Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

54 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

around the ear going in a circle until all muscles of the ear are stretched.

Client preparation . A few important reminders every massage therapist needs to consider before performing a facial massage on a client: • Ask your client to wash their face and rinse their hands with an antiseptic before beginning a facial massage session. • Have natural oil or cream on hand to reduce friction with the skin during the massage. • Prepare clients for what they should expect with a complete description of the techniques. During the massage sessions, clients should feel the pressure exerted by your fingers, but they should not feel discomfort. Always check in with your client to ensure the pressure is comfortable. • Ease the pressure while massaging their ears, the area under the jaw and the neck (which is where the lymph nodes are located). Face and head massage is one of the most relaxing massages, so encourage your clients to sit up for a few minutes after the massage before moving around to be sure they are alert. References 1. Basu P, Sen U, Tyagi N, Tyagi SC. “Blood flow interplays with elastin: collagen and MMP: TIMP ratios to maintain healthy vascular structure and function.” Vasc Health Risk Manag . 2010 Apr 15;6:215–28. 2. Alam M, Walter AJ, Geisler A, Roongpisuthipong W, Sikorski G, Tung R, Poon E. “Association of Facial Exercise With the Appearance of Aging.” JAMA Dermatol . 2018 Mar 1;154(3):365–367. 3. Koyama T, Kobayashi K, Hama T, Murakami K, Ogawa R. “Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue.” Eplasty . 2016 Jan 25;16:e8. 4. Khanna, N. and Datta Gupta, S. “Rejuvenating facial massage–a bane or boon?” International Journal of Dermatology . 2002 41: 407–410. 5. Yoon Soo Cho, Jong Hyun Jeon, Aram Hong, Hyeong Tae Yang, Haejun Yim, Yong Suk Cho, Do Hern Kim, Jun Hur, Jong Hyun Kim, Wook Chun, Boung Chul Lee, Cheong Hoon Seo. “The effect

Stripping the Ear This technique works the anterior auricular muscle, masseter, posterior auricular muscle, superior auricular muscle and the temporalis. • Use your thumb to perform a stripping motion. • Sink into the tissue with quick, short stokes. This action will strip the muscles around the ear. Acupressure Points for Tinnitus A 2022 study showed that acupressure resulted in significant improvements in tinnitus loudness and reduced general stress levels in participants. 33 Each acupressure point may help with different tinnitus symptoms: 34 • Outer Ear (Ear gate acupressure point) helps with relieving pressure that builds up around the jaw and ears, as well as tinnitus and ears that feel “stuffed up.” • Internal Ear (Earlobe acupressure point) stimulation may be helpful for tinnitus. Apply fingertips to each point and hold for 30 seconds to two minutes. Incorporating Face and Head Massage Into Your Practice Expanding the use of face and head massage within your sessions can add value for many clients, whether for relaxation or to address specific conditions. Before practicing any new modalities or techniques, however, massage therapists need to check with their state’s massage therapy regulatory authority to ensure they are within the state’s defined scope of practice for massage therapy. Intake process . Always do a thorough intake with your client. Be sure to ask about any conditions they may have that might be contraindicated for face and head massage. If you are uncertain if you should proceed, ask the client to get clearance for massage from their primary care provider before scheduling a session. Talk to your client about their goals for the massage session so you can both manage expectations and better understand what type of head and face massage fits their needs.

amtamassage.org/mtj