Facial acupressure applied at home is one of the best beauty hacks and for what it's worth, as an Acupuncturist, I'm all for it! Not only is the entire process super simple, but it is also a huge stress reliever and comes with a variety of amazing benefits. Just like we massage other parts of our body like the neck and shoulder muscles to relieve stress and tension, we can do the same to our face to achieve incredible results. 

Health Benefits that Transcend the Beauty Benefits

When applying acupressure to the face as a massage, the face is receiving a multitude of health benefits.  These include, but are not limited to:

• Lymphatic drainage 
• Elimination of toxins
• Relaxation of facial tension
• Improvement in circulation
• Enhancing metabolism of the skin
• Relaxation of tired muscles
• Pumps out fluid that causes puffiness, tired eyes, and sluggish skin
• Provides a radiant and glowing look

How is the Self-Acupressure Method Performed?

Take a look at the pictures below which will help you see where to place your fingers while massaging the different areas of your face, along with brief, easy-to-follow descriptions.  We recommend doing this routine with clean hands (of course) and after you have cleansed your face so it is clean and clear from makeup, dirt and bacteria.

In addition, apply your favorite moisturizer or facial oil which will help your fingers glide along the face as opposed to pulling or tugging on the skin. It is so relaxing and perfect to do right before sleep as part of your bedtime routine.

Please remember to breathe and relax while performing the following methods.

The Area Around Your Eyes

1. Massage your inner eye while applying gentle pressure
2. Massage just underneath your eyebrows while applying pressure
3. Massage the outer edge of your eyebrows while applying pressure
4. Apply steady pressure underneath your eyes

Perform each of these three times while practicing deep breathing.  In addition, there are a multitude of benefits to eye area acupressure treatments to include reduction of pain and swelling, sinus and headache relief, tension headache relief, and eye pressure relief.

The Area Around Your Nose

1. Apply light pressure at either side of the nose and repeat this three times.

After performing nasal acupressure, you may feel sinus tension relief and relief from allergies that cause nasal drip, sneezing and itching.

Cheek / Ear / Neck Areas

1. After performing acupressure at the nose, you will then slide your fingers to the middle of your cheeks, pressing lightly.
2. You will now move your fingers to the area just in front of your ear, at the end of your jaw. Press lightly.
3. Lastly, glide your fingers down your neck until they reach your collarbone.

By performing neck acupressure, you are releasing toxins and promoting healing while creating a relaxed environment for your body.

Repeat all of the steps three to five times for best results.

The practitioners at Deanna Carell Acupuncture hope you can take some of these acupressure skills and incorporate them into your self-care routine and for you to reap the treatment benefits from the comfort of your own home. These natural, self-administered acupressure therapies will keep you relaxed, motivated and healthy in between your regular appointments.