THE SUNDAY MAIL, body+soul - February 5, 2006 Page 13
The Mask
An ancient practice meets a new age beauty ritual,
with surprising results. By Nikki Yazxhi.
When I received a press release about a beauty mask said to be the latest anti-ageing tool, I was intrigued. The Acuphoria Beauty Mask, touted as a ‘hybrid lift at home’, is based on the age-old Chinese tradition of acupressure and is designed to enhance the skin’s repair process and unblock vital energy, restoring the flow.
It targets three facial acupressure points to give you a more youthful complexion and reduce lines while improving skin elasticity and texture. It’s an alternative to going under the knife and apparently the effects are cumulative and long term.
The press release says to lie down in a quiet spot, secure your mask and breathe deeply for 10 minutes a day. That could be a challenge!
Ancient aspects
“Acupressure stimulates key points on the body with firm, steady pressure,” says John Woodley, head of ATQOL, which developed the mask. It works to treat the symptoms in a specific area and also through the body’s meridian system (invisible channels linking acupressure points) to relieve systemic body dysfunction, she says.
“Unlike acupuncture, acupressure doesn’t require the piercing of the skin and isn’t painful.” That’s my cue - I’m going to give it a go.
My mask
There are two versions of the mask: one for use along with other treatments in a salon, and the other to use at home. Woodley sent me the home mask to try.
It’s made of a pink, flexible plastic and has three pink balls that attach to it to stimulate the three acupressure points.
Pressure on the first, below the eye socket, is said to help relieve acne and blemishes. On the second, at the base of the cheekbone, it helps eliminate sagging and improve tone. The third, between the eyes, is linked to the hormone-secreting pituitary gland, so stimulating it enhances overall skin condition.
Call me sceptical, but I couldn’t work out how wearing a mask could make a major change to your skin.
How it works
The acupressure stimulators work to relieve muscle tension, enabling the facial muscles to relax and elongate to their full length, says Woodley. “As they elongate, blood flow to the region increases, promoting circulation.”
“This also assists in the removal of any toxic substances and stimulates the body’s natural collagen in the facial region. Plus, increased circulation boosts the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the area, improving the health of the skin.
“The mask also relieves stress, which is the largest cause of wrinkles and facial ageing – stress depletes natural vitamins in the face,” Woodley says.
“The acupressure process also connects to the meridian system, creating an overall feeling of rejuvenation and heathiness.”
I found it hard to lie down for 10 minutes during the day so the evening was a better option for me. It was a great way to wind down after a busy day.
After a week I did notice some results; my face looked and felt more relaxed.
Stay tuned!
THE SUNDAY MAIL, body+soul
February 5, 2006 Page 13
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