Asahi (Zogan) Japanese facial massage

If every woman knew about this miraculous way of maintaining beauty, the world would shine with new bright colors. At least, face fitness trainers and some beauticians think so.

Who invented Asahi (Zogan)

Japanese facial massage is a group of exercises aimed at removing unnecessary fluid from the intercellular space, as well as restoring lymphatic flow and blood circulation.

The author of the Japanese technique Asahi (another Japanese name for this gymnastics from wrinkles – Zogan) is the cosmetologist Yukuko Tanaka. She learned the basics of the technique from her grandmother  and later improved it over the years of cosmetic practice through the study of the relationship between the muscles of the face, skin, and bones.

Yukuko was the best advertisement for the method as she looked significantly younger than her age. Asahi became widely known after Tanaka published her book on this procedure in 2007.

Japanese anti-aging massage consists of applying pressure to the scalp and muscles in the areas where the lymph nodes are located. Thanks to such manipulations lymph flows out and thanks to this toxins go away and muscles are strengthened.

For effective use of the Asahi technique force is required. It should be neat but tangible. During the session, the patient should not experience pain. If pain occurs, this indicates that the technique is being applied incorrectly.

It is necessary to be especially careful when working in areas of the face where the lymph nodes are located  in order  not to damage them.

Indications for use

Asahi’s massage technique is recommended in the following cases:

swelling;

noticeable mimic wrinkles;

the skin has become dull, has lost its elasticity;

it is necessary to remove toxins;

the second chin is outlined;

there is excess subcutaneous fat.

Contradiction

Asahi also has contraindications:

inflammatory disease of the ears, throat or nose;

problems in the lymphatic system;

an infectious disease that can spread through the lymphatic system;

rosacea as well as other irritations on the skin;

subcutaneous eruptions;

menstruation.

One of the most noticeable effects of the Asahi technique is face slimming. In case it is already quite thin  just accentuate the massage actions on the upper part of the face.

The effectiveness of the procedure

The Japanese Asahi technique works by normalizing the lymphatic flow. The lymph nodes are responsible for neutralizing toxins as well as various disease-causing bacteria.

To avoid the accumulation of microbes in the body, it is necessary to regularly cleanse the lymphatic system.

Regular and correctly performed massage not only improves the appearance and tightens muscles  but also strengthens  the general state of the immune system.

Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask 10 Pieces Japan

Rules and peculiarities of the procedure

For the correct execution of the Zogan technique  it is necessary to have an idea of ​​the anatomy of the face to understand where the main lymph nodes are located. We are talking about the areas near the ears, behind them, on the back of the head, under the lower jaw, on the front of the neck.

For efficiency and pain relief, it is recommended to use a cream or oil. This will allow your hands to slide easily without injuring your skin.

Those who love natural recipes can use the oatmeal mask. You can also apply any greasy face cream or oil. Using them during massage, you will not only make the procedure more enjoyable but also add the beneficial properties of the care products to the effectiveness of the massage action.

Before applying the cream, the skin must be thoroughly cleaned of makeup and other impurities.

For the correct execution you need to follow such rules:

• each exercise has its own specific action with the hands and its direction;
• index, middle and ring fingers are used to massage the forehead;
• one finger is used to work with the area around the eyes;
• a palm or thumb is used to massage the cheeks;
• the pressure from the hands should not be painful but remain quite intense;
• when massaging areas with lymph nodes, pressure on the skin should be reduced;
• maintain an even posture while performing the Zogan: the best way to do it while sitting or standing;
• you need to finish each massage exercise with a basic movement.

At the age of 20 to maintain elasticity and emphasize natural beauty it is enough to perform neutral actions for lymphatic drainage.

At the age of 30, the Zogan technique can be useful for solving the problems of dark circles and bags under the eyes as well as emerging facial wrinkles.

At the age of 40, the main emphasis is shifted to mimic wrinkles, nasolabial folds. This means that exercises for the lower part of the face, cheeks, and chin are actively used.

Starting at the age of 50 you need to pay special attention to the general tightening of the skin as well as strengthening the muscles of the chin and cheeks.

The Zogan technique is necessary at the age of 60 if you want to maintain a good face shape.

Preparing for the session

Japanese massage is a combination of many actions. It is impossible to achieve a visible result  fulfilling only one of the conditions. There are certain rules for this type of massage.

Skin purity

Performing Asahi on dirty skin not only won’t  bring the desired improvements, but on the contrary, will only complicate the situation. Before the massage it is necessary to thoroughly cleanse the skin and wash off the makeup, using if necessary scrub or peeling.

Understanding facial anatomy

To get the result you need at least a basic understanding of the anatomy of the face. It is especially important to understand the location of the lymph nodes, given their role in Asahi: these are places near the ears, behind the ears, the occipital zone, the lower jaw, tongue, neck.

Precision and Accuracy

A certain sequence of actions is important. You need to find a balance between intensity and feeling no pain. Asahi should not cause pain, but the actions of the hands should be confident and intense.

Posture

Maintain an erect posture when massaging. For a more comfortable implementation, use a fat cream or face oil, which will make it easier to slide your hands over the skin, as well as enhance the positive effect.

More details

Using the Japanese technique, it is necessary to monitor the reaction of the skin. If you notice the appearance of problem areas, it is better to pause the massage sessions and, if necessary, consult a dermatologist.

If you suffer from rosacea or other skin irritation, then Asahi is not recommended for you.

If acne appears immediately after a massage session you should change the cream or oil.

As a rule, too much weight loss of the face is considered an alarming signal and with this symptom you should temporarily pause or try to reduce the pressure with your fingers.

Puffiness of the face, as well as weight loss, indicates that the technique is used with errors. In this case, it is recommended to transfer the massage time from evening to morning.

Insufficient amount of massage agent (cream or oil) or none at all can cause the skin to lose its elasticity.

Massage technique

An average Asahi session lasts 10-15 minutes. All this time, the patient is in a sitting position and maintains a straight posture. If it is difficult for him to keep his back straight, he can lie down.

The Asahi technique has three main working fingers: index, middle and ring. Massaging movements specific for each zone.

Rose Quartz Massager for Face, Eyes, Neck, Body Muscle Relaxing and Relieve Fine Lines and Wrinkles

The massage starts from the frontal area.

Due to the flow of lymph to the forehead, mimic wrinkles are smoothed out and the process of cell renewal is accelerated.

The massage has a beneficial effect on the area around the eyes. This area of ​​the face most often suffers from swelling. With the help of Japanese massage sessions, edema is reduced due to the outflow of fluid, the skin relief is leveled, the look becomes more expressive.

A full and regular course of massage is able to change the shape of the face, soften nasolabial and expression wrinkles, remove the double chin, and reduce the subcutaneous fat layer.

Basic movement

The basic movement is the final chord of each Asahi stage. It consists in pressing for a couple of seconds with the ring, middle, index fingers of both hands on the parotid lymph nodes. Then the fingers should be slowly lowered along the lateral contour of the face to the neck, and then to the collarbones. This action promotes the outflow of lymph from the facial tissues and to the removal of toxins to the collarbones. The movement must be repeated three times.

Face contour correction

To correct the oval, place the palm of one hand under the chin and, keeping pressure on the skin, move from the center of the chin to the earlobe. You must perform this action at least 3 times for each side of the face. Finally, complete the basic movement.

Elimination of puffiness under the eyes

To massage the area around the eyes, place the tips of your middle fingers to the outer corners and slowly slide to the inner corners. At the bridge of the nose, you need to hold your hands for a couple of seconds.

Then continue moving with the pads of your fingers along the line just below the eyebrows. At the outer corners of the eyes, make another stop for a couple of seconds and again return to the inner corners of the lower eyelid, reducing the pressure. Increasing the pressure return from the inner to the outer corners of the eyes in a circular line under the eyebrows.

Press a little on the temporal lobes, make a basic movement.

Smoothing the forehead

To smooth the forehead, you need to put three working fingers together in the middle of the forehead, press on the skin for three seconds, then, while maintaining pressure, move your hands to the temples and lower them down and then perform a basic movement.

You can also massage the forehead in a zigzag manner: start moving up and down with three working fingers from a point in the center of the forehead, continue from left to right and back. Then perform the basic movement on both sides at the same time.

Raising the corners of the lips

Advanced Clinicals Anti-aging Hyaluronic Acid Cream for face, body, hands. Spa size. (16oz)

When massaging the area around the lips movements from the bottom up are required.

Place the working fingers of both hands in the center of the chin, press down on the point. Then slowly begin to move your hands upward applying pressure around your lips. The fingers of both hands should meet at a center point above the upper lip. Continue pressing on this point for a few seconds.

Smoothing nasolabial folds

To smooth out the nasolabial folds, you need to place the middle fingers of two hands at the wings of the nose and make 5 sliding massage movements up and down. Then with the middle and ring fingers, pressing, make a massage action to the cheekbones. The exercise ends with a basic movement.

Place your thumb under the chin, with the rest of your working fingers, stretch the skin to the outside. Perform a basic movement towards the collarbones.

Cheek strengthening technique

To work out the middle part of the cheeks, you should spread your working fingers from the nose to the temples with light pressure. This series of massages also ends with a basic movement.

To get rid of flabby cheeks, a massage starting from the middle of the lips and done from the bottom up is suitable. Put your palms and elbows in front of you, press your palms to your lips. Move up to the nostrils, covering your cheeks with your palms. Pause while maintaining pressure for 3 seconds, continue to the temples, and then perform the basic movement.

Improving the tone of the lower part of the face

To massage the lower part of the cheeks, you need to work on each side of the face separately. Put one hand on the jawbone, with the other hand perform a diagonal movement from the lower jaw to the bridge of the nose. Hold for 3 seconds and smoothly move your fingers to the cartilaginous ridge on the outer ear, end the exercise with a basic movement.

For each side of the face 3 series of movements are required.

Elimination of double chin

To work out the double chin, place the palm of one hand to the center point under the chin, drag your palm from this point to the cartilaginous ridge on the outer ear with pressure.Finish this massage with a basic movement.

Smoothing the A-zone

To eliminate wrinkles on the so-called A-zone of the face, place the thumbs of both hands under the chin. The rest of the working fingers should touch the sides of the nose. Apply a little pressure and begin to stretch the skin.Pause briefly, finish with a basic movement.

Fixing the result

Japanese massage works well if the instructions are followed correctly and performed regularly. For beginners it may take up to 10 sessions to see the effect: the skin and muscles must get used to the exercise. To consolidate the result it is recommended to apply a well-moisturizing and soothing cream immediately after the Zogan session.

Self-massage features 

Japanese massage is characterized by the fact that it can be done independently at home. The Zogan method does not require such an intense effect on the muscles as with conventional massage. It is enough to correctly slide the fingers along the well-defined lines of the face.

Zogan can be performed at any time of the day and with the frequency convenient for you: every day or several times a week.

An average massage session will not take much of your time, it takes 15 to 20 minutes.

You should perform self-massage in front of a mirror to control the correctness of your actions. You can massage your face while standing or sitting. It is important to keep your back as straight as possible. Self-massage is recommended to be performed in a calm, relaxing environment, without rushing.

After the session, you should rest for a few minutes.

Forehead

For independent work with the forehead, you must use three working fingers: index, middle and ring.

Hold your fingers together and press their pads against the center point of your forehead for 3 seconds. Then, keeping pressing, perform zigzag actions with your hands to your temples. Turn your palms at right angles, make a basic movement.

Cheekbones, cheeks, upper jaw

Asahi AOJIRU and 21 Vegetables | Powder Stick | 3.3g x 40 [Japanese Import]

For self-development of the middle and lower part of the face you must use three working fingers of both hands. Slowly, with light pressure, move your hands around your lips and slide to the outer corners of your eyes. Stop with your hands pressed to your face for a few seconds, bring them to your temples. Perform the finishing movement.

Nasolabial folds

Use your middle fingers to work on the nasolabial folds yourself. Place them at both wings of the nose, make 5 circular movements from top to bottom, and then from bottom to top. Point your middle and ring fingers towards your cheekbones. Finish with a basic movement.

Eye area

The area around the eyes is very delicate and requires particularly careful self-massage.Use your middle fingers. Fix them at the outer corners of the eyes. Gently, without pressure, move your hands to the bridge of the nose, hold for 3 seconds. With light pressure, move along the brow line from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner.Do this exercise three times, ending with a basic movement.

Lip line

For independent study of the area around the lips, the ring and middle fingers are used. They need to be fixed with slight pressure on the center point of the chin. Then slowly spread them on both sides around the lips, make a circular motion and stop in the center above the upper lip, keeping a light pressure for 3-5 seconds.

The chin

Self-massage helps well to prevent the formation of a double chin.

Place the palm of one hand in the center under the chin. While maintaining pressure, slowly move your palm towards the middle of your ear. Finish with a basic movement.