We all have those moments when we glance in the mirror and notice signs of aging, whether it’s a tired expression or the appearance of wrinkles. The eyes often betray our age before other features do, with the brows, upper lids, and outer corners being the first areas to show these changes. As our eyes begin to look more fatigued, we might feel that our overall appearance is growing older as well.
The desire to maintain a youthful appearance is common, and fortunately, there are techniques designed to help accomplish this goal. In this article, we will discuss a Japanese method that has demonstrated a potential for rejuvenating the eye area and achieving a more youthful appearance. By understanding the science behind anti-aging and incorporating these practices, we can work towards a more refreshed and vibrant look for years to come.
Chapter Overview
Why Do Your Eyes Look Old?
There are several factors contributing to our eyes appearing older than we’d like them to. Let’s discuss a few key reasons and their impact on the appearance of our eyes.
- Volume loss: As we age, we tend to lose volume under the eyes, leading to under-eye hollows. This uneven volume distribution causes certain areas of our face, like the cheeks, lips, nose, and forehead, to look more prominent. As a result, under-eye bags become more noticeable.
- Eyelid ptosis: This condition, commonly known as loose skin, occurs due to age and sun exposure. Loose and wrinkled skin above and below the eyes make them appear smaller and tired.
- Dark circles: Various factors, such as stress, lack of sleep, and dehydration, can cause dark circles under the eyes, which contribute to an aged appearance.
- Sagging neck: A sagging neck can draw attention to the aging of the eye area, making the overall appearance seem older.
To summarize, our eyes may look old due to volume loss, eyelid ptosis, dark circles, and related issues including sagging necks and stress. Unfortunately, makeup and camouflage creams often do not effectively address these aging signs, leaving us striving for other solutions to maintain a youthful appearance.
What Is This Japanese Technique?
Shiatsu, a Japanese technique, is a massage specifically designed for your skin. The name Shiatsu comes from two words meaning “pressure” and “finger,” which gives insight into how the technique works. Created by Tokujiro Namikoshi in the early 20th century, this massage technique is based on secrets of Tibetan medicine and was initially used to treat arthritis.
Today, Shiatsu is widely recognized in the field of cosmetology for addressing issues related to aging and tired skin. The founder of Shiatsu, Tokujiro Namikoshi, impressively lived until 95 years while maintaining youthful and vibrant skin.
The Shiatsu massage primarily focuses on specific spots on our face and body. By applying appropriate pressure to these spots, it helps improve blood and lymphatic fluid circulation. In addition, the massage aids in speeding up metabolism in the tissues, ultimately promoting the natural rejuvenation process of the body.
To perform Shiatsu, it is essential to understand basic anatomy and to massage the spots, not the zones. The good news is that you can practice Shiatsu on yourself! All you need to do is apply medium-intensity pressure, just enough to feel mild discomfort.
One example is massaging the area around your eyes, which has multiple benefits such as:
- Strengthening muscles
- Smoothing out wrinkles
- Increasing skin elasticity
- Normalizing oil production
So, with Shiatsu, we can achieve a healthier and more youthful appearance by focusing on specific spots to enhance circulation, metabolism, and revitalization processes.
Why Go Natural?
Incorporating natural methods and ingredients into our skincare routine can be beneficial, cost-effective, and easy to maintain. Here are some reasons to consider going natural:
- Skin health: Natural ingredients such as vitamin C, antioxidants, fruits, and vegetables promote skin elasticity, hydration, and collagen production.
- Effective protection: Sunscreens with sufficient SPF offer protection against harmful UV radiation. These can be often found in natural moisturizers as well.
- Affordable solutions: There is no need to spend a fortune on costly treatments like laser therapy or fillers. Natural alternatives are more budget-friendly.
- Holistic approach: By integrating omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fish, nuts, and seeds, we can support skin health from within.
- Safe and sustainable: Natural products are often gentler, eco-friendly, and do not contain harsh chemicals that may harm us or the environment.
In addition to following a well-balanced diet and getting enough sleep, we can maintain our skin’s health and appearance by embracing natural skincare solutions. This will help preserve our skin’s natural beauty without putting a strain on our wallets or the planet.
Top 5 Shiatsu Exercises
Raising Brows
To improve circulation and lift eyebrows, perform this exercise:
- Place your index, middle, and ring fingers on the inner, outer, and middle of your eyebrow, pressing gently
- Apply direct pressing movements to the brows, pushing slightly upward for 7 seconds
Get Rid Of Crow’s Feet
To reduce crow’s feet, follow these steps:
- Place your index fingers on the outer corner of your eye, warming up the zone, pressing for 3 seconds, and then releasing
- Gently pull the muscles toward the temples without taking your fingers off
- Ensure that the muscles are being pulled, not the skin
How To Get Rid Of The Swelling?
To alleviate swelling around the eyes, try this exercise:
- Place your index fingers on the inner corner of your eye, applying pressure without stretching or moving the skin
- Alternatively, create a fork with your middle and index fingers, pressing both the outer and inner corners of the eye simultaneously
- Apply pressure for 3 seconds, release, and repeat, performing 3 sets of 3 seconds each
Issues Under The Eyes
To rejuvenate the skin under your eyes, follow these steps:
- Place your index, middle, and ring fingers on the area under the eyes
- Press the targeted area for 10 seconds, release, and repeat
How To Remove Wrinkles?
To smooth wrinkles on the nose bridge, try this exercise:
- Tightly join your index, middle, and ring fingers together, pressing the three spots between the brows with your finger pads
- Repeat 2 times, holding pressure for 5 seconds in each repetition
Source: BrightSide