Perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the biggest risk factors for developing or triggering significant skin and overall health conditions is stress. Conditions such as hormonal disruptions, psoriasis, and eczema often flare up right after a stressful life event. Natural healing remedies, increasingly sought after in addition to or in place of traditional care options, often involve mind-body techniques, such as relaxation, meditation, and hypnosis.
The Healing Power of Facial Massage
But what about facials – is there healing power in facial massage? Can facials really promote a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being?
A Journal of Biomedical Research study revealed that facial massage reduced anxiety and negative mood status and increased sympathetic nervous activity. The study revealed that the effects of a 45-minute facial massage significantly decreased negativity and anxiety and suggested that facial massage, in general, is beneficial for stress alleviation and psychological relaxation.
Facial massages also help to relieve tension, increase circulation, and act as a natural facelift. When facial and scalp muscles are tense, there’s a greater chance for wrinkles. Just as increased blood and oxygen flow stimulate relaxation and circulation, facial muscles respond similarly. By stimulating the pressure points and relieving tension, blood flow is revitalized, providing benefits not only to the face but throughout the body. Facial massage, in addition to boosting blood circulation, also brings oxygen to the skin, which leads to increased collagen production and a healthy, radiant glow.
Gua Sha
Gua sha uses stones to activate facial fascia—a powerful, ancient technique that promotes the body’s natural healing by creating balance, movement, and radiance. “Gua,” meaning to scrape or rub, and “sha,” meaning flowing to the skin’s surface, involves pressing and stroking a small stone to gently massage, manipulate, and stimulate specific energy points along the face and body. The process, called coining, spooning, or scraping, helps break up blood and pigmentation stagnation or adhesions in the skin. With the gentle pressure of gua sha, lymphatic fluid is moved along its traditional pathways and drains into the body. The free-flowing movement of blood and lymph allows toxins to be released, revealing glowing, healthier skin and improved function of the immune system.
Immediate results and benefits include:
- Instant firming, renewal of facial contours, and natural lifting
- Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area, in addition to decreased puffiness and dark circles
- Flatter and smoother smile lines and deep wrinkles
- Reduction of wrinkles and sagging on the neck
- Diminished age spots, hyperpigmentation, sun damage
- Greater penetration and absorption of active skincare ingredients
- Aids in healing acne breakouts and inflammation
Muscle tension, inflexible fascia, and stagnant lymph are three vital causes of excess aging that typical skincare regimes don’t address. Facial gua sha aids the skin’s ability to release dirt, sebum, and general buildup within the pores and helps relieve many skin conditions, including rosacea, dryness, and hormonal acne. Through gua sha, circulation and flow of blood and fluids are enhanced, natural hydration is improved, and radiance is restored.
Bringing It All Together
The face reveals what is happening inside the body, illustrating feelings, thoughts, and emotions. When you’re stressed, it will show on your face, regardless of your skincare routine. Facial massage helps to promote well-being, and the peace it fosters will deliver healing that surpasses surface-level benefits.
More than just a skin enhancer, an Herbaluxe facial is a haven for your mind and body. During our consultations, we delve deeper than skin types – we want to understand you so we can align our treatments with your journey.
Herbaluxe is more than just a skincare spa – when you visit us, you will have a truly spiritual experience that allows you to embrace your true self, find peace, and cherish the person you see in the mirror.
Nadia Barsamian, founder of Herbaluxe, is a holistic facialist with over 15 years of clinical and holistic skincare experience. She has studied the sophisticated facial massage techniques and healing modalities of kobido, sculptural face lifting (SFL), intraoral buccal massage, Dien Chan zone, facial gua sha, Thai herbal poultice massage, and more. Her expertise in facial rejuvenation massage techniques and Eastern beauty therapies is highly sought after by clients and celebrities alike.
For more information, call 239.387.2549, email: [email protected], visit: herbaluxe.us, or stop in at 1575 Pine Ridge Rd, Suite 15, Unit 9, Naples.