Facebuilding: 3 ways to relax facial muscles

Author: Kristina Bondareva - facebuilding coach.
2016-04-26

Face-building is not only about training the facial muscles but also about relaxing tense and spasmed muscles. In this article, I will discuss existing methods for relieving tension in the facial muscles, how to "wake up" your face in the morning, and how to relieve stress in the evening.

1. Acupressure Massage

This massage is best performed in the evening, as well as after training the facial muscles! The principle of working with the facial muscles is the same as with the muscles of the body: after applying a load to the muscle, be sure to relax it.

Contraindications:

• scratches, allergies, dermatitis;
• various skin inflammations;
• reduced intracranial pressure;
• ARVI, poor well-being;
• do not stimulate damaged areas of the face with rosacea.

How to find biologically active points (BAP)

BAPs are usually found in small depressions on joints and bones, on arteries, where the pulse can be felt. When pressed, BAPs are slightly painful. Stimulating each point is sufficient for about 3 to 10 seconds.

Sequence:

1. Thoroughly cleanse the face and hands;
2. Apply a massage base to the face—this can be a skincare cream, serum, or oil;
3. Find the point and apply pressure using the index or thumb. Follow the sequence (see the illustration);
4. After the procedure, cleanse the face again, and you can apply a mask suitable for your skin type.

2. Japanese Facial Massage Zogan / Asahi / Tsogan

Have you noticed that Japanese women look very good even at an advanced age? Of course, this is related to a specific type of aging in this nation. But there is another secret—the Japanese facial massage, Zogan. This massage effectively relaxes spasmed facial muscles, tones them, sculpts the face, lifts the skin, and also helps reduce facial fat.

The Japanese massage is best performed in the morning!

This massage is suitable for:

• if you have facial swelling;
• to improve lymphatic drainage;
• to enhance skin color;
• for mimic wrinkles.

Facial Zogan massage is contraindicated:

• in diseases of the lymphatic system;
• with pharyngitis or other ENT pathologies;
• skin rashes of various etiologies;
• ARVI;
• chronic fatigue syndrome;
• caution should be exercised for individuals with very thin subcutaneous fat on their faces;
• with rosacea (avoid massage movements in the cheek area).

How to do it correctly?

The main rule of the massage is that all movements should follow the direction of lymphatic pathways; the movements should be gliding, and do not press hard! (carefully study the video below!)

Sequence:

1. Thoroughly cleanse the skin of the face.
2. Apply a sufficient amount of massage base (oil, foam, gel, or cleansing milk, oatmeal milk, flaxseed infusion). Everything depends on your skin type. It is better not to use oil for oily and combination skin!
3. After the procedure, thoroughly cleanse the skin of the massage base and any released toxins.

3. Post-Isometric Relaxation of Muscles (Stretching)

This is a very effective method for relieving muscle spasms in the face. To use this method, it is better to consult a specialist, as it is not easy for beginners to identify tense muscles independently. A doctor will assess the condition of your face and will relieve muscle tension using simple, painless techniques. Usually, a few sessions are sufficient, after which you can use the muscle stretching techniques at home. The key is to understand the correct way to position the muscle and the amount of force needed for stretching.

Conclusions

1. In the morning - Zogan facial massage to invigorate and reduce facial swelling.

2. In the evening - acupressure massage for relaxation.

3. Post-isometric relaxation for deep work with a specialist!

Stay beautiful!

P.S. I develop individual programs for face-building training and conduct classes via Skype. If you are interested – contact me. Kristina Bondareva – face-building coach.