FACIAL MASSAGE-WESTERN-STYLE
In Western-style facial massage, the entire aspect of full facial massage which is to be a part of the whole body massage varies from the full facial treatment. This is to include techniques like steaming, masks etc. A normal body massage is t have a facial massage either at the commencement or at the ending of the entire massage therapy.
The most important feature of the Western-style facial massage is the effleurage which is the gliding movement present throughout the massage. The massaging should be done in such a way that the skin is not stretched out so the process has to be firm, gentle and stimulating too. The strokes which require a light pressure has to be directed upwards so as to give uplift to the face rather than the dragging the skin thus leading to sagging skin.
The distinctive steps involved in the usual facial massage are:
- The most important thing being cleanliness and hygiene, the primary step is to wash the hands thoroughly with soap and water, so as to remove any kind of dirt. The customer should be asked to remove contact lens, if the person is wearing one.
- Even though a facial massage could be done at any kind of flat surface like clean floor, the most comfortable position is to sit on a massage chair or on a massage bed.
- With the help of facial sponges or wet cotton pads, cleanser could be applied and has to be massaged thoroughly to remove the excess dirt and to make the face clean for the facial massage. After the massage, the cleanser could be wiped off with the wet cotton pads which are even readily available.

- In circular symmetrical way, slowly massage the face and neck with cream or lotion to be massaged with. Each and every facial muscle has to be covered. Massage thoroughly in the upwards direction on the neck and also along the line of face.
- Slowly reach the forehead with the back of the hands along with a slight pressure. Gently bring both thumbs side by side in the center and move them outwards slowly towards the temple. Repeat the massage as it relives any kind of tension which exists in the temples.
Place the hands along the side of the face and apply light pressure along the hollow area beneath the eyebrows. With the help of the thumb, press one spot at a time under the ridge. Relieve pressure from the inner eyebrows to the outer region and continue the giving slight pressure with the thumb. Tensions headaches could be relieved by repeating this.- Cover the face with the hands bringing the thumb along the bridge of the nose. With the help of the thumb, slide down towards the nostrils and then along the line of the cheeks and also apply pressure on the way gently. On reaching the hairline, slightly start releasing the pressure. Then, move the hands towards the head and thus moving away from the face. Repeat the same two times.
- Tension in the cheeks could reduce by producing circular slow movements along the contour of the cheeks.
An enjoyable and relaxing massage is along the ear rim. Massage gently and slowly along the rim of the ear with the thumb and index finger.- Place your fingers firmly on the back of the neck and place thumb on a spot on the jaw line and then circle slowly at one area later on moving to another. Stroke away gently massaging on the chin downwards. End up by moving along the jaw line. The tension around the jaw muscles and mouth could be alleviated.
- Scalp is also important so massage with small circular motions and the comb hair with the fingers so that tension could be released from the face and head thus enhancing the scalp.
- End up by removing the lotion with the help of wet cotton pads. Apply the after massage cream.

For beginning the facial message the cleanliness of the face is very important. This could be attained by cleansing the face with a good cleanser to remove any excess make up. Cleansing also helps in skin exfoliation and dead cells removal. The next step is the application of small amount of oil or moisturizer for the start of massage. Oil is very essential as it aims in providing a slippery surface for the entire massage process. Therefore, the skin does not get pulled by the fingers thus forming any stretches. Oil promotes the mildness of the massage on the face

In the Western therapies, the aspect of facial massage was recently understood during the twentieth century. It was more popular in the continent of Europe. From the European practitioners it was spread to other states by them as they taught them. The massage at these areas was considered to be the one related to the make up artist rather than the massage therapies.
One of the ancient forms of healing technique is through massage therapy which was followed by all in the early times. There are several benefits of facial massages and it is also conveyed that simple and do it yourself massages done routinely can make the skin look firmer, smoother and younger always. This is possible as with massage, tension is releases, the fine lines and wrinkles are reduced, circulation increased, moisture balance maintained, impurities diminished, facial muscles tightened and finally resulting in a radiance skin.
Apart from beauty, regular maintenance of nails is essential for retaining our general health condition. Compared to men, women are more concerned about maintenance of their nails. However the fact remains that both men and women should take equal care about regular maintenance of their nails.
Clean, healthy and protein rich diet has a direct impact on the general health condition of one’s nails. Food enriched with vitamins especially vitamin B 12 and B 5, Potassium, Calcium, Zinc and Iron will help you to maintain healthy beautiful nails. Try to include Almonds, Spinach, Celery, Yogurt, Broccoli, Fish, Onion, Whole Grains and the Eggs in your regular diet. Apart from this, regular intake of lots of fruits, raw vegetables and other fiber rich foods will help one to maintain healthy beautiful nails.
Constant contact with water may adversely affect the growth and strength of nails. When you are engaged in washing dishes always remember to a use rubber gloves.
As the inflection to nails may lead to serious problems like nail falling, thickening of nails etc, it is better to avoid these by taking a little care of your finger and toe nails on a regular basis.
While doing so take care to clean areas under nails especially during rainy season. Use a soft brush to remove dirt particles from the areas around the nails. The soft bristles of the brush will provide a massaging effect to your nails. This will help to increase blood circulation in this area.
The habit of nail biting will transfer bacteria to mouth and weaken the nails as well. Nails are meant to protect finger tips. Excessive biting may expose finger tips. The main cause behind hang nail is nail biting. You can avoid this by dropping this habit.
Avoid constant contact of nails with water
Chemotherapy may cause appearance of lines on the nails of the patients. Appearance of line always relates to the cycle of chemotherapy. These lines will disappear along with the natural growth of the nail. In some patients multiple lines can be seen as an after effect of chemotherapy.
As a result of chemotherapy, your nails may sometimes completely come out of the nail bed. Like hair, nails also will grow back in due course of time. Till your nails grow back, you will have to take extra care of the exposed part of the nail tips as these areas are highly vulnerable to infections. You have to keep this area clean to avoid infections. Keeping nails short and neatly trimmed will help you to avoid the chances for infections. Shortly trimmed nails are less prone to infections
Wear gloves while doing house hold works especially while using detergents or doing activities like dish washing as excessive contact with water may invite bacterial infections. While undergoing chemotherapy, your nails may not be able to withstand a bacterial infection.
Bacterial infections to the nails, a very common cause to nail deformity, can be identified by swelling, pain, discoloration of nails, appearance of pus under nails and deformation of nails. Nails may appear red in colour while infected by bacteria.
Bacterial infections that affect the nail folds are clinically known as bacterial paronychia. This may cause acute pain in the affected area. Swelling, erythema and discomfort in and around the nails are the most commonly seen symptoms of bacterial paronychia. Presence of pus in the affected area is another common symptom of the disease. It is not safe to treat this condition without consulting a doctor. Bacterial paronychia some times requires drainage of the pus accumulated in the affected area.