
Download the pdf course guide from the resources tab to access all course information in detail, and translate it if needed; download the pdf intake form for your clinic spa.
Experience traditional Japanese facial massage as a ritual blending precise techniques with mindful touch and eastern philosophy, featuring a sequence to lift, tone, and sculpt the face, neck, and body.
Originating in 1472 in Japan, two master anma practitioners merged to create a specialized facial rejuvenation treatment once reserved for the imperial court and samurai, especially female royalty.
Trace the samurai roots of Japanese facial massage in the muromachi period, revealing its role in post-conflict recovery, nervous system balance, and mental clarity.
Align therapist and client energy through harmony, balance, and qi flow along meridian lines to promote facial rejuvenation, deep healing, and a lifted mind, body, and spirit.
Learn how frontalis, corrugator, orbicularis oculi, zygomaticus, and orbicularis oris interact with the superficial musculoaponeurotic system to lift, tone, and refresh the face.
Improve facial circulation and lymphatic drainage with rhythmic techniques to brighten skin and reduce puffiness. Target arteries, veins, and lymph nodes, including preorbital, preauricular, submandibular, submental, occipital, and parotid glands.
Learn how cranial nerves, including the facial nerve's five divisions, drive expression and sensation. Gentle Japanese facial massage tones muscles and promotes parasympathetic rest via the vagal reflex arc.
Aging is a natural, multidimensional process that affects skin, muscle, fascia, and bone. Japanese facial massage uses touch to boost circulation, lymph flow, release adhesions, and recontour tissues for rejuvenation.
Master the essence of Japanese facial massage through structured kata, mastering tapotement, lifting and sculpting strokes, and effleurage to build muscle memory, rhythm, and mindful therapeutic integrity.
Prepare the client’s hands by trimming nails, washing, and sanitizing in warm water, then use diaphragmatic breathing and a brief ritual—ground, rub, hover, exhale, and begin with intention.
Move with purpose by aligning posture, rhythm, and flow in Japanese facial massage; keep feet hip-width apart, neutral spine, relaxed shoulders, elbows by your sides, and hands grounded and tension-free.
Japanese facial massage improves facial blood flow and alertness, but avoid deep techniques with chronic inflammation, lymphatic issues, or post-surgical swelling; blend relaxation with stimulation and tailor through thorough intake.
Begin with a clean, warm, calming space and aromatherapy to set the mood for cleansing. Apply a hot towel to soften skin and boost lymphatic drainage from chest to shoulders.
Warm up with hand warming and jojoba oil application on the chest, neck, and face, then rhythmic effleurage to drain toward the chest and open supraclavicular and axillary nodes.
Explore superficial neck and face massage, starting with neck traction and stretches to relax fascia, then rhythmic jawline and lip stimulation to boost circulation and lift.
Explore deeper fascia and jaw muscles, releasing masseter tension to ease tmj discomfort, drainage of submandibular lymph nodes, and frontalis and scalp techniques to lift forehead and calm the face.
Perform lifting and sculpting techniques in the Japanese facial massage using gentle upward strokes, plucking the jawline, tapotement on cheeks, and fascia-focused myofascial release to counteract gravity and boost tone.
Flow from stimulation to relaxation with plucking and jaw grounding, then apply acupressure points Li 20, UB 2, Yin Tang, and GB 14 to ease sinus tension and eye strain.
Balance blood and lymph to promote detoxification by draining interstitial fluid toward ears and drainage points, including the auricular space, with brief five-pass strokes across the forehead, cheeks, and neck.
Close and ground the client after the facial massage with lavender oil. Use a hot towel, three deep breaths, and a four-week course followed by monthly maintenance.
Master a 60-minute Japanese facial massage protocol that blends warm cleansing, aromatherapy, lymphatic drainage, lifting and sculpting, acupressure, and grounding techniques for a radiant, relaxed appearance.
Practice Kobido facial massage in a 60-minute session with music, refining techniques from the Kobido Japanese facial massage certificate course (4 CEU).
Develop Kobido massage techniques in a 45-minute practice session accompanied by music, building confidence for certification.
Learn Japanese Facial Massage Techniques for Facial Relaxation, Skin Care, Beauty & Traditional Japanese Massage
Instructor
Michael Eric Everson
Manual Osteopath • Registered Massage Therapist • Yoga Teacher
Michael Eric Everson has over 15 years of clinical experience integrating massage therapy, manual therapy and professional education. His teaching approach emphasizes clear instruction, practical application and hands-on techniques that can be incorporated into professional practice.
About This Japanese Facial Massage Course
Learn practical Japanese Facial Massage techniques designed to expand your facial massage skill set and introduce you to traditional Japanese approaches to facial bodywork.
In this course, you'll be guided through a structured facial massage sequence with an emphasis on hand positioning, pressure control, technique selection, anatomy and treatment flow.
You'll learn how to work systematically across the face while incorporating techniques that can be used for facial relaxation, skincare and professional facial massage services.
The course combines traditional Japanese facial massage concepts with a practical, modern approach to hands-on application.
What You'll Learn
Practical Japanese Facial Massage techniques
Traditional Japanese facial massage concepts
Facial anatomy relevant to hands-on massage
Hand positioning and therapist mechanics
Appropriate pressure and touch
Facial massage strokes and techniques
Treatment sequencing and flow
Techniques for the forehead, eyes, cheeks, jaw and lower face
How to structure a complete facial massage treatment
How to incorporate Japanese facial massage into an existing massage or wellness practice
Client comfort, communication and professional treatment considerations
Japanese Facial Massage Techniques
You'll learn a structured approach to working across the face using a variety of hands-on techniques.
The course demonstrates techniques for areas including:
Forehead
Scalp and hairline
Around the eyes
Cheeks
Nose and surrounding areas
Jaw
Chin
Lower face
Neck
You'll learn how to transition between techniques smoothly while maintaining appropriate pressure, positioning and treatment flow.
Facial Massage, Relaxation & Skin Care
Japanese facial massage can be incorporated into a variety of professional facial and wellness services.
Throughout the course, you'll explore techniques that emphasize facial relaxation, skincare and the client experience, while learning how to adapt your approach to the individual and the treatment setting.
The focus is on developing practical hands-on skills rather than promising a specific cosmetic or therapeutic outcome.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is designed for:
Licensed Massage Therapists
Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs)
Bodyworkers
Manual Therapy Practitioners
Spa Professionals
Estheticians and Facial Treatment Professionals
Wellness Professionals
Massage Therapy Students
Practitioners interested in Japanese facial massage
Whether you're new to facial massage or looking to expand your existing hands-on practice, this course provides a structured introduction to Japanese Facial Massage techniques.
Course Materials
Your enrollment includes:
52-page fully illustrated PDF Course Guide
Downloadable Client Intake Form (PDF)
Step-by-step video demonstrations
Access to the course online
Individual course purchases include lifetime access to the course, allowing you to return to the videos whenever you want to review techniques, treatment sequencing or facial anatomy.
Please note: lifetime access described above applies to individual course purchases. Access through a subscription or Personal Plan is subject to the terms of that subscription.
Continuing Education
This course is taught by an approved Continuing Education Provider with the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB).
Enroll today and learn practical Japanese Facial Massage techniques that you can incorporate into your professional facial massage, massage therapy or wellness practice.
This course is provided for educational purposes and does not replace medical diagnosis, treatment or professional medical advice. Practitioners should work within their professional scope of practice, obtain appropriate client consent, and follow applicable professional requirements and regulations.