Do you want to make your spa stand out from the rest? When it comes to enhancing your client's skin, reflexology may be the next breakthrough service to add to your treatment list. You may have heard of this centuries-old practice, but you are still wondering what exactly facial reflexology is and how it can help the wellbeing of your spa clients. Read on to find out how facial reflexology techniques can stimulate the brain and nervous system for skin benefits.
What is facial reflexology?
Facial reflexology is inspired by two main methods. The first is the Dien Chan, created by Dr. Bùi Quôc Châu rooted in traditional Vietnamese and Chinese medical systems. The second method is that Sorensensistem method, created by Lonely Sorenson and founded in East and South American traditions.
Reflexology has been practiced across cultures for centuries, but to date scientists have been unable to explain the functional pathways of traditional Eastern medicine. Please remember that there is no scientific explanation for the anatomical pathways and physiological mechanisms of the meridian system on which traditional Chinese medicine is based. Even so, reflexology treatments have anecdotally helped many people find great pain relief, improved skin health, and other health benefits.
How does facial reflexology work?
Facial reflexology stimulates reflex points and zones on the scalp and face to stimulate the brain. It is a gentle and non-invasive technique achieved by using the fingertips for pressure point massage on the face and scalp. These pressure points are meant to relate to different parts of our anatomy. Natural or organic facial oils are usually used as part of the massage without the need for other devices.
Eminence Organics International trainer Brian Goodwin explains how improvements can be achieved through special facial massage techniques that treat the body holistically by stimulating meridian points.
Three common reflexology points are:
- Taiyang: the temples
- Bitong: the nostril on the nasolabial groove
- Yin Tang: the middle of the forehead or the "third eye"
It is believed that the body's meridians are vital energy pathways to your organs and body systems. By massaging specific reflex zone points, this technique is said to reduce stress and promote blood circulation and oxygen levels in the face. This is believed to improve the appearance of the skin, making it appear tighter, tighter, and plumper.
What Are The Benefits Of Facial Reflexology?
The benefits of facial reflexology may include:
- Reduced muscle tension
- Healthier skin
- Pain relief
- Improved sleep
- More energy
- Improvement in immunodeficiency
- Improved mood
- Headache relief
- Clearer sinuses
"Reflexology benefits include improving skin, sleep, and energy levels, as well as reducing muscle tension and providing chronic pain relief," explains Brian. “General improvements to the skin can include increased hydration, blood flow, and vitality. A doctor can also target certain skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema. “However, practitioners should still approach their treatments holistically,” he says.
Incorporate reflexology treatments into your spa
When it comes to skin enhancement, facial reflexology can improve a spa client's overall health, which in turn helps the skin. They can offer treatment for problems like stress, muscle tension, headaches, or sinus problems.
"If you offer facial reflexology as a free addition to facials and massages as a monthly promotion, you can offer it as a service to your customers," says Brian. "It also opens the door for your practitioners to talk to customers about the benefits."
The first step in implementing facial reflexology is education. This means that the doctor will inform clients what facial reflexology is and how it is practiced. You also need to communicate the health benefits of facial reflexology through effective marketing on your website and on social media.
"Your typical client may not know what reflexology is and may never have heard of it," says Brian. "Without helping them understand the purpose and value of reflexology, customers are unlikely to book it or add it as a new service."
Planning a thorough consultation with your customers is an important success factor in facial reflexology. This will help you determine their needs, desired results, and select the best products for their skin type and concerns.
When it comes to choosing Eminence Organics facial reflexology products, we usually turn to a facial oil. “An excellent product that can be used in addition to facial reflexology for all skin types is our Facial Recovery Oil,” says Brian. This is a luxurious face oil suitable for all skin types and made with Biodynamic® ingredients from Demeter International Certified Biodynamic® farms.
For use, Brian recommends placing two to three drops in your hands, gently spreading the oil over your hands, and then pressing it onto the client's face, neck and décolleté before performing any reflexology techniques.
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