Steps for Facial Massage

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Steps for Facial Massage

Massage can help to reduce stress and muscle tightness that contributes to tension headaches, reports the Mayo Clinic. Facial massage can soothe tight muscles in the shoulders, head and neck as well as the muscles around the eyes, the forehead and temples. Most full-body massages provided by professional masseurs include the head and face, but you can take a moment and give yourself a facial massage any time.

Preparation

Sit in a comfortable chair and unplug any distractions like phones and computers. Create a complete atmosphere of relaxation by playing some calming music. Before touching your face, make sure your face and hands are clean and dry. To ease the movement of your fingers over your face, apply a soothing massage cream or oil on your hands and over your face and neck.

Finger Movement

Use your ring and middle fingers. Start at the top on your forehead by slowing rubbing your two fingers in circles over your eyebrows from the inside to the outside. Massage both sides at once to build harmony in the feelings. Then move to the sides of your nose and around the outside of your nostrils. Continue the circular motions over your lips and outwards to your cheeks. Repeat each set of movements three times, and end each movement by applying slight pressure on the spots where you feel the tension or where you feel your pulse, and hold it for a few seconds before moving on to the next section.

Hand Involvement

Once you've massaged the finer points on your face, you may need to add more cream or oil to your hands, especially if your dry skin has soaked up all the moisture. With newly moistened hands, begin working on your neck to complete the facial massage. Start at the base of your neck near your collarbone. Use one hand at a time to slowly work your hand up the neck to the end of your chin. Repeat the stroking six times with each hand to provide various levels of pressure on the neck. End the massage by rubbing the excess oil on your shoulders by running one hand from your clavicle to the end of your shoulder. Repeat on each side three or four times. Rest for a few minutes before continuing with any activities to enjoy the relaxed state.