A DIY Facial Massage

Remember that the facial massage requires three kinds of basic movements-stroking, pinching and stimulating. Once you have mastered the three, there is no looking back. Although, these are the basic strokes, one can devise new ones to suit oneself according to individual needs. Another important thing to remember is that the strokes should always be upwards and outwards.

1. Using alternate hands, sweep from collarbone to jaw bone starting at left side, ending at right. This movement is commonly known as alternative stroking up the neck.
2. Using alternate hands, start from the left side of the neck continuously stroking in the upward direction to finish on the right side of the neck. Stimulate the skin by using the back of your hands and loosely rolling your fingers up the cheek. This can also be used on the neck and under the chin.
3. Cupping of the jaw: The palm of the left hand should be cupped in a concave shape over the right hand side of the jaw. Now, stroke across to the left side till your fingers come up towards the ears. Now, cup the right hand and take it to the right side. With your thumb and forefinger, gently pinch the skin along the jawbone and under the chin. This is very stimulating and helps prevent a double chin.
4. Cheek triangle: Using your finger weep under the sides of the mouth towards the ears returning down to the centre of the chin.
5. Draw fingers firmly up to the cheekbone level close to the nose, stroke with gentle pressure under the cheek-bone towards the ears as if you were draining the sinuses from under the nose area towards the ear. Then release pressure and gently glide your fingers towards the centre of the chin.
6. Starting from the tip of the nose using the thumb cushion in circular movements (Clock-wise) start moving towards the forehead finishing at the top of the forehead.
7. Gently stroke with relaxed hands up the forehead following with the left hand, repeat alternate   stroke.
8. Place three fingers over the eyebrows across the frontal bone. Now, drain across towards the temples using pressure. Release the pressure and wait. Using ring fingers under the eyes, circle around to the starting point.
9. Place index fingers above lips, second finger below the mouth, the ring and the little fingers on the chin and below. Place both your hands to meet at the fingers. Keeping this contact move slowly apart from the centre of the mouth towards the temples. (Do not bend fingers) when the fingertips reach the temple apply pressure for 3 to 4 seconds on it, only to repeat the movement.
10. Shoulder effleurage: Place both your hands on the centre of the chest, just under the neck. Stroke lightly and move hands out towards armpit. Now, move your palms around the deltoid muscles up to the back of the shoulders. Continue to the occipital point at the base of the skull. Wait there for 10 seconds, and then repeat allover again.