Facelift
From a massage?

by Dave Harney

Baby boomers aren't getting any younger.  There are now 78 million people born between 1946 and 1964.  And while they may not be getting any younger, the boomer generation is trying harder and harder to act, feel, and look it.  According to the AARP website, "60% of women and 35% of men would be interested in having a procedure to improve their appearance if it could be done safely, for free, and so no one could tell."  Free may not be possible, but where your face is concerned, the other two dynamics may be achievable.  It’s through a treatment called “facelift massage.”

The stress and emotional trauma of everyday life are often evident on the muscles and skin on our face.  Gravity, the sun, the environment, and heredity all take their toll.  Often the treatment for this condition is a medical or plastic surgery procedure, but this may not be necessary, and it may be possible to achieve the same results through this specialized massage treatment.

Facial massage is not new.  The Chinese were the first to experiment with it over 2,000 years ago.  They found that by pressing certain acupressure points on the face it caused a greater flow of blood and oxygen, which promoted tension release, a toning and tightening of skin, and other health benefits.  Facial massage was also very big in Hollywood in the 50s and 60s, before plastic surgery became common.  Today the treatment is enjoying a resurgence and is a highly-evolved therapy using many different techniques.

Generally the techniques of facelift massage involve a series of treatments that firm, lift, and contour the skin to restore radiance, tone, and facial muscle.  The massage penetrates the deepest layers of the skin and the underlying tissues and structures.  This increases circulation and repairs the damage that can be caused by many of the stresses of modern life.  And, according to Mary Ellen Hill, a Rochester therapist who performs facelift massage in her spa, the benefits aren't all cosmetic.  The treatment offers incredible relaxation!  She says she has clients who find a facelift massage the greatest stress reducing, relaxing, and pampering treatment they've ever had.  In addition, the treatment may have medical benefits and has been known to help people with sinus and TMJ problems.

There are numerous ways to improve aging skin, including plastic and laser surgery, dermabrasion, glycolic peels, and a myriad of skin care products.  These all have their place and offer benefits to those who choose each technique.  But for those who wish to pursue a less invasive practice that sometimes does not even involve lotions, creams, or any external agents at all, the human touch of a facelift massage may be the best choice for achieving a youthful appearance and a relaxing, stress-reducing time.

ROCHESTER RESOURCE
Mary Ellen Hill
Integrative Healing Arts Center.
36 Winthrop St.
Rochester, NY 14607
(585) 429-0223