remove your hands once you start

APPLICATION OF PRODUCT

• dispense product

• pit on gloves and prepare product

• use effleurage to apply product evenly to neck décolleté and face

FACIAL MASSAGE ROUTINE

1. start with hands on décolleté

2. effleurage strokes on forehead

3. circular friction on the forehead

4. friction using cross cross stroke on the forehead

5. friction near the brows

6. circular friction around the eye area and zygomatic

7. tapotement around the eyes

8. circular friction around the checks to the temples and back

9. petrissage motion on the chin

10. perform tapotement or petrissage on the cheeks

11. circular friction or rubbing motion

12. friction using scissoring movements

13. circle around the mouth and chin

14. friction using scissor movement

15. effleurage near the neck

16. tapotement on the underside of the chin

17. tapotement and lifting movement on the cheeks

18. tapotement stroking movement near the corner of the mouth

19. effleurage stroking movement near outside corner of the eyes

20. effleurage stroking movements across forehead and complete routine

21. remove massage medium