Upgrades for your Luxurious Salt Lake Facial

Looking for non-invasive facial sessions in Salt Lake City? Consider these 2 spa upgrades-facial reflexology and guasha massage!

Facial Reflexology is an incredibly relaxing face massage designed to stimulate points on the face that may assist other body areas or organs. It’s similar to foot reflexology but many customers find it more soothing than the foot type, maybe because we are working near the vagus nerve on the face. The vagus nerve is in control of our parasympathetic state (our resting and digesting mode) and is the opposite of “fight or flight” state. (that’s very simplified but you don’t need to know the complicated deets to benefit) It’s the type of relaxation where you can go into a meditative state that feels like floating in outer space, or you might fall asleep, either way your brain and spirit are getting deep healing rest.

Some styles of facial reflexology use the traditional Asian meridians of energy flow in the body, others have body maps that overlay the face to show what organs the points symbolize. I prefer the map approach because I learned foot reflexology that way in massage therapy school.

Guasha is an ancient Chinese healing technique that has been researched and adapted for modern times. Using a flat massage stone, we will gently scrape the skin, scooping up the tissues, following the contours of the face. We can also use friction movements to trigger collagen production and cell repair in areas of wrinkles, myofascial movements to release tight fascia and muscle, or lymphatic pumping movements to pull out fluid swelling. (it’s worth noting that guasha performed on the body muscles is more vigorous and may leave red marks that take days to disappear. I do not do that style on the face, you won't have pain or marks from my style)

Traditionally, guasha can be done with anything that can scrape...a spoon, coin, jar lid, or a carved piece of horn. Since crystal energy is part of my healing philosophy, I prefer to use gemstones carved into guasha tools, such as amethyst, rose quartz, agate and smoky quartz. They are gorgeous and have a smooth, glossy texture that feels amazing on the face! They can be used warm to relax the muscles or cold to reduce red, irritated skin after exfoliation. Clients are LOVING this combination of crystal healing and anti-aging facial massage!

Do these add time or cost to the facial appointment? Yes, the menu at Calm & Glowing Spa is designed to add time for upgrades so that they don't reduce another step of the treatment. Some spas offer upgrades that reduce the time spent on other steps or remove other steps completely and I just don't enjoy that. I'm always disappointed by that strategy when I get facials. Sometimes I design seasonal special facials that include 1 or 2 upgrades inside the total time and price, so watch for those too!

I perform these massages on clean, hydrated skin for best results, so if you're adding them to a body massage, please expect that we will do a facial cleanse, hot towel, hydrating toner and nutritious moisturizer with it. (and spf if it's daytime when you leave the spa) When added to a facial, those steps are already part of the treatment.

Who can receive these? If you’re able to receive facial massage, you can also receive face reflexology and guasha. Please don’t book them if you have face injury, dental infection or pain, contagious skin conditions or fresh injections.

Add one (or both!) of these relaxing new treatments to your next facial or massage appointment with Jen. So proud to offer the best relaxing, hydrating facial in Salt Lake City! (Millcreek, near Canyon Rim)