There are systems of facial reflexology that use the acupressure points to bring about healing and balance elsewhere in the body. In facelift massage work, we try to focus on the Chinese facial rejuvenation acupressure points. There is a system of facial reflexology that mimic foot reflexology by projecting the soles of the feet onto the face. In this instance, each foot is superimposed over the face with the heels at the chin area and toes extending above the eyebrows. Each foot lies to the side of the nose with the big toes touching in the mid-forehead. In a similar projection, the whole body can be superimposed over the face. In this case, the torso resides over the bridge of the nose with the buttocks at the end of the nose. The head is in the center of the forehead. The arms warp over and around the eyes with the hands at the outside corners of the eyes. The legs surround the mouth with the knees at the corner and the feet coming together at the base of the chin. This system also allows you to visualize and work various body joints on the face.
Designing a plan for using this information in a practical format can be challenging, given that there are so many systems available.
One easy “how-to” plan is to mimic foot reflexology on the face. This system is the easiest to grasp and use effectively as it reflects a common hands-on modality that is familiar to many healers. Using the visual of the soles of the feet superimposed over the face, follow the flow as you would for a traditional reflexology session. Typically this starts at the toes and works down the feet. So start at the forehead and work your way down the face (body) ending at the chin and jaw line. This will provide a healing and relaxing session that clients love. Because the face often holds stagnant qi and lymph, prewarm the tissue surrounding the lymphatic terminus (near the hollow at the base of the throat), the anterior and lateral neck muscles and the submandibular region. This need only be a minute or two, but will provide the necessary circulation to properly drain the face of stagnation.
As a general rule, working from top to bottom relaxes, and working from bottom to top activates. I like to relax first then, if the client is getting up soon, finish with a few bottom to top strokes to energize them. Along this same thought, a short activation of a point (four to five seconds) typically excites the system while a longer one (45 seconds to several minutes) tones or relaxes the system. Although you are working lightly on the face, the client may still experience some discomfort if a point is sensitive. In this case, intermittent pressure can help calm the point. Some suggest a slight circular movement in a clockwise direction for points. Some suggest only to lightly massage the point. Treat each point or area with a deliberate stroke but seam them together as a single movement.
The face and scalp are easy targets for us to get to and offer a plethora of benefits to your clients. And it makes for easy work on the therapist.
Another approach to regulate the Yang Ming / Tai Yin circuit is to use an extraordinary vessel (EOV) approach. EOV treatments can be essential in a long-haul post-viral state, as they can help restore integrity to the body’s energetic system on the deepest level. Various combinations can be helpful; however, combining Chong Mai with Ren Mai is a good place to start, as it can help to regulate the gut (Chong Mai) and the lungs (Ren Mai).
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Joseph Audette, MD, MA;
Sam Audette, LAc, Dipl. OM
The NCCAOM is excited to announce the completion of its 2023-2024 Job Analysis (JA) Executive Summary report. The JA is a pivotal initiative aimed at defining the core knowledge, skills, and abilities required for competent practice in the acupuncture and herbal medicine profession. The data collected from this survey is essential for updating the NCCAOM exam content outlines at the entry-to-practice level, ensuring the certification exams are relevant, fair, and legally defensible.
As we move into the Year of the Snake, let’s embrace the snake’s deep-thinking nature and ask ourselves four important questions, all of which relate to a single journey: advocating for our medicine by educating others about its value. Now is the time for all acupuncturists to come together to strengthen the profession, share knowledge, advocate for advancement – and help more patients access you as a vital element of their whole-health care.
