There are lots of ways to care for yourself and improve your physical and mental wellbeing – from meditation to exercise to taking a long bath. For those who want their self-care to not only soothe their bodies and minds but to also have the added bonus of working for the face too, there are a number of treatments that can do just that.
Reflexologist Niamh Tansey says that daily stresses and concerns can affect the face. “The face can reveal so much about our health and wellbeing. With consistent negative thoughts and emotions – stress, worry, fear, grief, anger – the muscles in our face are repeatedly used, causing tension in particular areas, and over time this develops into lines and creases on our face,” she says.
However, she is a firm believer in the positive impact certain treatments can have.
Reflexology
“Reflexology is a therapy which can be received by anyone at any age, from newborn babies to those receiving end of life care, and everyone in between,” says Tansey. It uses gentle pressure-point massage techniques on the feet to clear nerve pathways and improve the flow of energy in the body.
“It’s a wonderful natural holistic treatment that works on a very profound physical and emotional level, encouraging your own natural healing. However, there may occasionally be times when it is not suitable to provide a treatment depending on their ailments, issues or situation.” She recommends consulting with a practitioner and that reflexology should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical advice.
Reflexology promotes a deep state of relaxation and a feeling of wellbeing, eliminates toxin, increases energy, focus and mental clarity, promotes blood circulation, helps with hormone imbalances, helps improve conditions related to digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, improves sleep quality and helps boost the body’s immune system, says Tansey.
“Traditionally, reflexology is based on the principle that areas in the feet have a mapping system that are aligned with organs and the systems of the body such as endocrine system, digestive system, lymphatic system, circulatory system. Pressure is applied to various points – reflex zones – to encourage healing and wellbeing. It promotes improved health and aims to relax and help remove stress by assisting the body to heal and rebalance itself.”
Facial reflexology
Facial reflexology is based on the same principals as foot reflexology where the reflexes on the face are worked on to help stimulate the body’s systems and organs through the connective tissue and energy pathways – like acupuncture but without the needles – which can aid sleep, lift the mood and promote a sense of wellbeing.
“Lots of people struggle with the idea of reflexology because it involves their feet being touched, but would still love to try a reflexology treatment, and facial reflexology is ideal for those clients and knowing they are getting the same benefits as the foot reflexology plus more,” Tansey say. “It is still relatively new in Ireland and it has definitely now started to take off here compared to when I first trained in it in 2018.”
Facial reflexology encourages a healthy blood and lymph flow and stimulates collagen and elastin, therefore helping skin to rejuvenate and minimise the appearance of ageing lines. It promotes the release of toxins and helps the body to balance and heal.“This treatment not only helps the body to balance and heal, it also helps with underlying conditions of the face and head such as headaches and migraines, sinus issues, teeth grinding and jaw clenching, as well as Bell’s palsy – weakness in the facial muscles causing half the face to droop.”
Zone facelift
The zone facelift is an “award-winning natural facial treatment, touted as the ‘spiritual facelift’”, says Tansey. “It has been hailed as a natural alternative to injectables and it can help you look to up 10 years younger.”
Tansey explains it uses a combination of ancient healing techniques, facial reflexology and advanced Japanese face-lift massage and sculpting techniques, to lift the face, sculpt the jawline, boost collagen and elastin, and deprogram tense facial muscles and “lift your face and spirit and help you to naturally age well”. The use of massage stimulates and plumps the skin, smoothing fine lines and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Indian head massage
Indian head massage is a relaxing holistic treatment that uses acupressure massage on the head, face, neck, shoulders, and upper back, says Tansey. “It aims to rebalance your body’s energies and can benefit areas where there is a build-up of high levels of stress and tension.
“This massage can have both an uplifting and relaxing effect on the nervous system. Indian head massage can be particularly effective if you suffer from headaches, migraines or sinusitis.”