What is Buccal Massage, and how does it differ from traditional facial massages?
A buccal massage (which I‘ve named The INNIE) differs from other types of massage as it’s carried out from the inside the mouth. First I’ll place my thumb, followed by my finger, on the inside of the cheek to access intricate and complex layers of muscle. This includes the buccinator, lending the technique its name.
What are the benefits of Buccal Massage for the skin?
The INNIE massage releases the strain our face is under, reduces tension and allows our vital fluids to flow. The nutrients carried by the blood are able to feed our growing skin cells and lymph fluid drains away reducing any puffiness. Our complexion is left glowing and the facial features relaxed.
Is it suitable for all skin types? Most skin types, yes. Those with active acneic lesions and those who are rosacea prone will be better off with The OUTIE, a treatment where amongst other things the drainage and massage techniques are more gentle. I can also demonstrate to clients the best ways for them to continue this drainage of toxins at home. The easing of inflammation in the skin is best for both the above skin types.
How is a Buccal Massage session typically conducted?
The INNIE includes massage of the major muscle groups that support the structure of our face. Most people know they hold stress in their shoulders and neck and have noticed what we now do around tech with our shoulders rounded forwards. Anyone who's suffered a headache knows what a tight scalp is. These are the areas that are touched on during the treatment as well as the facial tissue. Aiming to release tense fascia to have a lasting effect involves localised stretching movements, the light touch of lymph drainage, and plumping movements that are quick and stimulating. The client’s personal expectations and needs are explored during the consultation process. The first hour of the treatment will concentrate on concerns involving all the areas mentioned above, and the final 20 minutes are used for the intra-oral work now the surrounding muscles have started to loosen their grip. You can find out what to expect on my Instagram, @satedface
Can you perform Buccal Massage at home, or is it best done by a professional?
Facial massage is something I encourage to utilise at home. In saying that, the moves I’m applying simply can’t be replicated at home. I’m able to have my hands, arms and fingers in a very specific position and angle when I work on the face. I have the knowledge of what it is I’m touching. What’s connected to what. I’m going to do it thoroughly.
What 3 tips would you suggest for someone who is interested in Buccal and/or facial massage at home?
To carry out facial massage at home, have a glorious oil you love working with. Don’t forget that all skins do love oil, the more it matches our natural sebum, the more the skin knows what to do with it. Meaning even those with excess oil can use it. Do some deep inhalations with your oil to start. Get grounded and place your intention in this moment. Follow that with repetitive movements, as repetition is key. With emphasis too on engaging in this loving activity daily. Don’t forget that neck and scalp. You don’t want the neck pulling the face downward. And you don’t want the scalp pinching the face inward.
What are some recommended skincare products to use in conjunction with the technique?
Recommended products could be a facial cleansing oil (take a look at Wild Source Cleansing Oil if you don’t have a fave already). Save the more indepth massage movements for second cleanse during the evening. If you favour massaging during your moisturising part routine then face oil can be utilised (this could even be as plain as organic cold pressed Jojoba oil). I also show clients more about their gua sha tool as I’ve picked up on things that people aren’t doing. I like to educate about the best passive yoga postures to find relief also, which is where a yoga black or a bolster would come in handy.
How often should one consider getting the massage for noticeable results?
As it’s the constantly micro moving face and the overused jaw we’re dealing with, it can be necessary to have bi-weekly treatments to start. TMJ sufferers find so much relief through these treatments but they also have those habits of teeth clenching and/or grinding which carries on for most hours of the day and the night. With that in mind, once we’ve explored all the ways to keep that tension to a minimum, then the treatments become less frequent. I’ve had clients want this treatment the same way they would treat a body massage to find relaxation at around every 4-6 weeks, and I’ve certainly carried them out for the purpose of readying the skin for an event.
What should someone expect during and after a Buccal Massage session in terms of skin’s improvement and are there any specific techniques or tools used?
Improvements come through all the layers pertaining to these areas to give the results you both feel and see. Muscles are eased, the ligaments holding these tissues to your bones are worked and lifted, the dermal and epidermal layers of the skin have had a boost in blood flow and stimulation. Lymph fluid has the space to drain. There is an experience of a lifted, smoothed and sculpted face thanks to the muscles functioning as they should. The only tool involved outside my constantly moving hands is my facial cup to hasten the removal of stagnant lymph.
Does buccal massage help with anti-aging and wrinkle reduction?
There is a reduction in lines within a single treatment. Wrinkles due to fascia holding them in place are slower to break down. However, whilst this is coming together over a course of treatments, it’s the plumping, easing and opening of all other parts surrounding our wrinkles that give off that youthful and dewy complexion. We start to focus on our wrinkles less because of this. The anti-aging aspect comes into play because there is stimulation of blood flow, lifting of sagging tissue and removal of broken down cells via our lymphatic system. The treatment quite simply asks your skin to activate and to come to life.
When you are not helping others relax and feel rejuvenated, how do you unwind?
My own relaxation and relief for my own hands, arms and wrists comes via hot yoga. I head to Kew Gardens and let nature deal with draining away my worries. Treatments my own body responds well to are cranio sacral therapy and reiki. I apply mindful treatments to myself and I meditate. Nerding out on more study and new skills. I just adore being immersed in skin, body and soul bits.
Being based at Queen’s Park, can you share any local haunts you enjoy?
My hot yoga is carried out at Fierce Grace. I love a visit to Paddington Rec. where I partake in what can only be described as outdoor badminton. I’m a fan of the Wellness Warmer from Planet Organic as it contains New Zealand Manuka honey. Along the same theme, brunch at Milk Beach because it’s the closest we have to the popular Kiwi ritual. And though this skin does not cope with the effects of alcohol, when I feel the need to push it, Chingon Tacos (where alongside food) I find it hard to choose between the Watermelon Margarita, a classic and a Paloma. So I try to stay long enough to warrant all three.
What’s the future of SatedFace , is there anything planned this year you could share with us?
I have very proudly just graduated in Facial/Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture. It’s such a wonderful treatment for both the lifting, plumping and brightening of the face as well as a true parasympathetic system reset for the body.
