What is Facial Reflexology – Diện Chẩn?

Reflexology roller to address multiple reflex points.

Facial Reflexology was established by Professor Bùi Quôc Châu in Vietnam in the 1980's. Dien means "face," and Chan means "acupuncture," so we get "facial acupuncture," with an implied meaning of facial reflexology.

Dien chan facial reflex points.

The basics of reflexology is that we have reflex zones in the body that map to other parts, glands, and organs of the body. Through the application of therapeutic acupressure and massage on these reflexes, reflexology can help to relieve stress and tension, reduce pain, improve circulation, and naturally support the body's overall optimal functioning.

In facial reflexology, the body is mapped onto the face so the entire body can be addressed by working on the face – with no needles required! For example, if you massage between your eyebrows (your third eye or it's called Yintang in Traditional Chinese Medicine) it will help to address any tension held in your neck and shoulders. Try giving yourself a soothing self-massage in this area, you might be surprised by what you feel.

Body mapped onto the face.

"If the human can be said to be the microcosm of the universe, the same must be true for each of its parts. This is the concept of holography. Our face, as part of ourselves, symbolizes us and therefore represents us wholly. Everything that we are is projected onto our face, in particular our physiological, psychological, and even pathological state."

– Marie-France Muller

One of the beautiful things about Facial Reflexology is that it's so much more than its mechanical explanation. It maps out the areas where our life energy becomes stuck, and through point stimulation and massage, we release these stuck patterns.

Face massage can help to not only calm our nervous system, but help melt away the masks we wear on a daily basis to face our days. We often forget how much emotion, tension and stress we hold in our faces. With the benefit of the face being so close to the brain, people often feel immediate relief when their faces are taken care of. This type of massage helps the downward flow of energy, going from being stuck in our head which shows on our faces, to melting into our hearts and belly – the centre of our being. In addition, clients of facial reflexology always walk out with a natural face lift and a beautiful glow!

As a certified facial reflexologist, there is so much more I can say about the history, principles and application of this beautiful practise. Although, my goal is to keep this article short so you, the reader, can make time to visit me for a session of your own.

You can read more and book one of a kind service offerings by clicking here.

– Shonel