Face massage, new ideas needed

[Freeeeezing !]

I find it regretful that most clients don't like their face or scalp touched. I thought I didn't either till massage class and we had to let our partners do it to us as part of our nightly massage once they reached that level. Found that it is VERY nice and relaxing.

I usually start by forming a V with my hands at the point of their chin and slowly and lightly glide my hands out following the contour and up to the temple and hold for a couple of secs. Then I follow that same line by lightly pinching (not really a pinch but a sort of grasp) and follow that up to the ears where I massage around the ears. Then starting at the nose I lightly drag index and middle fingers following zygomatic arch and hold at temple for a few secs. I then strip the nose holding at sinus points. On forehead using flats of palms I go medial to lateral using a swiping motion after which I like to use a kind of light cross fiber. More like a zig zagging motion from medial to lateral and hold at temple. Then using thumbs I start in between the arches of the eyebrows and follow a medial line from arch to hairline and on to the crown using pressing motions kind of like mini-quick and light ischemic compressions with thumbs. This feels great if you use just the right pressure. To hard hurts and to light is irritating. Then I move onto the scalp using firm static movements to massage the whole scalp. Grab hair and lightly pull. If they have long hair I gather it into a tail and gently pull. Then do a light raindrop drumming all over scalp. I take my time and do each movement for as long as I feel the person needs it. Usually 3 repeats. And that's my routine. Probably much like everyone elses routine. Sure wish I could do it more.

 

[dantexvergil]

I recently took Lymph Drainage Therapy 1 through the Upledger Institute. Although I took the class to learn detox techniques, I ended up learning some simple lymphatic routines that are incredibly relaxing and easy to incorporate with massage. One of those is for the face. I tried it on my husband and he was asleep within minutes. I then incorporated it into a 2 hour massage for one of my regular clients, and she absolutely LOVED it. With this routine, I spent 30 minutes on her face. So, that's another training option -- if you're interested!

 

[momofosho420]

I just found this class offered by the International Dermal Institute http://www.dermalinstitute.comn They run courses all over the US and in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Germany. I have been extremely impressed with every class I have done with them, so I would imagine this is up to their usual standard - I'm actually doing this class in June. They're primarily directed at beauty therapists as post-graduate education, but bodyworkers are able to do quite a few of their classes.

Unfortunately, it looks as though the IDI only schedules classes on weekdays in my area. I don't know how I'd ever be able to schedule my day job around them. They sure look amazing. I'd LOVE to take the Adv. Face Massage and Stress Therapy Treatment classes.