As a holistic practitioner, I have always been a passionate believer in the power of massage and acupressure. Facial reflexology has multiple benefits. It encourages healthy blood and lymph flow as well as stimulating collagen and elastin production. These in turn help your skin to naturally rejuvenate, minimizing the appearance of tired, dull and ageing skin.
Firstly what is reflexology?
Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to areas of the body, such as feet, hands and face. Like Auriculotherapy (ear seeding) the concept of facial reflexology also recognizes meridian points on the face that correspond with various organs in the body. Reflexology is a relaxing experience and several studies indicate that reflexology may help reduce pain and psychological symptoms, such as stress and anxiety, including enhanced relaxation and sleep.
The practice of facial reflexology is also known as Dien Chan. Dien means face and surface, Chan means diagnosis and treatment.
The practice started in Vietnam, by Professor Bùi Quốc Châu in 1980. This practice is based on reflexology, iridology, endonasal reflexology and auriculotherapy. These holistic methodologies make up the foundations of this therapeutic discipline that's been now been used for over 40 years.
Professor Bùi Quốc Châu an acupuncture practitioner, found that by using specific acupressure tools, he was able to stimulate the flow of QI as effectively as acupuncture to help balance the bodies energies.
Just as reflexology shows the human body projected on the soles of the feet, facial reflexology is a map of the body depicted on the face.
Using Reflexology (also referred to as acupressure) allows you to become your bodies own healer.
Finding the right tool for you is key. At Seeded Ear Seeds, we source natural, hand cut semi-precious stones that hold both Ying and Yang energy. They are created to easily and comfortably target reflex (acupoints) on both the face and the body.
Why natural stones? Our ancestors intuitively knew that there were energies held in stones that would interact with the human electromagnetic field to bring about energetic changes. Each stone type has a different purpose, some may be used to heal the body or others to tap intuition during meditation.
Rose Quartz for example activates the hearts (fourth) chakra and promotes positive energy. Its known as the love stone and helps will all types of love: self-love, love for others, and unconditional love. Using this stone may additionally help with emotional balance, stress, tension and anger.
To use Seeded acupressure tools correctly, look for sensitive points or zones on the face, this is an indicator of an active reflex point. Acupressure tools will gently help stimulate blood and lymphatic micro-circulation of the dermis and epidermis (upper and lower layers of skin) offering a therapeutic effect to the whole body.
To get started follow these simple steps:
1. Wash and dry your skin. Apply an oil or serum with slip and glide
2. Select your acupressure tool. Check in with how you are feeling, are you puffy, dull, tired or wired? This will indicate areas of the body you may want to work on with your tool.
3. Follow your Seeded guide. You can also find video tutorials on YouTube (link below). Follow your intuition with points, search for tender spots and spend a bit of time giving them a little love. Be sure to mindfully breathe and take the time to enjoy your practice
4. Once you have finished your treatment. Follow with your chosen skin care routine.
Check out some of our videos and reels on Facebook and Instagram @seededearseeds
Resources:
http://www.multireflexology.com/
https://goop.com/wellness/spirituality/the-8-essential-crystals/
https://amp.mindbodygreen.com/articles/facial-reflexology-and-mapping-how-to
https://www.healthline.com/health/facial-reflexology-benefits-points-tools