Acupressure is a treatment perfectly suited to facial massage. A simple press of the fingers relaxes the muscles and decongests blocked areas, helping to flush out toxins and clear the complexion. Numerous meridians run across the skull, face and neck: by massaging these pressure points, acupressure improves overall well-being, and it shows on the face.
Massaging certain points has proven effective for improving skin quality. Stimulating them relaxes the facial muscles, reduces deep wrinkles, improves skin texture and appearance, fights acne, relieves sinus problems, eases jaw tension and soothes headaches.
Kobido massage
As its name suggests, Kobido is a Japanese treatment whose name means “ancient path of beauty.” Derived from Anma, a forerunner of shiatsu, it emerged south of Mount Fuji, in Japan, in the 15th century, born from the rivalry between two practitioners each trying to find new methods to stimulate the facial muscles — before deciding to join forces and together found the House of Kobido.
Kobido massage is an anti-aging treatment made up of vibrations, tapping, percussion and pressure that firms the facial muscles and boosts blood circulation and lymphatic flow. It tones the whole face and restores its contours — an excellent natural lift, particularly suited to mature skin. The authentic Kobido massage, practised by only around fifty specialists worldwide, is made up of 48 movements. It begins on the chest to stimulate blood circulation, moves to the yang side of the face (linked to the organs, on the left), then to the yin side (linked to the viscera, on the right), shifting the yang component toward the yin component to work on the balance of Qi.
In the absence of a specialist, it remains possible to stimulate certain pressure points yourself for a bit of self-care.
Acupressure for beautiful skin
Around the eyes
Stimulating the following points helps rest tired eyes, fight dark circles and puffiness, and significantly reduce wrinkles around the eye contour. Press the points in the order given, using your index finger, with firm pressure for 35 to 45 seconds, without causing pain — if it becomes uncomfortable, ease off slightly and compensate by holding the point longer. Both eyes can be worked on at the same time; ideally, this massage is done once a day.
| Point | Location | How to press |
|---|---|---|
| 1 — “Brightness of the Eyes” (Jing Ming, BL1) | Inner corner of the eye | Toward the nose |
| 2 — “Bamboo Gathering” (Zanzhu, BL2) | Below the inner tip of the eyebrow | Toward the forehead |
| 3 — “Fish Waist” (Yuyao) | Below the middle of the eyebrow ridge | Toward the forehead |
| 4 — Sizhukong | Outer edge of the eyebrow | Outward |
| 5 — Outer corner of the eye | On the bone of the eye ridge | Toward the temple |
| 6 — “Container of Tears” (Chengqi, ST1) | Under the eye, in the middle, in the small hollow of the ridge | Very lightly |
Cheeks and nose
The ST2 points, known as the “four whites,” sit one finger-width below the eye socket, level with the centre of the eye. Pressing them for 30 seconds, once or twice a day, rests the eyes, brightens the complexion and helps reduce acne.
The ST3 points, or “hollow of the square bone,” sit below the centre of the eye, level with the sides of the nose. Pressing them for 30 seconds, once or twice a day, improves skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles and even helps prevent colds.
The jaw junction points are located where the muscle bulges when you clench your teeth. Unclench your jaw and press for at least 30 seconds, ideally a full minute, once or twice a day: if the pressure is painful at first (a sign of tension), it eases within a few days as the face relaxes.
The “Welcome Fragrance” point (LI20) is pressed for at least 30 seconds, ideally a full minute, once or twice a day.
The mouth
The “Middle of the Person” point (GV26), the 26th meridian point of the Governing Vessel, sits on the naso-labial groove, halfway between the nose and the mouth. Stimulating it for at least 30 seconds, once or twice a day, helps release stress and improve concentration.
The “Earth Granary” points (ST4) are known to reduce wrinkles, relieve pain, ease tension around the mouth and excess salivation, as well as eyelid twitching. Press them for at least 30 seconds, once or twice a day.
The “Receives Saliva” point (CV24) sits below the middle of the mouth: press it for at least 30 seconds, once or twice a day.
The third-eye point
This point, between the eyebrows where the bridge of the nose meets the forehead, stimulates the pituitary gland. Press it lightly for at least a minute, every day, to reduce the risk of skin problems — the pituitary being the main endocrine gland responsible for improving skin condition throughout the body.
The Heavenly Pillar points
Pressing these points for at least 2 minutes a day helps reduce stress, eliminate fatigue and insomnia, and combat neck stiffness, tired eyes and sore throats. Skin issues such as acne and redness also fade.
A massage for clear skin
Warm your hands by rubbing them together. Move your fingers (except the thumbs) across your face, from the forehead down to the jaw, then back up to the cheeks and up to the forehead again: repeat 10 times. Then reverse the motion — jaw to forehead, then cheeks, then back to the jaw — and repeat 10 times as well. This massage stimulates all the pressure points of the face and improves blood circulation and lymphatic flow.
Just below the earlobe lies the SI17 point, which brightens the complexion; stimulating it regularly also balances the thyroid gland and relieves hives. Acupressure is an undeniable beauty ally, whose benefits can be reinforced by pairing it with a daily facial workout, better known as face yoga.
Kobido massage, the “ancient path of beauty” born in Japan in the 15th century, is made up of 48 movements and is authentically practised by only around fifty specialists worldwide.
