what's this? facial massage

my two-day workshop on Advanced Facial Massage was fabulous. always feels good to connect with others interested in the care and nurturing of the skin and to reengage the senses. sometimes ya forget what you know and the classroom provides a tactile reminder.

the worksheets for the IDI class included a brief history of massage, dating back to 5,000 BC. since that oh-so long ago time, we've learned much through the trial and error of practitioners, physicians and healers. we also have a better understanding of the benefits of facial massage for most people. these pluses include:

• increase movement & circulation below the skin
• stimulate blood flow to facial tissues, delivering oxygen and nourishment to the skin
• melt away tension often held in the jaw & forehead
• provide lymph movement
• allow for a sense of calm
• trigger your relaxation response
• it feeeeeelllllls divine!

i also liked this paragraph from the training manual:

"Advocates of traditional massage techniques stress that the benefits of massage are not derived from muscle stimulation alone but the physical touch of one human being to another."

right?