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I’ve always loved the feeling of touch on my face, I find it very soothing and calming. As a reflexologist I am passionate about the benefits that reflexology can bring for your health and wellbeing and being able to offer facial reflexology to my clients adds another dimension to that experience.
I’m delighted to have trained in Facial Reflexology (Bergman Method) with Ziggie Bergman, a pioneer and the UK’s leading expert in modern facial reflexology.
Facial Reflexology
As with foot reflexology, facial reflexology works on the principle that there are reflex points on the face that relate to organs and systems in the body and working these points can help to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms. Facial reflexology is a deeply relaxing treatment stimulating a series of pressure points on the face to help balance the body but also working structurally to relax the facial muscles, releasing tension, reducing stress and encouraging a feeling of calm.
Ziggie Bergman, creator of The Bergman Method of Facial Reflexology says;
“This method of facial reflexology is built upon a combination of Native American techniques and Asian body maps that chart reflex points on the face. The face’s proximity to the brain is key to the effectiveness of manipulating facial reflex points which directly connect to the body’s neuro-pathways. As an added benefit, the face will feel and look smoother and more toned as the circulation is increased and muscle tension released. Additionally, over a series of sessions there may be a reduction in lines and wrinkles, helping you to feel and look good!”
The Face and Stress
“Every face tells a story” Olivia Newton John
Often what happens in our body and mind is reflected in our face. Our facial expressions are a unique form of non-verbal communication that can convey more about the truth of what we are experiencing than we realise. How often do you catch yourself seemingly relaxing perhaps watching TV, when you realise that your forehead is screwed up into a set frown. What has happened to make you frown? What are you thinking about? Relax your forehead and see how different it makes you feel.
Tension is a natural response to emotional or physical stress. When you are stressed, muscles tense up and common areas of tension around the face are the neck, jaw, mouth, eyes and temples. When the muscles remain in a tense state for long periods it can trigger other reactions in the body such as headaches, jaw and teeth clenching and grinding and eye strain. Tightening or clenching your teeth can result in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), a term for chronic jaw pain.
Anxiety can make the symptoms of facial tension worse. Face reddening or flushing is a very visible sign of anxiety, you may bite or chew your lips causing them to bleed and also, the more rapid open mouth breathing that often accompanies anxiety can dry your lips out cause them to become cracked and sore.
Stress can really affect the way that you look contributing to frown lines, crows feet, droopy mouth lines and face twitching or tremors. The colour of your skin may be pale and the skin texture dry and dehydrated. You may have dark circles and bags under your eyes and a generally look of heaviness around the eyes. Skin condition can be affected by stress and conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and general spots can be exacerbated. Overall, there may be a lack of glow in the face and a loss of vitality.
WARNING Facial Reflexology can seriously relax your face!
The Treatment
Following a consultation to understand your current level of health and wellbeing and identify any issues of concern, treatment takes place in my very comfortable reclining chair with me being seated at your head. For your comfort and warmth, I place a soft blanket over you and wrap your feet, which can have a tendency to become quite cool. There is no need to remove your clothes but access to your shoulders and neck is needed so best to avoid wearing anything bulky in this area - a tee shirt of something with a simple neck is ideal.
After a gentle cleanse of your face, a beautiful elixir (curated especially for this treatment) is applied to your face to allow gentle movement over the skin. We start with some deep breathing and a series of introductory moves before moving through a routine of careful pressure and stimulation across various points of the face. It is a slow and soothing sequence combined with relaxing sweeping movements to energise and lift.
You can expect not only to be relaxed, but also ‘look’ relaxed and we can take before and after photos if you are interested to see the subtle changes that can occur with facial reflexology.
Facial reflexology is a great treatment on its own but why not combine it with foot or hand reflexology for the ultimate in relaxation.
Elixir
A lovely feature of the Bergman Method of facial reflexology is the beautiful silky facial oils that help my fingers to gently move across the skin.
I mostly use the Facial Elixir which is a premium facial oil created by Ziggie Bergman for the treatment.
“I set out to create a facial reflexology product that harnessed the magical and medicinal properties of Native American sacred plants to renew the skin and the lift the spirit. This formulation of therapeutic botanicals that ‘smudge’ the aura every time they are used adds another layer of therapeutic benefit” Ziggie Bergman
The elixir has the many key ingredients all with their own special and unique therapeutic properties and every bottle has an amethyst crystal to infuse the oils with a crystal vibration. Amethyst is known for its meditative qualities which work on the emotional, spiritual and physical planes to promote calm, balance and peace.
According to Ziggie, the ancient Egyptians used amethyst to guard against guilty and fearful feelings and it is a gemstone often used by healers. It is believed to be a natural tranquilliser, relieving stress and strain, soothing irritability, balancing mood swings, dispelling anger, rage, fear and anxiety, alleviating sadness and grief and dissolving negativity. Amethyst is believed to activate spiritual awareness, open intuition and enhance psychic abilities.
The elixir is vegan friendly and cruelty free and made with 100% organic and natural ingredients which are ethically sourced and traceable. It is designed for all skin types but if you have any concerns, I can use a neutral grapeseed oil as an alternative.
Advice
Reflexology is a relaxing complementary therapy and does not claim to treat or cure any condition. If you have any medial concerns, you should consult your GP
If you have had Botox treatment in the face this will affect when you can have facial reflexology. I don’t treat clients that have facial fillers.
References
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