Facial Massage - Kobido:

Japanese massages, such as Kobido, are holistic experiences designed not only to enhance the appearance of the skin but also to profoundly relax the body, muscles and mind. These advanced techniques target the face, neck, and décolleté, with the primary objective of alleviating muscle tension, enhancing lymphatic flow and stimulating the circulatory system. Consequently, the skin becomes more nourished and oxygenated, leading to improved elasticity and a more youthful appearance.
The cosmetic benefits are not the sole attributes that this massage—along with various other modalities—offers. There are also significant health advantages. Below, I have compiled a list of both.
Cosmetic
Kobido massage and similar manual techniques strive to ameliorate the condition of the skin and facial musculature through a multifaceted approach. The principal effects encompass:
- improvement of skin elasticity - regular massage stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. This results in a more taut face and a smoother, more youthful skin texture.
- smooth out facial wrinkles - by working intensively on the facial muscles, facial wrinkles are alleviated. Massage serves to alleviate muscular tension, thereby facilitating the smoothing of furrows and wrinkles, particularly those arising around the eyes, mouth and forehead.
- general improvement of skin appearance - massage invigorates blood circulation, thereby facilitating optimal oxygenation of skin cells. This enhanced blood flow contributes to a more vibrant, luminous, and healthier complexion, while promoting a more uniform skin tone.
- reduction of swelling around the eyes - activation of the lymphatic system stimulates lymphatic drainage, effectively facilitating the removal of superfluous fluid and toxins from the ocular region. Consequently, the presence of puffiness and dark circles under the eyes is reduced, resulting in a look that appears more rested and rejuvenated.
- regular sessions can profoundly impact on a more youthful and vibrant complexion, while at the same time providing relaxation for the entire body.
Health
- discharge lingering facial toxins - massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which aids the removal of toxins and impurities, that can build up in the facial skin, thus improving its appearance.
- Improve lymph flow - activation of lymphatic drainage not only aids detoxification but also improves skin tone, rendering the skin more radiant and healthy.
- deep relaxation of body and mind - massage has a soothing effect on the nervous system, reducing stress and emotional tension, which contributes to overall well-being.
- reduction of bruxism - massage relaxes tense jaw muscles, which can help to reduce problems associated with bruxism (teeth grinding), thereby improving comfort and reducing tension.
- eye relaxation - gently massaging the area surrounding the eyes, improves circulation and reduces puffiness and dark circles under the eyes, thereby fostering a rejuvenated appearance.
- nape muscles relaxation - massage involving the neck and nape relieves tension in these areas, often leading to a reduction in stiffness and improved posture.
- reduction of tension headaches - by soothing the muscles of the face, nape and head, the massage proves to be highly effective in alleviating tension headaches, particularly those induced by stress or muscular strain.
Stages of facial massage
Preparation and relaxation
Working on the musculature of the face, neck and décolleté to alleviate tension and prepare these areas for subsequent stages of care, constitutes a vital component of a relaxation and beauty massage. Initially, the massage is performed 'dry', which means that no cosmetics are used, and the main aim is to stimulate circulation and initially relax the fascia and muscles.
Following the initial dry massage, natural serums and oils are applied to enhance hydration and nourishment of the skin. These products not only facilitate hand slippage during the massage, but also bolster the regeneration of the skin and muscles by providing essential nutrients.
Lymphatic massage
This stage of the massage, during which we invigorate the lymphatic system, is pivotal for detoxifying the body and enhancing the condition of the skin. The stimulation of lymphatic drainage, facilitates the removal of accumulated toxins from the tissues and promotes the elimination of excess fluid, resulting in a reduction of swelling and a markedly improved overall appearance of the skin.
By improving blood circulation, facial skin becomes better oxygenated and nourished, promoting deeper absorption of the nutrients contained in the natural oils and serums. This stage not only supports the regenerative process, but also has a soothing effect on the skin, improving skin tone and elasticity.
In Japanese massages, this process is called the cleansing stage, as it focuses on unblocking and improving lymphatic flow, which contributes to a deeper cleansing of the skin and prepares it to receive the next skincare steps.
Facelift
Working directly on the musculature and wrinkles constitutes a pivotal stage of the massage, aimed at enhancing facial tone, stimulating collagen synthesis, and mitigating the appearance of existing wrinkles.. The specialist's manual technique plays a pivotal role in this part of the massage - it is a moment when the movements of the hands and fingers are executed with precision and imbued with profound sensitivity.
The masseur applies a range of techniques, including gentle tapping, kneading, and tissue stretching, to adjust the muscles and enhance their flexibility.
This stage can be likened to playing the piano, where each finger of the masseur assumes a distinct role -artfully playing the appropriate 'notes' while delicately yet resolutely addressing various parts of the face. The intensity of these movements is palpable, yet the massage never inflicts discomfort - on the contrary, it seeks to rejuvenate the muscles, restoring their natural elasticity and firmness.
The result of this work is a clear enhancement of skin texture, an improvement in the facial form, and the stimulation of regenerative processes, leading to a sustained rejuvenation effect and a healthy, radiant complexion.
Relaxation
The stage devoted to the soothing of the skin and musculature, while focusing on the energy points of the face, represents the final, profoundly essential component of the massage. In this phase, the pursuit of profound tranquility and the alignment of the body's energies assumes crucial importance, nurturing a lasting sense of serenity that enhances both the skin and the inner emotional state.
Working on energy points (known as meridians in Chinese medicine or tsubo in Japanese massage) involves gently pressing or massaging strategic areas on the face, that are responsible for the flow of vital energy. Improving this flow helps to unblock tension, reduces stress and promotes regeneration of the body and mind. Consequently, the skin is more oxygenated and muscular tension is effectively reduced.
This stage, albeit subtle, is profoundly significant as it fosters equilibrium and tranquility throughout the entire body. Muscles that have previously undergone intense stimulation are afforded the opportunity to relax, while the nervous system transitions into a state of serenity. The outcome is a profound regeneration and revitalization of both the skin and the body as a whole, culminating in a lasting sensation of harmony and comfort.
Benefits
The Kobido massage is an intricate technique, that distinguishes itself through its complexity, duration and the number of movements of varying intensity executed in a meticulous sequence. Each component of the massage serves a distinct purpose, contributing not only to an enhanced facial contour by refining the oval shape and smoothing wrinkles, but also alleviating muscular tension and fostering profound relaxation for both the mind and body.
A Kobido massage session, lasting approximately two hours, revitalizes the entire body. Through the application of a diverse array of facial techniques - ranging from gentle, soothing to more intensive, lifting motions - the massage engages on various layers of the skin, musculature, fascia and circulatory system, ultimately fostering relaxation on an emotional level.
Regular Kobido massage is a way of delaying the effects of time and preserving a youthful appearance for a longer time. In addition to aesthetic benefits such as firming the skin and smoothing wrinkles, massage helps to reduce daily stress, improves mood and supports the body's regenerative processes.
Contraindication
Like any massage, the Kobido lifting massage has its contraindications. The most important of these are :
- contemporary aesthetic medical procedures ( laser, botox, threads, injections, etc)
- condition of inflammatory skin diseases, wounds
- state of inflammatory conditions in the body (fever, toothache)
- Intensified acne conditions (rosacea, adoloscent)
- treatment of tooth root canal, tooth extraction
- tumours
- the early trimester and the final month of pregnancy (presuming a normal gestation), or the entire duration of the pregnancy should any complications arise
- issues pertaining to the thyroid gland (in the context of a facial-lifting massage, we consciously abstain from addressing the area surrounding the eyes).
Frequency
Frequently, the question arises regarding the optimal frequency of Kobido massage sessions required to achieve noticeable results. Here, I must worry you. There is no definite answer. The condition of the skin depends on many factors, above all stress, physical activity, dietary pattern and quality, general health.
Everything holds significance, and numerous factors intricately influence the quality of our skin and the aesthetic appeal of our face.
Therefore, I advocate for a more systematic approach to massage therapy. This facilitates the muscles, fascia, and circulatory system to operate in a markedly different manner, yielding enduring effects. Obviously, the frequency of sessions will vary among individuals - influenced by factors such as skin condition, muscular tension, lifestyle etc.
A massage can be likened to facial gymnastics. The muscles retain the memory of relaxation, becoming increasingly supple, better supplied with blood, more resilient and subsequently begin to respond differently to the tensions that accompany stress.
Kobido facial massage and its side effects:
Exercise caution regarding the potential side effects associated with this vigorous lifting massage, which are enumerated as follows:
- immediate improvement in emotional well-being
- relaxation of the entire body
- illuminated face
- uplifted facial oval
- flattened wrinkles
- enhanced blood circulation and oxygenation to the facial area, thereby facilitating superior nourishment of the skin.
- the conviction that I possess the ability to influence my appearance, after all.
You are cordially invited
A Kobido massage session lasts about 1 hour 40 minutes.
I use unrefined oils and creams based on shea butter, enriched with vitamins, hyaluronic acid, prickly pear, and a selection of other natural ingredients that support the restoration of the skin's lipid layer.
I always prepare the face by removing all traces of make-up
The massage can be augmented with the incorporation of exfoliation, an algae mask, or an intensified lifting massage specifically targeting the delicate areas surrou