Massage & Bodywork

September/October 2012

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TEN FOR TODAY Incorporate Facial Massage into Your Repertoire By Rebecca Jones 1. OFFER REJUVENATION Facial massage energizes clients, leaves their faces looking fuller and more radiant, and softens bags around the eyes. "When you massage the facial muscles vigorously and precisely, you stimulate blood and oxygen to move through the musculature," says Nina Howard, co-owner of Bellanina Institute in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The school is renowned for developing the Bellanina Facelift Massage, which incorporates 32 separate movements that begin under the chin and work along the jawline and cheekbones. "Where there's blood and oxygen, there's more life," Howard says. 2. LOOK BETTER, FEEL BETTER Judy Porter, owner of ReFACEology in Beech Mountain, North Carolina, avoids using the term facelift because she fears creating unrealistic expectations in clients. "If they're 50, this won't make them look 25 again." But, she says, facial massage will not only make their skin look better, it will make them feel better emotionally. "All those little muscles in the face are intricately linked to our emotions. When you're upset, you furrow your brow, but when your brow is not furrowed, you relax more." 3. FIND YOUR TARGET MARKET Facial massage is a good technique to market to clients who might not be interested in a full-body massage. Women tend to be more interested than men, Porter says, but she also markets to male clients who may buy a gift massage for a wife or girlfriend. Facial massage can also be helpful for clients suffering from headaches, temporomandibular joint disorder, or Bell's palsy. 4. WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY Proper hygiene is critical when working on the face. "Often therapists will massage your feet, then walk around and put their hands on your face," Howard says. "That's a no-no. You want to make sure that before you touch the face, you have washed your hands thoroughly, because the face has the ears, the eyes, the mouth, the noseā€”all orifices where contagion can happen." 5. APPLY SUNSCREEN Therapists might also consider putting sunscreen on a client following a facial massage. "It's an easy thing to incorporate," says Rhonda Allison, CEO of Rhonda Allison Clinical Enterprises, which makes an all- natural sunscreen. "It's a beautiful add-on, and you'd be doing a great service for that client." Remember to be extra cautious when putting any substance on a client's face. Allison recommends doing a light cleansing on the client before applying sunscreen. As with any other treatment you offer to clients, provide a proper intake form and screen for any allergies. 6. LEARN LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE Bruno Chikly, MD, developed a technique for lymphatic drainage that involves flat hands and gentle, wavelike movements that can reduce swelling, rejuvenate tissue, and facilitate metabolic by-product Visit the newly designed ABMP.com. Log in. Explore. Enjoy. 29

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