Facial massage is also known by another name-- face washing without water. After getting up in the morning, or when one is tired at work, facial massage can be applied to refresh oneself and remove swelling, so that the face will look more lustrous.

Originating from traditional Qigong culture, facial massage is a health preserving technique. By performing facial massage, it can improve the facial edema that easily occurs in the morning, as well as loose skin and spots. This method can dredge channels and collaterals, regulate the functions of facial qi and blood, and improve the functions of the zang-fu organs.

Instructions:

1. Clean hands and face, and rub palms against each other until they are warm. Use your palms to rub Taiyang (EX-HN 5) on both sides with direct pressure (or in a circle); stroke the middle of the forehead for about 10~20 times; then rub the skin from the middle of the nose to the malar region, following the natural line. From the lip and the middle of the mandible, rub obliquely upwards to the malar bone 10~20 times on each side.

2. After cleaning, rub hands until they are warm. Use your palms to rub the skin in a line (or in a circle) from the middle of the forehead down to both sides of the nose, then to the mandible, the malar region, both sides of the forehead, and back to the forehead. This should be performed for about 20~30 times.

When massaging, one must exert even and gentle force until a ruddy color appears on the face along with a slight sensation of heat.

Notes:

During this procedure, pay attention to the direction of massage, that is, from the middle to both sides, and from the bottom up. Slightly pull the skin (except the forehead), otherwise this will cause sagging facial skin over time.

It takes about 10 minutes to complete the facial massage each time, which is very easy to incorporate into ones routine when applying skin care products in the morning and evening. It is suggested that after applying proper amounts of emollient cream or essence on the face, you rub your palms together until warm before beginning the facial massage, because the heat brought by hands can expand facial pores to promote full absorption of skin care products for maintenance. But do not exert too much force, because pulling vigorously can generate wrinkles.

In addition, gently place palms on the eyes for 10~15 seconds after facial massage to improve vision.

People with open wounds, inflammation and acne on the face are advised not to do facial massage, since it can stimulate local skin and aggravate disease conditions.