Facial Acupressure to Look Younger: Expert Tips from Ms. Mai Sogawa

If you want to look younger without invasive procedures, facial acupressure might be the solution you’re looking for. Facial acupressure is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique that can help reduce wrinkles, improve skin tone, and combat sagging. We’ve consulted Ms. Mai Sogawa, a renowned TCM Therapist from Japan, to bring you effective acupressure points to enhance your youthful appearance.

The Benefits of Facial Acupressure

Facial acupressure can offer several benefits, including:

• Reducing the appearance of wrinkles
• Tightening sagging skin
• Enhancing blood circulation
• Eliminating waste products from the skin
• Improving overall skin health

Why Facial Acupressure?

While pressing acupoints on the body is beneficial for overall health, focusing on facial acupressure has specific advantages for those looking to improve their facial appearance:

• Direct Impact on Facial Skin: Stimulating acupoints on the face directly affects the facial muscles, skin, and connective tissues, promoting a more immediate and visible improvement in skin tone and texture.
• Targeted Treatment: Facial acupressure specifically targets issues like wrinkles, sagging, and puffiness, which are primarily cosmetic concerns that can be more effectively addressed through localized treatment.
• Improved Circulation: Pressing facial acupoints enhances blood flow to the face, ensuring that skin cells receive more oxygen and nutrients, which is essential for maintaining a healthy, youthful glow.
• Convenience: Facial acupressure can be easily incorporated into your daily skincare routine, making it a practical and non-intrusive method to enhance your appearance.

Here are four key acupressure points that can help you achieve these benefits:

ST-2 (Sibai): Targeting Sagging and Wrinkles

Location

ST-2, also known as Sibai, is located directly below the pupil, on the infraorbital foramen.

Benefits

• Effective for reducing sagging skin
• Helps to diminish wrinkles

How to Apply

• Use your index fingers to gently press and massage this point for about 1-2 minutes daily.
• Perform small, circular motions while applying gentle pressure.

ST-7 (Xiaguan): Enhancing Blood Circulation and Reducing Swelling

Location

ST-7, or Xiaguan, is situated in the depression at the lower border of the zygomatic arch, just in front of the ear.

Benefits

• Improves blood circulation
• Reduces swelling
• Effective for sagging skin

How to Apply

• Press and massage this point with your middle fingers for 1-2 minutes.
• Apply gentle but firm pressure in circular motions.

ST-4 (Dicang): Alleviating Nasolabial Folds and Wrinkles

Location

ST-4, or Dicang, can be found at the corner of the mouth, directly below the pupil.

Benefits

• Reduces nasolabial folds
• Diminishes wrinkles
• Helps with sagging skin

How to Apply

• Use your index fingers to press and massage this point for 1-2 minutes daily.
• Apply gentle pressure and perform small, circular movements.

SI-18 (Quanliao): Promoting Blood Circulation and Detoxification

Location

SI-18, also known as Quanliao, is located directly below the outer canthus of the eye, in the depression on the lower border of the zygomatic bone.

Benefits

• Promotes blood circulation
• Helps to eliminate waste products from the skin

How to Apply

• Press and massage this point with your index fingers for 1-2 minutes.
• Use gentle pressure and circular motions for best results.

Tips for Effective Facial Acupressure

• Consistency is Key: Perform these acupressure techniques daily for best results.
• Gentle Pressure: Use gentle, consistent pressure to avoid any skin damage.
• Clean Hands: Ensure your hands are clean before performing acupressure to avoid transferring bacteria to your face.
• Relaxation: Incorporate deep breathing while performing acupressure to enhance relaxation and effectiveness.

Incorporating Facial Acupressure into Your Routine

Integrate facial acupressure into your daily skincare routine for optimal results. Here’s a simple routine to follow:

1. Cleanse Your Face: Start with a clean face to ensure no dirt or makeup interferes with the acupressure process.
2. Apply Serum or Oil: Use a light facial oil or serum to allow your fingers to glide smoothly over your skin.
3. Perform Acupressure: Follow the techniques described for each acupressure point.
4. Moisturize: Finish with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

Facial acupressure is a natural and effective way to combat signs of aging, promote healthy skin, and look younger. By incorporating these techniques into your daily routine, you can achieve a more youthful appearance without resorting to invasive procedures.