BLOG 148: THE ULTIMATE MORNING FACIAL ACUPRESSURE MOVES FOR BRIGHTER SKIN

I love to use acupressure points in my Face Yoga routines. These are the same points used in acupuncture, but we’re just going to use our fingers – no needles involved!

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, stimulating the acupressure points encourages the flow of Qi or life force (also known as prana in yoga). When it comes to our skin, gently massaging the acupressure points helps to relieve tension, increase blood circulation, and give our skin a bright natural glow.

The sequence I’m going to run through in this blog post is perfect for rejuvenating your face and mind first thing in the morning. However, you can also use it at other times during the day. Anytime you feel stressed or tense, these facial acupressure moves will help you reclaim your sense of calm and balance.

Make sure you have clean hands and a clean face before you start. Begin by taking a few deep, calming breaths through your nose. When you are feeling centred and grounded, you are ready to begin.

HOW TO MASSAGE THE ACUPRESSURE POINTS

We’re going to use the same massage technique for each of the acupressure points. Go at your own pace and feel into what your face needs from you in this moment. If you feel drawn to spend a little more time at a specific point, feel free to do that.

For each one, we start by placing the index finger on the acupressure point and holding it there, pressing gently. There’s no need to press hard – choose a pressure that feels right to you.

Keep pressing the point for at least 10 seconds. Focus on your breath, taking deep inhales and exhales through your nose. With each exhale, relax your face, releasing tension from the muscles.

You might also want to close your eyes, which can help you to feel intuitively into what your face and mind need from you today.

When you feel ready, start to massage the point by making a small circular motion with your finger. Massage in one direction and then the other. Work to your own level with everything.

Then, move to the next acupressure point in the sequence and repeat this technique.

If you like, you could also repeat affirmations while you massage the acupressure points. Or you could follow this video on my YouTube channel – it is a non-talking one, so you can use it as a form of moving meditation.

1. THIRD EYE

We start this facial acupressure sequence with the third eye point, which lies between your eyebrows. This point helps to calm the mind and is also great for relieving stress and headaches. It gives us a sense of balance and centredness as we start our days.

2. ABOVE EYEBROWS

Next, take your index fingers just above the centre of the eyebrows. This helps to relax the forehead, smoothing out any lines. It also boosts the circulation to the skin of the upper face, making your skin brighter.

3. TEMPLES

Move your index fingers to the outer edge of your eyebrows. Once you’ve pressed and massaged this point, move to the temples and repeat the massage.

These points are wonderful for reducing tension and releasing tightness in the face. They are also great ones to use when you have a headache or are feeling stressed.

4. CHEEKBONES

Our next point is beneath the eyes, just on top of the cheekbones. Stimulating this acupressure point helps to relieve puffiness around the eyes. It also increases circulation to the eye area, brightening the skin and helping to reduce dark circles.

5. NOSTRILS

Place your index fingers at the outer corners of your nostrils for the next acupressure massage. This is an ideal point to clear the sinuses and help you breathe easily. Great for when you are feeling a bit blocked up first thing in the morning.

6. CHEEKS

Take your fingers to the centre of your cheeks, below the cheekbones. Stimulating the acupressure points here brightens the skin and helps to relax the lower face.

7. UPPER LIP

Next, place a finger between your nose and your upper lip. This helps to restore our focus and mental clarity, as well as increasing our sense of general wellness. However, avoid this acupressure point if you’re pregnant – just skip ahead to the next one.

8. CHIN

The next acupressure point is in the centre of your chin. It is excellent for rejuvenating tired or dull skin, giving you a natural glow. It also helps to relax the mouth and jaw area.

9. JAW

Our final points are at the outer edge of your jaw, just below your ear lobes. Many of us hold a lot of tension in our jaws first thing in the morning, especially if we’re prone to clenching our jaws or grinding our teeth while we sleep. 

This acupressure point helps to relieve that tension, while also brightening the skin of the lower face.

FINISH

End the sequence by taking a few deep breaths in and out through your nose. Hopefully, you’re now feeling awake, rejuvenated, and ready to start your day.

If you’d like to learn more face yoga and facial acupressure techniques, as well as how to teach these amazing skills to others, check out my teacher training course. 

It is a fully accredited and internationally recognised course that teaches you everything you need to know about Face Yoga, facial massage, acupressure, and facial exercise, as well as how to run workshops and set up your business. 

You can find out more in the Teacher Training section of my website.