High-quality myofascial facial massage is a worthy alternative to contouring. Myofascial facial massage

People who want to look good at any age will be interested in learning about myofascial massage - a method that combines the components of aerobic breathing and short-term load on a specific or several muscles of the face, décolleté, and neck. This modern cosmetic method is an alternative to the surgical “circular lift” procedure.

What is myofascial massage

This is a technique in which the impact occurs on the fascia - the surrounding muscles (shells made of connective tissue, forming cases for muscle tissue). The peculiarity of the method is that with its help you can achieve complete relaxation of one or more muscles that are in a state of spasm (tension, clamping). Superficial fascia is located under a layer of subcutaneous fat, and massage affects them.

The goal of myofascial massage is to get rid of pain syndrome (PS), which is manifested by muscle spasm. Due to excessive stress, tension occurs in the muscles and trigger points (painful lumps) are activated. This process can be stimulated by a muscle bruise or sprain. For athletes, a common reason for activation of triggers is an unsuccessful throw, turn, or jump. Sudden active movements can also have a detrimental effect on unwarmed muscles. However, myofascial massage is also useful for improving muscle efficiency.

Myofascia is a membrane that covers all organs, vessels, and nerves. It forms a “pouch” for the muscles. The main functions of myofascia are supporting and trophic. Myofascial tissue is responsible for pain, muscle dysfunction, motor activity. By performing a massage, the specialist directly affects the fascia, restoring and making them more flexible. This procedure can improve the movement of blood and lymph in the body.

With his hands, the specialist feels for “clamps” in the muscles, due to which age-related changes occur. Myofascial massage carried out without the use special means(oils, creams, etc.), so the procedure is suitable for women with any skin type, including combination and oily. This rejuvenation technique is easily integrated into different cosmetic procedures, greatly enhancing their effectiveness. The basic principles of myofascioplasty are:

massaging the soft tissues of the head, due to which the folds on the forehead disappear;
working out the tendon helmet, as a result of which tension in the scalp is relieved;
lymphatic drainage;
involuntary modifications of the facial muscles, since the frontal muscle is attached to the skull.

Myofascial massage of the face or other part of the body is aimed at stretching the skin and affecting the deeper connective layers. When performing the technique, the specialist’s hands and the patient’s skin are not covered with anything to prevent slipping. Types of MFC massage:

Stretching-relaxation. This technique helps to knead the muscles and deep fascial layers. The method is applicable in the direction of muscle fibers. The specialist performs myofascial massage slowly, concentrating, feeling the resistance of the fibers and their subsequent stretching. By doing massage movements the work of the hands intersects: when one palm holds the skin, the second moves the epidermis and fascia in the opposite direction until resistance is noticeable. The procedure is repeated until the tissues “relax” and become free. When performing a massage, the master's hands should not rub or slide over the skin of the body.
Vertical lift. A technique is used to lift the skin and superficial connective tissue above the subcutaneous layers. During the massage, a certain area of the back, face, or other part of the body is held in a raised position for a couple of seconds, after which it is lowered. To prevent pinching movements, the master’s effort is aimed at lifting.
Muscle felting. Relaxed muscle tissue first lifts, moves away, and then pulls back. The transverse movement helps to stretch and then release the fascia.

Efficiency

The fascia is released from stagnation and tension, which allows the muscles to move freely within a small radius. The positive effect of massage is:

beneficial effects on facial skin;
smoothing wrinkles on the forehead, nasolabial triangle;
reduction of the double chin;
reducing the visibility of wrinkles near the eyes;
narrowing of pores;
normalization of facial muscles.

Since any type of MFC massage requires special care and skills from the massage therapist, the specialist must have the appropriate qualifications: without knowledge of the anatomical features of the body, the effectiveness of the procedures will tend to zero. Each type of myofascial massage described in the previous section is aimed at obtaining a specific effect:

Stretching-relaxation. The technique is used to eliminate spasms, muscle tension, achieve muscle relaxation, and improve body contour.
Vertical lift. Deep tissue massage helps eliminate sagging subcutaneous layers, tones the muscles, skin, and vascular system.
Muscle felting. Kneading tissue treatment has a complex effect. The effect of such myofascial massage is noticeable immediately, since after eliminating muscle tension in the neck, head and face, blood circulation is normalized and spasms are relieved.

Indications

In terms of the strength of its effect on the epidermis and the body as a whole, myofascial massage of the face and head is a therapeutic and cosmetic procedure. As a result, the skin becomes elastic, beautiful, toned, soft, but these external changes become possible due to the improvement of the internal. Indications for the procedure are:

presence of a double chin;
swelling;
wide pores;
tissue fibrosis after plastic surgery;
the presence of facial or age wrinkles, fat folds;
laxity of the epidermis;
low muscle tone.

Contraindications

Before performing myofascial massage, salon specialists are required to familiarize the client with contraindications to the procedure. In the presence of certain diseases or skin conditions, such a deep effect on the tissue leads to an exacerbation of the pathology. Neglecting the rules for conducting MFC procedures, in addition, can cause the appearance of side effects(edema, facial hyperkeratosis, etc.). Myofascial massage is prohibited for the following health problems and other factors:

herpes;
eczema;
pyoderma;
rosacea;
allergic rashes;
papillomas, moles;
spider veins;
infectious diseases;
scratches, wounds on the skin;
thinning, fragility of blood vessels;
carried out a week or less before the salon peeling procedure.

Execution technique

The complexity of myofascial massage necessitates the need to contact an experienced specialist rather than carry out the procedure at home. This will help avoid unpleasant consequences and dangerous complications. Described below classical technique performing MFC facial massage, while different salons offer many other variations - plasticizing, original from Tatyana Shubina, using Shia-tsu, etc. Each approach is good in its own way and leads to an improvement in the contour of the face and its rejuvenation. Traditional fascial plastic surgery of the face is performed as follows:

the client undergoes make-up removal;
oil or talc is applied to the skin of the face (depending on skin type);
the surface of the face is kneaded with light movements over the entire area;
the skin under the chin curls;
after twisting techniques are carried out in the area near the ears, their back surface is moved back, the ears are massaged using the thumbs;
The skin of the cheekbones and forehead is stretched.

Price for myofascial massage

Fascial plastic surgery is included in the price list of any major beauty salon in Moscow. At the same time, the cost of one session is quite affordable for people of average income, but the full course can hit the wallet. Thus, in the capital, the price for a one-time visit to a cosmetologist-massage therapist varies between 1300-3500 rubles. The average course consists of 7-8 sessions.

Video

The variety of massage techniques and techniques used in cosmetology only confirms the relevance and effectiveness of facial massage in the fight for youth and beauty. Myofascial facial massage refers to non-hardware techniques, which are based on a deep impact on the muscles of the face and neck, with the goal of completely relaxing them and relieving spasms. The procedure has an anti-aging effect, allowing you to restore clear facial contours and reduce the expression of even the deepest wrinkles.

Myofascial facial massage has a relaxing effect on the muscles, which, accompanied by increased blood circulation, normalizes tissue trophism

Mechanism of action of myofascial facial massage

Skin aging is accompanied by two unpleasant, but opposite in nature, aesthetic problems. Both of them are directly related to the state of the facial muscle frame:

Technique of the procedure

Myofascial massage combines kneading the muscular frame of the face with deep inhalations and exhalations and certain movements of the patient’s eyes. This complex technique allows the master to identify muscle spasms and work through them until complete relaxation, using the mechanical coupling method. The massage is carried out without the use of a cosmetic base (on dry skin), which allows it to be used when the patient’s facial skin is oily. The procedure begins with the muscles of the scalp and neck. Watching the video “Myofascial facial massage” will help you understand the massage technique.

The myofascial massage technique requires special training and should only be performed by a specialist

In addition to visual lifting, the technique allows you to have a calming effect on the central and autonomic nervous system, due to its effect on the nerve endings located on the skin of the face and neck. During the session, the patient often falls asleep. The facial and neck massage is done for one and a half hours. It is recommended to complete a course of 5-8 procedures to achieve a more pronounced result.

Indications and contraindications

Myofascial facial massage is indicated for the following aesthetic defects:

expression wrinkles and changes in the area of the nasolabial triangle;
sagging skin in the chin area;
wide pores and disruption of the sebaceous glands;
swelling and excess fullness of the face.

Contraindications to the use of the procedure:

acute stages of infectious diseases (herpes, eczema, etc.);
multiple papillomas and springs located on the face and neck;
skin injuries;
fragility of superficial skin vessels, rosacea.

It is prohibited to combine myofascial facial massage with deep cosmetological effects ( chemical peeling, microdermabrasion).

Main reasons age-related changes- muscle spasms, circulatory disorders and nutritional deficiencies. Each of these problems can be solved with the help of myofascial facial massage - a special manual technique that removes tension, restores capillary tone, and deeply tones the tissue. The uniqueness of this type of massage is that without injections or a scalpel, the effect of contouring is achieved - the oval of the face is corrected, excess fluid is removed, and the relief is leveled. The effect of myofascial massage is multifaceted:

permanent lifting (tissue tightening);
the effect of a rested, relaxed face;
increased tone, fresh blush;
smoothing out wrinkles;
equalization of imbalances;
lymphatic drainage of tissues.

Indications for the procedure:

insufficient tone;
drooping corners of the lips;
involutional and expression wrinkles;
muscle spasms, mask-like, tense face;
enlarged pores;
folds in the chin area;
swelling.

Execution technique

The specialists of the Fiore beauty salon use the osteopathic technique of myofascial facial massage, achieving the effect of contouring without surgical methods, solely through manual influence. The massage therapist feels for areas of muscle tension, relieving spasms and stimulating biologically active points. Special attention during the massage, the focus is on the ears, where the maximum number of active points is concentrated, stimulation of which leads to improved metabolism, synthesis hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin, renewal of the epidermis. During myofascial massage, each facial muscle is worked out, which allows you to restore muscle balance, eliminate asymmetries, and give the face a calm, relaxed expression. Facial expressions after a course of massage become more natural and attractive.

The specificity of myofascial facial massage is that it is performed without oils and massage products, since it is the “dry” technique that allows you to influence the fascia with the force necessary to obtain a sustainable aesthetic result.

Procedure steps:

remove from the face decorative cosmetics;
perform a soft superficial massage to stretch the skin;
we work with the area under the chin;
stimulate active points in the ear area;
We perform a deep massage in the cheekbones and forehead areas.

Our specialists master the technique of modeling myofascial massage with deep treatment of areas most susceptible to age-related changes. Using this technique, wrinkles around the eyes, corners of the lips, folds under the chin, and sagging skin in the cheekbones can be successfully corrected. Particular attention is paid to working on the tendon helmet to relieve tension and improve blood circulation.

Results of the procedure:

Course duration

A course of myofascial facial massage consists of 6-8 procedures. With each session, the specialist introduces new, increasingly stronger massage techniques, gradually increasing the depth and intensity of the impact. This approach helps to obtain a sustainable anti-aging effect that lasts up to 4-6 months. A massage session lasts on average 40-45 minutes.

It should be noted that the result of myofascial massage and the duration of the effect depend largely on the qualifications of the massage therapist. In our salon, the procedure is performed only by specialists who have completed special courses and are proficient in all techniques of myofascial facial massage. They undertake this procedure only when the condition of the skin and the degree of age-related changes are amenable to manual correction and a rejuvenating effect can be guaranteed. If in your case massage is ineffective or there are contraindications, we recommend other methods, for example, injection biorevitalization or contouring.

Contraindications

Deep effects on the fascia are incompatible with some diseases of the skin and circulatory system. Contraindications to the procedure are:

herpes and eczema;
a large number of moles and papillomas;
purulent lesions;
allergic rash;
infectious diseases;
wounds and scratches;
thinning of blood vessels, rosacea on the face;
deep peeling performed less than 8 days ago.

How does myofascial facial massage differ from classical one?

The main effect of myofascial massage is concentrated on the fascia - the sheaths of connective tissue covering the muscles and tendons. They are rich in nerves and blood vessels, so massage techniques performed by a specialist have a profound complex effect on metabolic processes, improve the supply of oxygen and biologically valuable substances, and help increase the elasticity of collagen fibers. It is these phenomena that explain the lifting and toning effects of myofascial facial massage. After a course of massage, pain and tension in the fascia disappears, elasticity and strength are restored, the entire soft frame of the face is reconstructed, which allows the relief and clarity of the contour to be restored.

Advantages of myofascial technique:

long-term (4-6 months) effect;
combined cosmetic and therapeutic effects;
safety and painlessness;
the result is already after the first session.

Creating a sustainable and harmonious rejuvenating effect, myofascial facial massage is perfectly combined with other anti-aging procedures, complements and enhances their effect.

It will be interesting to learn about such a procedure as myofascial facial massage.

This method combines elements of aerobic breathing and short-term endurance exercise of one or more muscle fibers of the face, neck and décolleté.

This technique belongs to one of the varieties of traditional – Shia-Tsu therapy.

Myofascial facial massage is based on working out the tissues that fill the space between the tendons and muscle fibers on the face and neck.

The process is purely individual; for each person, the strength and intensity of pressure is selected after assessing the condition of the skin.

The procedure includes the following mandatory manipulations:

development of the muscular frame;
breathing exercises;
activity of the eyeballs.

Myofascial massage technique allows you to deal with serious and difficult problems

The fact is that connective tissue is quite plastic and can be easily changed.

With correct and timely influence on the facial fascia, you can relieve tension, give clarity to lines, and eliminate unevenness and defects in connective tissue.

Indications and contraindications

The presence of indications for myofascial massage can be judged by the condition of the skin and muscle frame of the face. If the dermis is flabby, muscle tone is reduced, the face is swollen and tired, then this is a good enough reason to start a course of myofascial procedures.

If there are deep folds on the face, a double chin and a dull, sallow skin tone, myofascial massage is also indicated.

The same signs on the neck or décolleté indicate that a person urgently needs to take care of his appearance. The later the course is started, the longer you will have to wait for the effect.

Indications for the procedure:

loss of skin elasticity;
swelling;
enlarged pores;
wrinkles and skin irregularities;
poor complexion;
irritability and instability of the nervous system.

But you shouldn’t rush headlong into procedures; first you need to assess whether you have any contraindications. These include:

infection or allergic reaction, manifested as a rash on the skin;
oncological tumor of any location (massage can provoke or accelerate its development);
high body temperature (even at a temperature of 37 degrees the session should be cancelled);
poor health (the procedure should be carried out in a good mood);
(impact on the neck can negatively affect health);
large moles, papillomas, warts on the face and neck (there is a risk of damaging blood vessels).

If the skin has suffered one of salon procedures, then you need to wait from a week to a month before starting a massage course

Such procedures include peelings, Botox or hyaluronic acid injections, facial biorevitalization, mesotherapy cocktails, facial hair depilation, Permanent makeup, fresh piercing.

Before visiting the massage parlor, be sure to consult a doctor. He will analyze all the risks and confirm the presence of indications for myofascial massage.

Description of technique and basic movements

First, you will be asked to remove your makeup and clear your skin for further manipulation. If this is not done, then all efforts will be in vain, because oxygen will not pass through the pores.

The massage therapist begins to work on the scalp with the open palms of both hands. The movements are intense, reminiscent of twisting.

The head turns to the side. Left hand the massage therapist is located on the scalp, thumb in front of the ear. The right palm is on the neck, the thumb is on the other side of the ear. Stroking, kneading and rubbing begin.

With both hands, the chin and skin on the neck, under the ears are kneaded. The movements are active, with pressure, they are replaced by slow stroking.

The masseur's right hand is on the hair, fingers pointing to the forehead. The second hand is on the forehead, three fingers are active: the index and middle fingers work on the forehead area, the thumb is closer to the temporal lobe. The hands either move closer to each other or stretch the fascia.

Use your fingers to massage the points on the chin under the corners of the mouth.
Then, with light kneading movements, lines are worked out from the corners of the mouth to the cheekbones and back. Reverse movements are more intense. Tweezing and vibrating movements are used.

From the outer corner of the eye, the skin easily rolls towards the inner corner. The procedure is repeated for the lower and upper eyelids. Do not stretch the skin, press, or pinch too much

From the bridge of the nose along the superciliary arches, the skin is kneaded and pinched towards the temporal lobes. From the central part of the forehead to the temples, the skin is pressed with the thumbs, while moving in reverse side she is pinched and stroked.

The final stage of the massage is the final treatment of the scalp with the fingers of both palms. One hand works from the side of the neck, the second hand from the back of the head.

Basic movements:

Movements are directed along muscle fibers. On the face they are light, pinching, kneading, stroking. On the head the manipulations are more intense.

One hand lifts the layer of skin, and the other moves it until resistance arises. This is not pinching, but felting, that is, lifting and shifting skin tissue.

The effectiveness of massage

The technique is based on the effect not on the skin of the face, but on the connective tissue fascia, which fills the space between the facial muscles.

This procedure requires special attention from the massage therapist. The specialist must be qualified, because without anatomical knowledge, the effectiveness of the session will tend to zero.

Myofascial facial massage can be compared in effectiveness to a circular facelift. Without surgical intervention, the patient receives restoration of muscle tone.

After a course of myofascial facial massage, you can evaluate its effectiveness:

The facial muscles are strengthened and toned. They begin to hold the layers of skin well and prevent them from sliding down under gravity.

Spasms and tension in muscles and nerves disappear. This leads to . Large folds become less pronounced.

The bags under the eyes go away, dark circles brighten. The double chin disappears, the facial contour becomes clearer.

Nasolabial folds are smoothed out. There is a surge of energy, mood improves, and self-confidence appears.

The results of the procedure are visible from the first session

The course consists of 7–8 procedures.

Cost of massage in the salon

Myofascial massage is a procedure that is included in the price list of any large beauty salon. The cost of one session will not hurt your wallet; it is quite affordable for people of average income. But the full course can cost a pretty penny.

Let's compare prices for the procedure in different regions:

In Moscow, the cost of one session varies from 1300 to 3500 rubles. Such a big difference is explained by the presence of additional services in the salon, location, duration of the session, and the professionalism of the massage therapist.

In St. Petersburg you will have to pay 1500–2200 rubles for the procedure. In this case, you will relax on the massage therapist’s couch for 90 to 120 minutes.

Myofascial facial massage promises to get rid of wrinkles on the face without a scalpel, injections or devices. It is recommended as a non-surgical modeling procedure similar to a circular lift. Experts say that after a course of myofascial massage, the face looks younger, wrinkles are smoothed out, and a healthy glow appears on the skin. The bold promises of massage therapists are supported by laudatory reviews and videos on the Internet.

It sounds good, and the client is almost ready to entrust his face to the massage therapist. But the tricky name of the procedure raises doubts. What does “myofascial” mean, and how does this massage make your face smooth and radiant? “Mio” is a muscle, everything is clear here. Facial muscles convey emotions. They are attached directly to the skin of the face, so when the muscle contracts, the skin moves, forming folds. But what is “fascia” and whether it needs massage is a question.

What is fascia

Fascia is a thin film of connective tissue. All muscles of the face and body are covered with such films. Fascia, like cases, separates muscles from each other, provides their support, and unites all tissues of the body. The shape of the muscle depends on the condition of the fascia, and the load on the facial muscles is distributed unevenly. The fascia becomes thick, short and less elastic. Myofascial massage restores elasticity to the fascia.

Technique for performing myofascial massage

Working with fascia requires high professionalism from a massage therapist. The technique involves a certain amount of pressure, speed and methods of stretching the muscles, so myofascial massage is performed by a massage therapist who has been trained and has a certificate. Unfortunately, doing it yourself at home is impossible.

The procedure takes place in several stages:

facial skin cleansing;
applying talcum powder to the skin of the face and neck;
kneading all major muscle groups;
twisting under the chin;
twisting in the ear area, ear massage;
stretching the forehead and cheekbone areas.

The classic sequence of stages of myofascial facial massage may vary depending on the school where the massage therapist trained. To better understand what to expect in the salon, watch a video on the Internet before the procedure.

How the procedure works

The spasmed facial muscle is shortened. Its movement is limited, and in response to a signal from the nervous system, the muscle does not contract completely. Over time, this leads to facial asymmetry and wrinkles on the skin. Constant muscle tension in a certain area becomes habitual. Emotions that a person experiences especially often are recorded on the face, turning into a mask. More often, the facial expression becomes stern due to tension in the muscles of the forehead and between the eyebrows, saddened due to the drooping of the corners of the mouth and tension in the muscles of the chin.

The massage therapist works on areas of the face, identifying muscle tension by touch. Using special myofascial massage techniques (kneading, acupressure, stretching), he relieves muscle spasm and improves scalp mobility. Blood circulation in tissues accelerates, muscles and facial skin receive more oxygen. Metabolic processes are launched, the skin actively removes toxins. The additional lymphatic drainage effect of the procedure helps to relieve local swelling of the skin and correct the oval of the face.

Expected effect of the procedure

The results of the massage therapist’s work become noticeable after the first sessions and are consolidated during the course of procedures. The effectiveness of myofascial facial massage depends on the qualifications of the massage therapist, the age, weight of the client and the condition of his face, the regularity of the procedures, etc.

smoothing wrinkles in the area of the nasolabial triangle, bridge of the nose and forehead;
elimination of fine wrinkles around the eyes;
improvement of skin color and facial texture;
the appearance of a healthy blush on the face;
weight loss, modeling, correction of facial contours;
reduction of enlarged pores, skin inflammation on the skin;
elimination of muscle tension in the neck and head;
improved mood and well-being;
toning facial muscles;
relieving local pain.

The required number of sessions is determined by the massage therapist. Typically the course consists of 10 procedures.

How much does myofascial massage cost?

One session of myofascial facial massage in Moscow costs from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles. There are proposals to carry out the procedure in a salon or with the possibility of a massage therapist visiting your home. When choosing a master, give preference to the qualifications of a massage therapist rather than the low cost of services. Having a certificate of completion of training in myofascial facial massage techniques will be the key to satisfaction with the results of the procedures.

Myofascial massage is performed not only on the face, but also on the body: neck, back, chest, legs and arms. The procedure treats joints, spine, muscles. Myofascial massage, depending on the purpose of its use, corrects posture, relieves pain and spasms, and corrects the figure. It can only be performed by a certified massage therapist with medical education.