We have all heard the cliche phrase ‘age gracefully’, but let’s face it; when the lines start coming and the skin starts sagging, graceful might not be the most poetic term. This is one of the reasons we spend over a billion dollars a year on products promising the fountain of youth. Every year, we hear new claims of hope in a jar targeted towards anti-aging. I have been in the beauty industry for over 20 years, and have seen my share of lotions and potions.
There have been very few ah-ha moments for me in this industry, but I must say learning facial reflexology has definitely been one. I recently met Erica Weiland, who is an educator for The International School of Multi Reflexology, and performed the service on me. Upon examining my face, she noticed I had a straight line above my right brow (you know those unattractive 11 lines you get as you age). She asked me if I carried a heavy bag on my shoulder on the same side. When I confirmed, she explained that the line was caused by my shoulder pulling downward. That sounded accurate, since I have been carrying heavy bags on that side for over 30 years. After this Erica became my best beauty friend, and I wanted to know more.
Here is our brief interview:
What made you want to learn and teach facial reflexology?
As a licensed reflexologist, learning the Dien Chan technique gave me immediate diagnostic results, that I could discuss with my clients.
What is Dien Chan?
'Dien Chan' is Vietnamese facial reflexology. In regards to this practice, by stimulating one part on the face, another part of the body is rebalanced. It’s something that both men and women can do themselves with different multireflex tools.
How did learning this technique change your perspective of the traditional aging process (lines, wrinkles, etc)?
For me, it basically shows what’s happening on the inside. I don’t look at traditional aging in the same light. It now becomes more about the health of a person overall and less about lines and wrinkles. I have seen 70-year-old women who look younger than their 50-year-old sisters. I have also seen some really aged younger people as well. It all breaks down to imbalances in the body, and how they are corrected.
What would you like to share with professional that make their living dealing with the face (makeup artist, estheticians, dermatologists etc)? How can we benefit from the techniques of Dien Chan?
That you can (and should) observe the face in a different way. Behind the skin, wrinkles, and moles what you are really seeing is imbalances within the body, simply reflected on the face. You can also correct these imbalances through several holistic approaches, such as nutrition, a licensed naturopath, and reflexology tools. We are trying to create a playbook (foundation) that everyone can use. Since each of the professions, you mentioned looks at the face differently. Just think how aging advice would change if we were all on the same page, from the same playbook.
Watch Erica perform a reflex ritual. For more information on Dien Chan and reflexology tools visit their site.
Wow! This information made me such a believer, that I have taken a 21 hour Dien Chan facial reflexology class. The next time a woman asks why her current eye cream is not diminishing the dark circles under her eyes, I will ask deeper questions about her kidneys and overall chi.
Until next time! Love & Lipstick.
The information provided in this article is not meant to diagnose or treat any condition in the body. Please always consult with your naturopath or healthcare specialist.
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