Cosmetic facial massage began to be actively used from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, thanks to the work of domestic doctors I.V. Zabludovsky, A.I. Poselova, N.V. Sletova and others. The massage techniques, and most importantly, the direction of the massage movements of all specialists were almost identical - along the flow of lymph. Thus, any massage, including the traditionally used classical technique, has a certain draining effect on the lymphatic system, that is, it promotes the outflow of lymph from the periphery to the center.
Facial massage is a necessary part of cosmetic skin care. This is a method of mechanical and reflex effects on organs and tissues. The method is based on mechanical movements, usually from the hands of a massage therapist. Manual massage is the most subtle, effective and popular procedure. No device can still reproduce the feeling of relaxation and calm that the skillful hands of a massage therapist bring.
During massage, receptors in the skin and muscles are irritated, impulses are transmitted along the nerves to the central nervous system, causing responses. In addition, during massage, highly active substances are formed in the skin, which, in combination with protein breakdown products, affect various organs, including the nervous and cardiovascular systems, blood supply to tissues and their nutrition are improved, blood flow through the veins is increased, and lymphatic drainage is improved. , the secretory activity of the sebaceous and sweat glands is activated. The massage mechanically cleanses the skin, freeing it from excess secretions of the glands and horny cells of the epidermis, due to which the skin becomes more elastic and the complexion improves. Due to increased blood flow in the muscles, the amount of glycogen increases and carbon dioxide is removed to a greater extent. That is, massage helps the skin breathe, and thereby counteracts blood stagnation, strengthens tissue and muscles, and keeps the skin smooth, young and elastic longer.
Research has proven that facial massage, performed using certain techniques, prevents skin aging. It has been established that when exposed to cosmetic massage, the general condition of the body improves: blood pressure decreases, pulse rate decreases. After the massage, skin temperature and heat radiation increase. The cosmetic hygienic massage procedure lasts 20 minutes.
You can do a massage yourself, but it is more effective and reliable to use the services of a cosmetologist. It will do both better and more competently, because many factors play a big role in facial massage: correct movements, the type and condition of your skin, the product used in the massage and the duration of the session. Depending on the type of massage and skin type, the master will select the right cosmetic product. If the skin is oily, use a massage emulsion or gel (with water). For dry skin, use herbal oil with an antiseptic effect, emulsion, slippery cream. Any preparation is suitable for normal skin.
Purposes of facial massage
Most often, facial massage is part of comprehensive skin care. The techniques used promote blood flow to tissues, enhancing their nutrition and metabolic reactions. This has a positive effect on cell renewal, promotes their regeneration and activation of lymph outflow with waste metabolic products, toxins, drug residues, and hormones. The correct technique has an antioxidant effect and promotes skin rejuvenation.
But to obtain a stable result, a course of application of the technique is usually required. It is recommended to conduct sessions no more than 2-3 times a week. Additionally, it is worth carrying out professional skin care.
Facial massage is carried out for the purpose of healing, rejuvenation, solving cosmetic and other problems:
- sagging skin, flabby oval face;
- early skin aging;
- tendency to edema;
- age-related changes on the face, neck;
- presence of a double chin;
- decreased muscle tone, sagging face and body;
- accumulation of decay products, toxins and waste in tissues;
- lymph stagnation.
Most often, massage is performed on the face and neck at the same time, since these areas are nearby. The specialist moves strictly along the massage lines. To avoid excessive stretching of tissues.
Wellness (hygienic) massage
Wellness (hygienic) massage is very popular in medicine. It is used to prevent prostatitis, as well as many other diseases. When treating it, the traditional method of general massage is performed. Deep kneading techniques and strong rubbing concentrate on the lower back and legs. The stomach and arms are massaged quite easily. The collar area and head are warmed up when the patient takes a sitting position. In a horizontal position of the patient (lying on his stomach), segmental massage is performed. First of all, the massage therapist kneads the patient's back, pelvic area (stroking, rubbing, kneading) and the sacrum (stroking and rubbing techniques are performed from the outer edge of the sacrum to the inner ridge). After this, the muscles along the outer edge of the sacrum are massaged, then the gluteal muscles. Minor vibrations over the symphysis are performed with increased tone. The session ends with shaking the back and pelvis. Kneading the lower abdomen and pubic symphysis helps relieve bladder pain. Testicular massage is performed in order to reduce pain, swelling, improve lymph flow, and increase the tone of the vessels that make up the spermatic cord. To quickly improve the condition, the procedure should be carried out from the moment of injury. First of all, the spermatic cord is massaged.
Lymphatic drainage massage
The basis of lymphatic drainage facial massage is the active treatment of tissues with hands or devices, taking into account the anatomical location of the lymphatic vessels. They are responsible for the outflow of lymph and cleansing tissues of toxins. Also, with the help of lymphatic drainage facial massage, you can get rid of swelling, significantly tighten the oval, and reduce the severity of facial wrinkles. Similar techniques are actively used in non-surgical cosmetology.
Other names for the technique are vacuum facial massage, LPG, sculptural facial massage. The techniques may differ from each other, but have a common principle of action on fabric. In some techniques, it is comparable to the effect of tissue tightening and has a clear rejuvenating effect.
Lymphatic drainage massage has been successfully used for many years. The main goal of this technique is to eliminate congestion in tissues, facilitate the outflow of lymph, along with which harmful metabolic products and excess intercellular fluid are removed from the body. With a stagnant process, a person’s general well-being worsens, immunity decreases, and problems with metabolism and tissue regeneration may arise.
Normal functioning of the lymphatic system ensures sufficient production of lymphocytes responsible for protective mechanisms. Professional lymphatic drainage massage can heal the body, give lightness and beauty. But it must be carried out by real professionals. If done incorrectly, it can cause harm to health.
Lymphatic drainage massage for a facelift can be performed manually or using hardware. Disruption of lymph movement in facial tissues can cause early wrinkles, puffiness and unhealthy skin color. By accelerating lymph flow, the enrichment of cells with oxygen increases, collagen production is stimulated, and a person’s general well-being is normalized.
By kneading the tissues, fat deposits are crushed, microcirculation is enhanced, which leads to a reduction in the volume of problem areas and smoothing of the skin texture.
Indications and contraindications
Lymphatic drainage massage is prescribed not only for facial contour tightening and rejuvenation. The technique has a positive effect on the general functions of the whole body.
Main indications:
- age-related, post-traumatic, postoperative swelling;
- aesthetic flaws;
- sagging skin;
- bags under the eyes;
- unclear facial contour.
Contraindications to lymphatic drainage massage are:
- malignant neoplasms;
- any acute conditions, increased body temperature;
- bleeding;
- herpetic infection in the acute stage;
- wounds and ulcers at the site of massage;
- some cardiovascular pathologies;
- pathology of the endocrine glands.
Contraindications are general and also valid for any type of facial massage.
Urological massage
Urological massage is a massage of the testicles, prostate, Cooper glands and appendages. It is used to treat urological diseases in both women and men. But despite this, representatives of the stronger sex most often turn to this method of treatment due to problems associated with the genitals. Using this procedure, the following diseases are treated: chronic urethritis, spermatorrhea, traumatic inflammation of the testicle and its appendages, catarrhal forms of prostatitis and cooperitis, chronic inflammation of the urethra. This type is used for gonorrheal infection of the Littrey glands, which are located throughout the urethra. This procedure is also performed to treat Morgan's lacunae and the urethra itself.
Preparation and features of the event
During the consultation and examination of the skin, the cosmetologist determines which facial massage is suitable in a particular case. It is important to exclude the presence of acute conditions that are a contraindication to the use of lymphatic drainage techniques. On the eve of the procedure, it is prohibited to drink strong alcoholic drinks. The procedure is carried out on an empty stomach or within several hours after eating. It is necessary to avoid overeating on the day of using the technique and for several hours after it. Food should be light, not containing excess fats and simple carbohydrates. It is prohibited to apply cream or other cosmetics to the skin.
During the session, the cosmetologist uses his hands or a device to superficially knead the skin, moving in a certain direction to activate the outflow of fluid through the lymphatic vessels. Each procedure lasts on average 20-40 minutes. For several days after using the lymphatic drainage massage technique, it is forbidden to eat excessively salty and spicy foods, which retain fluid in the body.
Modern “replacement” of massage techniques for the face
But most cosmetologists today seem to have completely forgotten why this wonderful procedure exists, replacing it with mesotherapy (causes the own capillaries to collapse and stop naturally nourishing the skin), botulinum toxin (the most powerful natural poison that not only blocks the functioning of the nerve in a specific muscle, but also the work of brain cells), radiolifting and laser, which “weld” the skin protein, as a result - first the skin becomes smoother, and then fibrosis develops, in which the skin becomes like a “tarpaulin”.
All of these “substitutes” are in demand due to the advertising of immediate results. The long-term consequences are deliberately kept silent. And only dermatologists, cosmetologist-surgeons and competent cosmetologists who love their work not for money state the sad endings of using expensive and rather harmful techniques, leading not only to aesthetic defects that are difficult to eliminate or not at all removable, but also to health problems.
FAQ
At what age can you do facial massage?
The procedure will be useful for young people over 18 years of age who experience problems with acne, post-acne, and oily skin. It is also effective for women over 35 years old - in this case, massage helps fight the first age-related changes and skin aging. In general, sessions are recommended for everyone, without exception, who cares about the beauty and youth of their face, regardless of age.
How often should you massage your face, neck and décolleté?
Cosmetologists advise performing the procedure once every 2-4 days. The exact number of sessions can be determined by a specialist after assessing the skin condition. The minimum number of procedures for visible results is 5.
Benefits of the procedure
Facial massage is an opportunity not only to make your skin healthy. The session is a great way to relax and unwind. Depending on the type, the procedure lasts from 30 to 60 minutes, and several visits to the cosmetologist are necessary to consolidate the result. A facial massage in the salon gives an amazing effect that can be compared to a course of laser rejuvenation or a circular facelift. In this case, the skin is not damaged in any way - there are no cuts, injections, pain and long recovery. In addition, plastic surgery cannot provide a 100% guarantee of a good external effect. The results of the massage are noticeable after the first session and are useful for improving your general condition.
General massage
It represents a kind of impact on the human body by the force of the massage therapist’s hands. At the same time, special hardware can be used for treatment, recovery and proper prevention of diseases. The procedure has a positive effect on the blood supply to joints and tissues. In humans, the dynamics of the formation and movement of synovial fluid accelerates, thus, the muscles become more elastic. Manual influence can be combined with the use of various hardware techniques. The most common movements: rubbing, kneading and creating vibration. As a rule, an experienced massage therapist begins the session with the back, then the back of the legs, shoulders, neck and back of the head are involved. After this, you can begin rubbing the front of the body. Typically the order in this case is as follows: face, arms and hands, torso and front of the legs. The end of an effective session involves the “unification” of interaction in all areas of the human body. For these purposes, stroking and rubbing are used. It is worth noting that in addition to the “technical” impact of the massage therapist on the body, massage makes it possible to fully enjoy the touch of the hands. The hands of a professional help a person gain a sense of a single whole. Thus, this procedure is a kind of means of releasing the internal energy of a person, which is contained in each of us. Massage was conceived by supporters of a holistic approach as an opportunity to combine Eastern approaches in the treatment of various diseases and modern medical knowledge in the field of human physiology. The use of the procedure causes a whole galaxy of changes in various systems of the human body: nervous, cardiovascular, muscular. Moreover, each organism reacts individually to these changes, which depend on gender, age and functional state. Various approaches can have both a tonic and relaxing effect. A professional massage therapist is able to efficiently and skillfully relieve a person’s physical stress, anxiety, sadness and negative emotional background. It is worth noting that it is worth repeating massage courses at least once every six months or a year, depending on your condition.
Anticellulite massage
Cellulite is unsightly “lumps” and “hollows” resulting from changes in the structure of the subcutaneous fatty tissue of the skin. Cellulite appears for various reasons - heredity, age-related changes, hormonal disorders, obesity, nutritional imbalance, various stresses, etc. Favorite places for cellulite are the stomach, thighs, buttocks. Among several ways to combat cellulite, mostly women choose anti-cellulite massage. In women, cellulite occurs quite often (80–95% of cases), which is explained by the peculiarities of the hormonal profile and the structure of the connective tissue of the skin. In men, cellulite practically does not occur, since their connective tissue fibers, intersecting, form a barrier to fat cells. Anti-cellulite massage affects the layer of subcutaneous fat, helping to reduce it, makes the blood move faster and activates metabolism in the body. He A gradual transition from superficial techniques to deeper ones with the help of professional cosmetics ensures the effectiveness of the course. Blood circulation improves as much as possible in problem areas. The procedure ensures restoration of microcirculation and lymph outflow from the periphery to the center. The skin is made smooth and elastic by increasing blood circulation in the adipose tissue. Anti-cellulite massage has a fairly strong mechanical effect, which can cause redness of the skin. But the unpleasant sensations disappear within a few hours, less often within a day. This procedure has a complex effect on improving the walls of blood vessels, stimulating the inflow and outflow of blood, lymph, and intercellular fluid throughout the body. Anti-cellulite massage of the thighs, buttocks and legs tightens the skin of these parts of the body, making them beautiful and elastic. With cellulite in the subcutaneous fat of the abdomen, blood circulation and intestinal function improve, which is especially important for chronic constipation. This method of combating cellulite is especially effective in the initial stages of the problem. Advanced forms also require special diets, contrast procedures and exercise. It is recommended to carry out anti-cellulite massage in a course of 8 - 15 procedures, each after two days. For preventive purposes, it is advisable to carry out the course once every 2 - 3 weeks. The best time for the procedure is evening. After completing a course of anti-cellulite massage, you should continue to work to improve the effect every day both in the gym and at home.
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A beautiful, toned oval face, healthy glow, excellent skin tone is the dream of every woman. No home care procedure can replace a professional facial massage. A variety of techniques allows you to choose the optimal solution for any skin type and get amazing results in a short time.
Why does the skin on your face actually age?
The skin of the face is subject to chrono- and photoaging, but in fact, folds, wrinkles and swelling also appear on it due to age-related changes in the skull, muscles, and blood vessels. Over time, the skull becomes deformed and decreases in volume; weakened and insufficiently elastic muscles are no longer able to grasp it as before. In places where the facial muscles sag, the skin also sags.
On the other hand, the muscles of the forehead and neck are often hypertonic, that is, too tense due to a sedentary lifestyle. Overstrained neck muscles disrupt blood flow to the skin of the face - the cells do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients. The venous and lymph flow is disrupted - swelling appears on the face, it becomes puffy, the oval “floats”, and a double chin is formed.
Wrinkles and folds on the forehead often occur due to hypertonicity of the forehead muscles
What are the benefits of massage?
It's never too late to rebuild muscles. At any age, through regular training, they can be made dense and elastic, and the muscles of the face are no exception. This can be done with the help of “passive gymnastics” - a massage that will relax tense muscles and restore tone to weakened ones.
Massage has a complex effect:
- tightens the oval of the face;
- smoothes or reduces the appearance of folds and wrinkles;
- improves blood circulation, and with it the flow of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells;
- improves complexion and skin turgor;
- slows down the aging process;
- eliminates swelling and has a lifting effect;
- relieves nervous tension and other effects of stress.
During a facial massage, endorphins are produced - hormones of happiness
6 questions about facial massage
No. 1. At what age can you do facial massage?
The procedure will be beneficial at any age. Up to 25 years - according to indications, for example, for swelling or excessive nervous tension. At the age of 25-30, the course is prescribed as a preventive measure for aging, and after 30, it is advisable to take it regularly, as part of anti-aging care.
No. 2. Are there any contraindications?
Massage should not be done if there are rashes or injuries on the face, such as herpes, an allergic reaction, abrasions or scratches. The procedure is also contraindicated for certain diseases of the cardiovascular system, oncology and a number of other serious health problems.
No. 3. How many procedures do you need to undergo to get results?
After a one-time procedure, the effect will last for 3-4 days. If you need to go on an important date or a meeting of classmates, this will be enough. To obtain a lasting result, you need a course of 10-15 sessions (2-3 times a week), and then maintenance procedures 1-2 times a month or repeating the whole course after a few months.
Facial massage is an excellent way to rejuvenate the skin before meeting classmates
No. 4. Does the number of sessions per course depend on age?
At 25-30 years old, it is enough to complete half the course - 5-7 procedures for preventive purposes. If you have already celebrated your fortieth birthday, a full course is required, as well as regular maintenance massages. The cosmetologist will recommend the optimal schedule on an individual basis.
#5: How long does a massage last?
The duration of the session depends on the massage technique. Sometimes the procedure takes only 10-20 minutes, in other cases – from an hour to an hour and a half. On average it is 30-45 minutes.
No. 6. Is it possible to do a facial massage yourself?
You can perform a facial massage yourself, but at home it is unlikely that you will be able to get the desired effect. In cosmetology clinics, professional equipment and cosmetics are used for this. Specialists know which points can be pressed and which ones cannot, and they know how to influence the skin taking into account its characteristics.
Self-massage is more of a chore than a pleasure
Various facial massage techniques
There are various massage techniques - classic, plastic (myostimulating), therapeutic (pinch). They are universal, have a general effect on the lymphatic, circulatory, nervous and muscular systems. There are also specialized techniques created to solve specific problems, for example, lymphatic drainage massage to combat swelling and bags under the eyes, or muscular-structural massage to work the muscles of the face and neck.
- Classic massage is stroking, kneading and rubbing. To enhance the effect, use special oils and creams.
- Anti-aging – stimulates the production of natural collagen and elastin, restores skin elasticity, relieves puffiness and improves texture.
- Japanese - affects the skin, muscles and connective tissue more deeply. Returns clear contours to the oval, reduces the severity of wrinkles.
In progressive cosmetology clinics and offices, facial massage is also performed using other techniques:
- According to the technique of Enrique Garcia.
In terms of technique, this Spanish massage is often compared to plastic surgery. It allows you to achieve deep muscle relaxation, relieves muscle tension, effectively fights expression wrinkles, and removes excess fluid. After the course, tissue elasticity is restored, and the body is healed on several levels.
Enrique Garcia's massage combines classical and European techniques. Despite such a complex effect, the procedure is almost painless, easy and pleasant.
- Facial massage according to Akhabadze.
Massage using this technique is recommended to be carried out before cosmetic procedures in order to enhance their effect. With its help, it is possible to relieve muscle tension, rid tissues of excess fluid, improve microcirculation, increase tone and elasticity.
Classic facial massage is suitable for any skin type
The magical properties of facial massage were once appreciated by the ancient Egyptians. In Europe, a piece of suede fabric was used for this purpose, as well as other methods that were quite dangerous to health. Today, any girl or woman can undergo a massage course and quickly, comfortably get rid of wrinkles, return a healthy color to their face, and give themselves a great mood!
When and to whom is massage indicated?
Despite the emergence of many modern hardware techniques and procedures for rejuvenation, massage does not lose its position. It is often a less traumatic, safe and much more effective manipulation that allows you to work on the deep tissues of the face, neck, décolleté, and collar area.
With the help of a massage, performed correctly, you can relax the spasmed muscles that lead to the formation of wrinkles and skin creases. Massage helps improve microcirculation, the skin receives additional nutrition and oxygen. Normalizing lymphatic drainage helps remove toxic substances from tissues, activate metabolic processes, and reduce swelling.
As a result of the massage sessions, a visual effect will appear:
- the skin will become more elastic and toned;
- complexion will improve;
- wrinkles will be smoothed out due to getting rid of muscle hypertonicity;
- the oval of the face will be clearer and contoured;
- the double chin will decrease;
- The puffiness of the face will disappear.
Stitches after facelift are usually removed on days 10-14. Massages can be started 3 weeks after this. When discharging you from the clinic, the surgeon will tell you in detail about the most effective massage options and the rules for performing it in your particular case.
The most popular types of massage + techniques
Among all types of massage, the most popular are the corrective techniques Kobido and Hiro. The first involves influencing acupuncture points by rubbing and tapping. In addition to the facial area, the neck area is also massaged. The second method (Chiromassage) is no less useful. It is based on Eastern teachings about life energy. The method of its implementation is more gentle. During the procedure, facial muscles are completely relaxed.
There are the following types of facial massage:
- Classic technique.
This type can be performed independently, while at home, without turning to specialists. For this:
- Apply the oil to the skin using gentle patting movements.
- Begin massaging the cheeks along the massage lines (moving from the wings of the nose to the outer edge).
- To get rid of wrinkles in the eye area, you need to carefully rub the oil. In the area of the lower eyelid, you should move from the inner corner to the outer; for the upper eyelid, on the contrary, from the outer edge to the inner.
- Then the forehead area is massaged.
- Finally, the lips (contour) are worked on using rubbing strokes.
Is facial massage beneficial or harmful, how to do it - more about this in the video:
- Plastic or sculpture massage.
This is a wonderful technique that gives amazing results. With the help of deep massage, you can correct the contours of your face without resorting to surgery. The effect is comparable to the result of plastic surgery. Thanks to the unique technology, the clarity of the oval is restored, cell regeneration is launched, which leads to their rejuvenation. The skin seems to begin to glow from the inside. Main stages:
- Use light stroking movements.
- Superficial and deep kneading.
- Patting movements.
- Vibrating effect.
- Lymphatic drainage massage.
What are the benefits of lymphatic drainage facial massage? It is used to relieve swelling and improve skin tone. With age, metabolic processes in cells slow down due to stagnation of lymphatic fluid. After massaging, lymph outflow begins. This type of massage includes both vibration massage and the Kobido technique. Circular and stroking movements are made along the lymph flow lines. The session lasts at least 15 minutes.
Contraindications
Massage is not performed in the presence of rosacea - a vascular network on the face, which indicates the fragility of the capillaries. The influence of a cosmetologist will do more harm than good. An absolute contraindication is also the presence of malignant tumors and diseases associated with blood clotting disorders. Relative contraindications include:
- rashes and inflammation on the face;
- bruises and abrasions;
- herpes occurring in the acute stage;
- allergy;
- the period of skin restoration after burns, mechanical resurfacing and some other cosmetic procedures;
- colds and chronic
Preparation
special preparation is required for facial massage .
Seasonality
The procedure is carried out at any time of the year.
Process
- Cleansing the skin surface;
- Rubbing the face, applying a special massage cream or other product;
- Mechanical manipulations according to the technique of the chosen type of massage;
- Relaxing effect.
Rehabilitation
After a facial massage , it is not recommended to get up immediately; it is better to lie down for a few more minutes and relax.