Zone Face Lift isn’t just any ordinary facial; it’s a pilgrimage of inside-out transformation, it’s an odyssey for the soul that my clients cherish as an holistic oasis.

In the cocoon of this therapy, clients literally tell me they “melt into the couch”: their beings enveloped in bliss. It’s an experience that transcends the ordinary, working from within to radiate outward, a seamless fusion of facial reflexology, Gua Sha, crystal therapy, and revitalising essential oils.

Rediscovering Harmony: The Power of Zone Face Lift

Elixir of 15 Essential Oils: The specially formulated, organic Zone Face Lift Elixir is a sensuous concoction of nature’s treasures, which infuse the skin with antioxidants and shield it against time’s passage. It’s a potent blend to ward against premature aging, and represents a vibrant symphony of nutrients and gorgeous fragrances that awaken every fibre and cell of your being.

The Transformative and Unique Journey of Zone Face Lift

Awakening the Spirit: As the therapy commences, a sense of tranquility envelops. The facial reflexology unlocks energies, setting the stage for a harmonious balance between mind, body, and soul.

The Special Properties of the Zone Face Lift Tools

A Gateway to Radiance: Unveiling the Zone Face Lift Experience

An Invitation to Embrace the Spiritual Splendour of Zone Face Lift

Always bliss! – Michelle B

Bliss 😊 in addition to this, plenty of wise words regarding wellbeing. Thank you so much. 💓 – Ruth B

For me, this is the best facial treatment. I feel so much better afterwards – Catherine D

Amazing, 2 a month just isn’t enough. Thank you 🙂 – Lorna G

I received the zone face lift facial by Esther and can honestly say it has been the best one yet! – Kasey T

Other Related Articles:

Botox or Zone Face Lift?

Benefits of Gua-Sha in a Facial

The Wonders of Facial Reflexology

Zone Face Lift – a natural face lift to look up to 10 years younger

The Face and Spirit Lifting Elixir

Introduction

In our pursuit of health and wellbeing, we often overlook a powerful and transformative practice that not only enriches the mind, but also unlocks the beauty that resides within.

Meditation, a gateway to self-discovery and inner peace, holds the key to physical radiance that complements the benefits of holistic treatments. This article explores how incorporating meditation into your self-care routine can enhance the efficacy of massages, reflexology, and holistic facials, helping you unlock the true potential of your body and spirit.

The Art of Meditation: Discovering the Inner Harmony

Meditation is a profound shift from the hustle of everyday life to the serenity of simply “being.” Just as walking, dreaming, and deep sleep are natural states, meditation is an innate capability of the human mind. It involves separating oneself from the incessant chatter of thoughts and emotions, enabling us to be fully present in our emotional and physical surroundings. This practice brings clarity to the mind, liberates us from the past and future, and unveils the patterns within, allowing us to explore the depths of our being.

Research indicates that meditation strengthens awareness, attention, and concentration, imparting psychological and physical benefits. It opens the channels for energy flow within the body, releasing emotional tensions, knots, and tightness, bringing harmony to both mind and physique.

The Beauty of Stress Reduction: A Fountain of Youth Unveiled

One of the most significant gifts that meditation offers is stress reduction. Modern life’s constant stressors trigger the release of cortisol, a hormone that can lead to a host of health issues, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and digestive problems. Long-term exposure to stress may even compromise the immune system.

Scientific studies, such as one published in Psychology Research and Behaviour Management, have shown that meditation can effectively reduce stress and emotional responses, thereby enhancing the body’s response to complementary therapy treatments. By teaching the mind to disconnect from stress and embrace deep rest, meditation counteracts the body’s stress response, fostering a more robust immune system and improved overall health.

Revealing the Radiant Skin Within: Beauty Unveiled

As stress diminishes through the practice of meditation, its profound impact on the skin becomes evident. Skin issues like acne, eczema, and rosacea can be alleviated, giving way to a healthier and clearer complexion. Additionally, meditation’s ability to reduce stress aids in slowing down the skin-aging process by curbing inflammation, improving circulation, and promoting collagen production.

Another beauty-enhancing aspect of meditation is its influence on sleep quality. The deep, rejuvenating slumber achieved through mindful meditation facilitates body repair and cell regeneration, leading to a visibly refreshed and radiant appearance.

Beyond the Surface: Empowering Self-Image

While meditation can work wonders on the physical aspects of beauty, its true power lies in its capacity to address the root causes of poor self-image. By cultivating mindfulness and self-compassion, meditation helps individuals embrace their inherent worth and beauty, regardless of external standards.

Unlocking Your Radiant Beauty: Integrating Meditation with Holistic Treatments

Imagine elevating your holistic treatments to new heights by incorporating the transformative power of meditation? By taking advantage of an additional 15 minutes of guided meditation practice to complement your massage, reflexology, and holistic facial treatment, you can experience a deeper sense of relaxation and self-awareness.

In conclusion, as you embark on your journey of self-care and beauty, don’t overlook the holistic benefits of meditation. It is not merely a practice of the mind, but is a transformative journey that reveals your radiant inner beauty. Embrace meditation as an integral part of your wellness routine and you’ll not only experience improved physical appearance, but also a newfound sense of harmony and serenity within.

Why not add the Meditation Enhance service to your treatment today? Book via Fresha today.

Gua Sha has recently become a cult beauty trend. Model Kendall Jenner and actresses Emilia Clarke and Gwyneth Paltrow have incorporated Gua Sha as part of their skincare regime. We’ve also seen seen a plethora of YouTubers and Instagrammers championing the Gua Sha revolution.

But Gua Sha has in fact existed as an ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice for many thousands of years. It dates back to the Warring States dynasty period (475-221 BCE). In the Ming Dynasty between 1368 and 1644, the procedure was scientifically computed into major medical records.

Gua Sha can be used for both face and body (latter has been around longer). The facial version was first mentioned in the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE) and popularised by 1990s practitioners Zhang Ziuqin in China and Shimada Sumiko in Japan. Facial Gua Sha is a much softer, gentler technique. The body version on the other hand can be more vigorous and leave bruises, similar to cupping – check out an earlier article on facial cupping.

Pronounced Gwa Sha, Gua stands for “scrape” and “Sha” translates as redness of the skin. It’s all about rubbing tools in a particular way over the skin to introduce friction and create beneficial results.

The Benefits of Gua Sha

Gua Sha provides a host of benefits, not least of which the following:

• Breaks up energy stagnation in the sub-dermal fascia and promotes healing.
• Releases tension and tightness in the facial muscles and improves muscle recovery.
• Improves skin elasticity and promotes collagen production.
• Enhances skin radiance through stimulating blood flow to the epidermis.
• Reduces puffiness, inflammation and toxins in the skin by dispelling excess lymph fluid and aiding lymphatic flow.
• Can ease out wrinkles.
• Creates more sculpted features.
• Relieves sinus pressure.
• Helps with bruxism (teeth grinding).
• Can relieve headaches, migraines and neck pain.
• Balances the yin and yang energy in the face (those with too much heat/redness in the face have too much yang energy and those with too much yin have a pale or dull skin).
• Sweeps away negative energy.
• Releases pent-up emotions held in the facial tissues.
• Can be very soothing and therapeutic and put you in a meditative state of relaxation. Why not keep a Gua Sha tool near you whilst working at the computer and use this as an excuse to take a breather and relax your face and body? (Remember to apply a massage medium first though – see below).
• As part of an holistic facial treatment it can reduce anxiety, fatigue, stress and insomnia. That’s why the Zone Face Lift treatment I offer my clients (which includes Gua Sha therapy) is very uplifting, not just for the face and body, but for the mind and spirit too.

Contraindications

Gua Sha is not recommended for those suffering from severe acne or rosacea. It’s also contraindicated for sunburn, open wounds on the face, and extremely sensitive skin or areas where there are broken capillaries.

Which Gua Sha Tool to Use?

Traditionally Gua Sha was done with ceramic spoons and blunt coins. Today, Gua Sha tools are flat-shaped stones with a variety of contours or edges, sizes and materials.

The most popular and most widely sold materials are jade green or rose quartz. Although you can use others, such as white jade, green aventurine, amethyst, blue sodalite, bian (obsidian) stone and even stainless steel. Pretty much all have anti-inflammatory properties.

Green or feng jade is noted for its Qi / energy balancing properties, aiding the clearance of negative energy and reducing inflammation. So this stone is good for calming and soothing you.

Rose quartz on the other hand helps to dispel stagnation and awaken the skin. It’s deemed effective for spiritual healing and acne-prone skin.

Here’s a brief note for the other types of stones:

• White jade or Nephrite jade – reduces and prevents fluid retention and puffiness.
• Amethyst – loosens tense muscles, prevents wrinkles, and is anti-inflammatory.
• Green aventurine – eliminates wrinkles, especially frown lines, increases skin turnover.
• Blue sodalite – promotes grounding (elecrically reconnecting to earth) and is harmonising and soothing on an overactive nervous system.
• Bian stone – helps stress management and tension relief. It’s a heavier stone suited for deeper tissue work. Apparently this was the original Gua Sha stone.
• Medical grade stainless steel – prevents bacteria build-up as it’s non-porous, suited as a more eco-friendly, durable option.

However, in my opinion, the type of stone itself is less important than the technique and how often you use the stone.

How to Use the Gua Sha Tool

A Gua Sha tool has both convex and concave edges as well as a V-contour.

I use the convex side to scoop and sweep the contours and muscles in the face. Any scooping or sweeping techniques should always end up on the outside of the face, not moving inwards to the nose or centre of chin or forehead area.

Ziggie Bergman has taught me that you can do a zigzag technique: to go out from the centre-line of the chin or jowl, back in towards the mouth and nose area and then back out towards the temple, scooping up and underneath the zygomatic or cheek bone. With this technique you have to swivel the edge of the tool to maintain the correct angle (see below).

I use the concave side in 2 ways.

One for short, brushing backwards and forwards strokes across narrow areas, such as in the crow’s feet area of the eye and across the frown line (between the inner portions of the eyebrows).

The other as a lymph drainage technique, to stroke down the side of the face from both in front and behind the ear down to the collar bone (but never upwards, only downwards and slightly outwards).

The V-section of the tool is sometimes used to pull from beneath the chin up and along the jawline as well as scooping up under the cheek bone. However, this can cause a little too much friction on the skin and bone, making it uncomfortable. So do this with some caution, if at all.

It’s recommended to repeat the strokes multiple times for each area, either in succession, or perform a sequential routine across multiple areas and repeat the routine several times. The number of times will vary with each individual and their level of sensitivity to friction in the epidermis layer.

The angle at which you hold the edge of the tool to your face should be about 30 to 45 degrees. The pressure should be relatively firm on the fleshy or muscle areas, but lighter across bone areas. Always avoid excess pressure to avoid bruising or breaking capillaries.

It’s always good to put the Gua Sha in a cool place before using (even in a fridge) as this is very soothing on the face, cools down any overheating and reduces redness, puffiness and toxins. It will also help ease any tension headaches and migraines, especially by placing the stone flat onto the forehead

Always apply beforehand a cleanser, moisturiser or facial oil – anything that provides a bit of “slip”, thus preventing excess resistance and friction on the face. I use Ziggie Bergman’s facial reflexology oil or the Zone Face Lift Elixir for my clients. You can purchase these from me as a distributor for her beautiful products.

How often should you practise Gua Sha?

Like any skincare regime, consistency and regularity are key. It’s great to do this daily, am and pm, as you get up and before you go to bed. But if you can’t be that regular, incorporate it into your work breaks or as a wind-down to your working day whenever you feel inclined. Regular Gua Sha can make a significant difference to your complexion, your facial structure and your health, especially if practised daily over a 2-week period. Enjoy!

But best of all is a treatment done by an accomplished facialist, specialised in holistic facials, such as Zone Face Lift. Book your next/first session now to experience the delights of ZFL and Gua Sha.

A growing number of both men and women submit to the Botox needle in a bid to turn back the hands of time: to erase the worry creases above their forehead, to remove the picket lines between their brows or the crow’s feet from around their eyes.

According to an article in the Guardian newspaper (September 2021), approximately 900,000 facial injections of Botox are carried out every year in the UK.

But if you’re one of them, you may want to know a little bit more about what Botox is and does and how there may be a more pleasant and natural way to slow down and even reverse ageing.

What is Botox?

Botox is actually a brand name of a toxin made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are other brands called Dysport and Xeomin, but Botox is mostly used (just like Hoover for a vacuum cleaner), because it was the first injectible botulinum toxin.

So yes, it is a toxin or poison, and in a large enough quantity is extremely hazardous. Some scientists have estimated that 1 gramme of trusted source of a crystalline form of the toxin could kill 1 million people and that a couple of kilogrammes could kill every human on the planet. However, when Botox is applied correctly in a therapeutic context, the dilution is so great that it is safe and has a few side effects only.

It’s interesting to observe that Botox has both cosmetic and medical uses. The cosmetic are well known and the medical applications can be to treat eye spasms or eyes that point in different directions, excessive underarm sweating, an overactive bladder and chronic migraine.

Botox is a neurotoxin so it targets the nervous system. It disrupts the signals of the nerves by inhibiting the release of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine. This chemical stimulates the muscles to contract or shorten. So Botox in effect causes temporary muscle paralysis by preventing this process of contraction. It’s these contractions that lead to wrinkles. So paralysis of the muscles in the face stop the wrinkling effect, but it can also lead to the feeling that you are not totally in control of your facial expressions. You won’t as easily be able to indicate when you’re displeased (by frowning) or when you’re surprised (by arching your eyebrows).

Some Interesting Facts About Botox

It may surprise or shock you to learn the following:

• Botox is more preventative than restorative. It’s not really the face iron that people expect. It simply freezes the muscles to prevent you from using them in a way that can cause premature ageing. This is a reason why Botox is on the uptake for a growing number of younger people, even as early as their 20s.
• Botox effects are temporary, lasting on average between 3 and 4 months with a shorter cycle for those that exercise more or tend to be expressive.
• Botox injections can be more painful than you expect and certainly more than the equivalent of a mosquito bite. You may expect to feel pain up to 30 minutes afterwards. An ice pack is likely to be applied. Be prepared for the weird sound of the contents being syringed into your face (someone likened it to boots crunching on snow or the crack of bending a glow stick).
• Botox will prevent you from doing certain activities immediately afterwards, such as exercise, lying down or taking blood thinning tablets (ibuprofen or aspirin) within the first 6 hours. All these could increase the risk of bruising to the face at the injection points. The idea is to keep your head level and not bend forward for at least 2 hours.
• Botox is affordable and not just for celebrities – it costs anywhere between £199-£399 in the UK, depending on how many areas on the face you wish to treat and where you get treated.
• About 1 in 6 people who have Botox injected into their face suffer complications such as bruising, headache, nausea and “frozen” features. A study into the anti-ageing treatment has found that of 188 Botox recipients 28% had flu-like symptoms or a chill, while 27% had a headache or migraine. Additionally, one in five reports mentioned skin reactions such as bruising, or muscle stiffness, weakness or pain, or dysesthesia, which is a tingling or burning sensation. More seriously, 1 in 8 detailed cardiovascular symptoms ranging from high blood pressure to an abnormally fast heart rate and heart attacks. Check out this Guardian newspaper article.
• A recent study by Cardiff University actually discovered that Botox could prevent women from orgasm because it stops them from being able to communicate their enjoyment of sex. This is a prediction similar to why not smiling can actually make it difficult to feel happy. According to Dr Michael Lewis, the research lead:

  ‘They [facial expressions] are an integral part of the feeling of pleasure and are important in the process of achieving orgasm. This demonstrates an important role for facial feedback within sexual intercourse and it is potentially a significant negative impact from BTX treatment.’

  Check out the surprising article here.

Whatever your view is of Botox, there’s always a bit of controversy.

As far as my opinion is concerned as a therapist, a key issue is around the inhibition of facial expression. The social impact of not being able to communicate effectively has the potential to curb our own sense of self-expression and identity as well as impair the relationships we have with others.

What is Zone Face Lift?

Zone Face Lift was created by Ziggie Bergman, a London-based reflexologist who’s treated A-list celebrities and royalty alike. I trained under her at the London School of Reflexology in 2018/2019.

Zone Face Lift is a non-invasive, truly holistic facial that incorporates the healing, rebalancing and soothing benefits of reflexology and the uplifting, revitalising movements of a stimulating facial massage. A special combination of invigorating finger/hand techniques and various tools, such as Gua Sha, dermaroller and crystals are employed to stimulate blood flow, lymph drainage and the release of elastin and collagen to restore skin elasticity and muscle tone. A special organic oil blend – Zone Face Lift Elixir – of 15 plant-based healing and conditioning essential oils combine to enhance the treatment further and provide extreme nourishment for the skin on every level. Also, the Elixir smells and feels divine.

Zone Face Lift at MindBody Oasis can be enjoyed as a one-off treatment or for best results it can be booked as a 12-week intensive course to reverse the signs of ageing, comparable to the effects of Botox, but without the associated risks or the pain/discomfort. At MindBody Oasis the 12-week course also includes the bonus of Chinese facial cupping and a free Gua Sha tool with customised demo to help you target any problem areas and continue to look after your skin’s health in between treatments and once the course is completed.

Zone Face Lift is unique because it not only works on the outside in, but also on the inside out. That’s why Ziggie nicknamed it a spirit and face lift. It produces a most calming effect on the psyche and spirit so that you leave the therapy centre more at peace with yourself and feeling more resilient and in control of your life. It is indeed a journey to access a more vibrant and authentic version of yourself (check out the Planet Mindful article).

After sinking into a blissful and drifting sense of deepest relaxation with facial reflexology, you transition to the massage and the lighter energy of feeling uplifted, recharged and revitalised, ready to take on the world with a different, life-reinforcing perspective. The combined effect is truly transformational.

If you haven’t yet tried Zone Face Lift, then why not give it a shot with our taster session? If you’re already a loyal fan, why not consider the 12-week course and give yourself not just a face lift but a spirit lift. If interested in the latter, simply drop me (Esther) an email at contact@mindbodyoasis.co.uk. Please do check out the testimonials below.

What Our Clients Say

Recently had a zone lift facial with Esther…..highly recommend treatment to lift skin and to combat ageing, it was also super relaxing. I found it so much more effective after 1 treatment than a course of CACI! 🙂

Alicia W

I recently had a zone facial with Esther which included the new ‘cupping’ technique. First of all the facial itself is so calming, I felt like I went on a lovely journey where I was able to leave all my daily worries for a while.
Then the cupping was like cushioned kisses kind of dragging across your face. I’m probably not describing it very well but it’s much better than how I’m making it sound! It’s definitely worth a try.
Overall the treatment is worth it as I felt lovely and relaxed when I left and my skin felt smooth and appeared more radiant somehow.
I’ll be back for more!

Michelle B

Relaxing and invigorating. Can see a difference immediately. Quartz stones were lovely. Thank you!

Deb A

All thoughts of Coronavirus disappeared when Esther gets to work with her magic hands. Another relaxing session.

Chris G

Such a talented therapist Esther is among the best. I’ve enjoyed her massage skills and her reflexology treatments are excellent. I’m pleased to be experiencing the recently introduced Zone Facelift and after just one treatment I can see the difference. Looking forward to completing my package and seeing the results. I can highly recommend Mindbody Oasis.

Cheranne K

Here are some tips that you may choose to ignore at your peril. Because ignoring these could mean skin that is more prone to clogging, spots, sallowness and ageing.

Sugar

Previously all the talk about ageing was connected to free radicals and which foods to consume, i.e. those rich in anti-oxidants, to avoid the assault of free radicals on our body. Now the latest bogeyman is AGE – Advanced Glycation End-Product. AGEs are produced in the body when sugar binds with certain proteins or fats. AGEs are key players in skin ageing. So it is important to avoid the glycation process. Even if you think you are following a healthy diet, be aware that excessive fruit consumption can not only be a contributor to Type 2 diabetes, but can also lead to poor skin health and skin ageing.

Exercise

Yes, exercise is good for the skin, but it is important to shower immediately afterwards to reduce the sweat that could clog the pores. Be mindful, however, that water dehydrates the skin, so it is critical to apply hydration (e.g. hyaluronic facial spritz) and moisturisation products immediately following a shower. After exercise and showering, the blood vessels are more dilated and the skin pores more open. Now is the time to apply good skin care products as they are more easily absorbed and can perform more effectively.

Exfoliation

I’ve often been astounded by how infrequently clients exfoliate. Most people think once or twice a month is sufficient and then wonder why, even with maturing skin, their skin becomes prone to blackheads (comodones) and whiteheads (milia). Relying solely on the skin’s own natural exfoliation process (desquamation) is not going to cut it, even in the winter when the shedding of skin does slow down. Exfoliation is as important to mature skin as it is to younger skin.

It is recommended that exfoliation is performed at least once a week (colder months), if not twice. Upon exfoliating we facilitate the removal of the build-up of dead skin cells and help the skin to breathe better. The skin is also prepped to better absorb skin care products that work on building the proteins in our skin to create more definition (muscle) and lift. Try exfoliating products that contain gentle manual exfoliants, such as sugar, oatmeal or small-sized synthetic beads.

Sunscreen

You’ve probably heard this one before, but do keep wearing sunscreen products on the face throughout autumn. UVA and UVB rays exist all year long—even on cloudy and rainy days. For autumn skincare, choose a sunscreen that contains hydrators (such as glycerin, squalane, Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid) and has a SPF 30 or higher.

Dehydration

The problem with autumn and winter is that our skin can become quickly dehydrated. This is because of the wind factor, environmental pollutants and the fact that we live in centrally heated homes. Poor diet, smoking and intake of certain medications can also cause dehydration. Dehydration is not the same as dry skin – it isn’t a skin type, it’s a condition of the skin. So we can have oily skin that is dehydrated. You know when you have dehydrated skin is when the skin looks patchy and flaky and the skin feels tight (even under an oily film). Fine lines start to appear.

Our Special Offer in October

This month, you can take advantage of 20% off an ageLOC facial. Why the ageLOC facial?

1. It features an award-winning gentle exfoliation and cleansing LumiSpa routine.
2. It incorporates a choice of 1 of 3 masks: 1) a marine mud-mask with over 50 beneficial sea minerals to deep-cleanse, refine and close pores; 2) a bentonite clay mask to detox and create a silky, smooth skin; or 3) hydration mask to replenish lost moisture and plump up the skin.
3. It includes a Galvanic spa facial routine utilising ageLOC gene-based anti-ageing gels – this miracle, award-winning system achieves multiple results: removes debris/dirt at a deep level from the skin, amplifies moisture in the skin, adds muscle-building proteins to lift and smooth out lines in the skin.
4. Features a clinically proven product to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around critical areas: mouth, nose, eyes and forehead.
5. Last not least a beautifully relaxing and spiritually reviving face massage. The massage alone will tone and lift the skin.

Use FACIAL20 as a coupon code when you book the 60-minute version of this facial.