5 Basic facial massage techniques

Vibration (vy-BRAY-shun) is a rapid shaking of the body part while the balls of the fingertips are pressed firmly on the point of application. The movement is accomplished by rapid muscular contractions in your arms. It is a highly relaxing movement, and should be applied at the end of the massage (Figure 23–19). Deep vibration in combination with other classical massage movements can also be produced by the use of a mechanical vibrator to stimulate blood circulation and increase muscle tone.

A Massage is the manual or mechanical manipulation of the body by rubbing, gently pinching, kneading, tapping, and other movements to increase metabolism and circulation, to promote absorption, and to relieve pain. Cosmetologists massage their clients to help keep the facial skin healthy and the facial muscles firm.

Tapotement (tah-POH-te-ment), also known as percussion (pur- KUSH-un), consists of short quick tapping, slapping, and hacking movements. This form of massage is the most stimulating and should be applied with care and discretion. Tapotement movements tone the muscles and impart a healthy glow to the area being massaged.

Pétrissage

Pétrissage (PEH-treh-sahj) is a kneading movement performed by lifting, squeezing, and pressing the tissue with a light, firm pressure. Pétrissage offers deeper stimulation to the muscles, nerves, and skin glands, and improves circulation. These kneading movements are usually limited to the back, shoulders, and arms.

Demonstration of the 5 facial massage techniques

Facial basic massage movements - Milady Esthetics sequence

Client consultation sheet Sanitize hands and work area Protective head wrap for client Facial massage cream A Quite soothing area

Effleurage-Circular stroking movements

Effleurage (EF-loo-rahzh) is a light, continuous stroking movement applied in a slow, rhythmic manner with the fingers (digital effleurage) or the palms (palmar effleurage). No pressure is used. The palms work the large surfaces, and the cushions of the fingertips work the small surfaces, such as those around the eyes. Effleurage is frequently used on the forehead, face ,scalp, back, shoulder, neck, chest, arms, and hands for its soothing and relaxing effects. Every massage should begin and end with effleurage.

Effleurage-Circular stroking movements. Petrissage-Kneading movements. Friction-Rubbing Strokes. Vibration-Shaking movements to loosen the body. Tapotement-Tapping.

Review Questions

1. Why is it important to do a client consultation before a massage? 2. Why do we give our clients facial massages? 3. Describe the 5 facial massage movements. 4. Before we touch any client we _________.

Friction (FRIK-shun) is a deep rubbing movement in which you apply pressure on the skin with your fingers or palm while moving it over an underlying structure. Friction has been known to have a significant benefit on the circulation and glandular activity of the skin. Circular friction movements are typically used on the scalp, arms, and hands. Light circular friction is used on the face and neck .Chucking, rolling, and wringing are variations of friction and are used mainly to massage the arms and legs, as follows: