Years ago, I heard about this technique called myofascial release. Essentially it is a form of massage in which stiff or tense muscles are relaxed or ‘released’ using massage.

It requires the application of pressure and movement across various parts of the muscle and connective tissue, to promote muscle relaxation and increase circulation.

It is easy to do at home, using your own hands or aids such as foam rollers or tennis balls.

It’s most commonly used by athletes or fitness-enthusiasts as a way to decrease post-workout pain or muscle fatigue and tiredness, by relaxing tight areas or ‘trigger points’. This type of massage loosens up the fascia surrounding the muscles and boosts blood circulation and lymphatic drainage in that area. This promotes healing, freedom of movement and release from pain.

 

Facial Anatomy

This same technique can be applied to the muscles of the face, but with more care and regard for the unique facial anatomy of this area. This includes nerve points, superficially located salivary glands and muscle attachments and zones. 

This is important as the facial area is inherently more complex and diverse, than say the muscles of the arms or legs, and therefore more care and consideration needs to be applied when performing massage on the face.

 

Nerve Anatomy of the Face

This diagram below highlights some of the more important areas of nerve anatomy in the face.

These areas don’t need to be avoided entirely, but they should be treated with another level of care and general awareness of their location and presence.

The round dots show the locations in which these nerves enter the face.

 

Parotid Gland and Muscle Anatomy

This drawing below shows the location of the Parotid Gland, which is one of the salivary glands. This particular gland is of importance to facial massage because it sits superficial to the muscles of that area. Meaning, that it sits over the top of the muscles beneath it, and therefore much more care should be taken when massaging this area.

It is an extremely important salivary gland to the eating and chewing process, and therefore should be treated with great care – if not, then avoiding that particular area entirely. It is located in front of the ear and at the corner of the lower jaw.

Underneath the Parotid Gland sits the Masseter muscle, one of the most powerful muscles in the chewing process. This muscle can get very strained and tense in cases of grinding or clenching of teeth, or in the overuse of chewing gum.

The Temporalis muscle is also another strong muscle involved in the chewing process. Tension in these muscle groups can sometimes be the cause of headaches in some people.

 

Muscle Anatomy of the Face

Here is a drawing of some of the muscles of the front of the face. As you can see, it is quite a complex area, full of muscle attachments and muscle groups.

Massaging across these muscle areas can provide a lot of relief to the face area, often releasing tension that one may not even be aware of.

 

Skin Preparation

If you are going to do facial massage, it would be a good idea to thoroughly cleanse your skin and hands first, as it may introduce bacteria and potentially cause blemishes.

An easy routine to follow would be to thoroughly cleanse the face first, wash and rinse with water, then apply your normal face oils or moisturiser. Then proceed with the massage.

Post massage, if you have been pressing quite firmly on your muscles, there may be some slight swelling and muscle soreness the next day, similar to if you get a sports-type massage.

Over time, as you continue to regularly massage your face muscles, you may notice your face feels less tense and more relaxed and pliable, exactly like the effect of regular myofascial release massage.

As you are massaging your face, be sure to pay attention to how your face feels. If there is any sharp or sudden pain, refrain or lighten the pressure in that area.

If there is a dull heavy type of ache, similar to when you get a deep tissue sports massage, then see if you can breathe through the ache. If you can’t breathe through it, lighten the pressure and increase movement over that area.

 

Directional Movement

Similar to lymphatic drainage of the face, this diagram illustrates the general direction of movement of massage strokes over the face area.

Some examples of movement could be single pressure points using the thumb knuckle, or using the tips of the fingers in small rotational movements, or gliding all the finger knuckles across your face using pressure or in rotational movements.

If you have had any implants, injections or injuries to the face area, be sure to avoid those areas entirely or go gently.

Overall, a really easy way to promote muscle relaxation as well as healing and rejuvenation of the face area. This can have temporary and long lasting effects for not just the muscles, but also the appearance of the skin and can even help with mental relaxation.