Self-care is key to our wellbeing. And when the patriarchy tells us, “How dare you love yourself?” it’s also an exquisite act of empowerment. Ayurvedic face massage is the perfect way to rebel and recharge. (Practiced in India for thousands of years, Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that prioritizes the mind-body connection and a holistic approach to health.) You can pay a professional (like me!) to get one, but it’s also something you can do yourself. Follow these steps for a gentle, soothing forehead-to-neck rub that will drain your stress as it drains toxins and fluids from your face, so you’ll feel great—which is a good look. You can even adjust the length to fit your free time, whether it’s short and sweet or long and luxurious.
First, set an intention to celebrate and appreciate yourself. Then warm up your favorite beauty oil (e.g. pure organic jojoba oil) between your hands; gently pat into the face, neck, and chest.
Making outward circles with both hands, massage from the center of your forehead down next to your ears, from sinuses to temples, from your upper lip to your ears, your chin to your jaw hinge, and the center of your neck out.
Starting from the top of the forehead, gently fan your fingers from the center out, working your way down to your neck.
Using your ring fingers, trace gentle circles around the eye sockets, starting right below the brow bone near the bridge of your nose, delicately loosening the fluid and toxins of “digital face” (from leaning over your phone!).
Carefully start sweeping down the sinuses, on either side of the nose with your first three fingers, after an eye circle trace. You will feel tension dissipate. Check in. What feels good? Linger there.
Once you’ve worked your fingers down to your neck, sweep up the jawline with both hands, all around the face (Tracee Ellis Ross-on-a-plane style! Google it for inspo). Sweep up from the center of the jaw.
Stretch. Lean your head back, stretch your jaw up and out a few times. Silent scream. Roll your eyes around.
Finally, face a mirror and look yourself in the eye. Appreciate what you see. Feel your power.
By Candice Forness
illustrated by Hannah Li
This article originally appeared in the June/July 2018 print edition of BUST Magazine. Subscribe today!
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