Mouth massage: all about the favorite practice of the moment –

lymphatic massage, ayurvedic massage, facial massage… nowadays, we can find modalities to relax any part of the body. How about a buccal massage? Yes, that’s right. It seems that the new trend is to massage the mouth area – and the benefits, by all indications – are great!

What made the practice famous were its followers, as Meghan Markle. The movements were developed by the French beauty expert Joelle Ciocco and generate from more relaxed expressions to softer skin, as well as reducing tension in the region.

BENEFITS OF ORAL MASSAGE

“Oral massage is a technique that presses the tissues of the gum and jaw region in order to improve the facial contour and relieve tension. Therefore, in terms of health, it can improve bruxism and migraine. The treated region is the one located in the lower region of the face, internally and externally”, explains the dermatologist. Alessandro Alarcãomember of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology and member of the American Academy of Dermatology.

HOW IT IS MADE

The process can be a little uncomfortable, as it is done by a professional, applying pressure to points on the inside of the mouth that we rarely touch on a daily basis. It is a practice performed with the aid of surgical gloves, materials without dyes, mineral oils or parabens.

“It is common for patients to report a slight feeling of discomfort after treatment, something similar to the feeling of a heavy bodybuilding workout, after all, it is a type of muscle exercise for the face”, explains the doctor.

By the way, for the results to be really satisfactory, constancy is needed, just as we do with physical activities at the gym. “In short, the strengthening of the perioral muscles and the muscles of the modiolus region, among others, help in the lifting effect and in the improvement of flaccidity”, he continues.

ORAL MASSAGE AND COLLAGEN PRODUCTION

It is common for those who talk about oral massage to also talk about collagen production. And, yes, this myth is actually a fact. “Facial massage promotes local relaxation, improves blood circulation and tissue oxygenation, thus stimulating and contributing to the production of collagen and elastin”, explains Dr. Larissa Oliveira, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.

But, before going out celebrating and massaging your mouth at every free moment, it is worth mentioning that this production is in small quantities. To actually increase collagen production, a more appropriate stimulus would be the use of collagen biostimulators injectables.

HOMEMADE MASSAGE WITH GUA SHA

The facial massage tool has become very famous in recent years, and is used to “glide” across the skin of the face and invigorate blood flow by redirecting energy. It is believed that its frequent use provides a natural lifting. “And there are studies that claim that this tool stimulates microcirculation to the treated portion of the face, thus helping to improve local and distal muscle pain”, says Dr. Alexander.

It is worth remembering that it does not bring as satisfactory results as the massage done by a professional, even for focusing only on the external tissue of the face.

For those who want to adopt and maintain facial massages, with the help of a gua sha or a roller, you can follow the tips below (and enjoy the results, even if they are smoother!):

Wash your hands well.
Warm 3-5 drops of face oil or serum between palms and apply to skin using middle and ring finger. Make gentle but vigorous circular motions and upwards, starting from the base of the neck, then proceed to the nose, temples and cheeks.
Finish with smooth upward and outward strokes from the center of the face.