Tanaka Facial Massage (bone, muscle & lymph drainage)
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free skin care · Sat Jan 09, 2010 10:09 pm

That is a good question evrluv. I still do the pinching, tapping type massage - in bed before I get up in the morning. I do Tanaka later in the day and after facial exercise. It's a relaxing end of the day thing.

Maybe others will let us know what they do - that would be good to know.

And Yes! Sean - please let us know more about your massage - maybe a youtube link with a demo. Wink

that would be nice. pretty please! You have avid, eager massagers here, ready to learn.

free skin care · Sun Jan 10, 2010 4:44 am

Not just lypmhatic massage, but a combination of all the other forms of massage that I have trained in.

Yes with lymphatic massages there are many schools of thought out there. On two of the courses I went on with lymphatic massage, they both taught its sequence differently and pressure points, and strokes etc in different directions and so on and so watched how my own face responded and went by those results incorporating various elements of both of them. The face is not just lymphatic glands, so I have incorporated various elements into my own facial massage, but just because what I do works for me, doesn't mean it will work for everyone (as with Tanaka).

With the Tanaka, although its a great presentation of a mini lymphatic massage (and I understand Critic believes it incorporates other elements too and this might be the case for some people), I feel it misses out some essential lymphatic points and stimulation techniques. Just for example: the back of the ears and the ears themselves are highly lymphatic, and so in my own massage I include them. I incorporate movements and strokes for the back of my neck with varying degrees of pressure.

Just to be clear, its not that I'm thinking Tanaka is bad - its a great thing to start with and use, but there are many lymphatic points it doesn't touch or deal with and having studied lymphatic massage, I would like my own one that I do daily to be more comphrensive. Another thing is that I believe massage should include muscle stimulation techniques (and so always do the FlexEffect massage in my routine). I also massage the connective tissue and scalp.

If Tanaka included all the lymphatic points, then I would include that in my routine, but as I already have a system thats much more comprehensive for my face - I don't see that its beneficial in changing it. Does that answer your question?

llina wrote:

you do your own synergist form of lymphatic massage(s), you're a keen enthusiast of lymphatic massages and or massages in general, you have analysed and tried to dicepher the lymphatic massages including the tanaka, you understand that lymphatic massages including the tanaka have benefits, but you don't do the tanaka massage?
i don't get it.

What works for me isn't guaranteed to work for everyone, plus they are a combo of all the things I have studied, and so I don't feel its appropriate for me to claim the credit for what I do daily, although its been based on my experiences with my studies of massage. Besides, I know that when learning the different forms, its always be best learned when I have had a physical face to face lesson with teachers. I have seen various videos in the past, but I think its so difficult to learn from them and I think could if misunderstood or the complexity not seen of the techniques lead to more harm or healing crises (because of the clearing techniques). So I'm not doing a video to share, as I think it would not be a good teaching device at all. Besides the Tanaka works for the majority of people, so there's no need for me to do so.

ATester wrote:

Any chance of sharing those massages to get the best of all worlds? Rolling Eyes

My results after just two weeks are very pleasing. I do facial exercises and finish with the Tanaka massage in the evening, also do only the Tanaka in the morning. Just takes me three minutes morning and evening. My forehead is slightly smoother now and my lower face slender looking, more like it was about five years ago, not quite there yet of course, it's too soon, but hopeful! Hoping to achieve the look of ten years ago! Very Happy

Thank you very much Critic for sharing this massage technique!

I've learned quite a few but to do on other people, nothing like a self-massage so simple and effective!

Sun Jan 10, 2010 8:40 am

evrluv wrote:

OK, I have a question I hope someone can answer. I've been doing Ageless for almost a year now followed by the pinching pulling massage in Loulou's book, three to four days a week. I started doing the Tanaka massage a week ago, and love it, but I do it only on the days I don't do my Ageless routine. Should I do the Tanaka everyday? including the days I do Ageless ex's and massage? Or would that be too much for my skin. Would love some feedback on this. Thanks.

I also do Ageless 4 times a week and have just started doing Tanaka. I'd stick to doing the Tanaka after each Ageless routine only.Like resistance training for the rest of the body, you need rest between work-outs IMO.

Sun Jan 10, 2010 9:54 am

skinner2 wrote:

evrluv wrote:

OK, I have a question I hope someone can answer. I've been doing Ageless for almost a year now followed by the pinching pulling massage in Loulou's book, three to four days a week. I started doing the Tanaka massage a week ago, and love it, but I do it only on the days I don't do my Ageless routine. Should I do the Tanaka everyday? including the days I do Ageless ex's and massage? Or would that be too much for my skin. Would love some feedback on this. Thanks.

I also do Ageless 4 times a week and have just started doing Tanaka. I'd stick to doing the Tanaka after each Ageless routine only.Like resistance training for the rest of the body, you need rest between work-outs IMO.

Thanks skinner. You're right about resistance training and the benefits of resting between workouts. So, are you saying you completely rest your face doing no massage or anything for three days a week? Does everyone agree that's the best approach?

Sun Jan 10, 2010 10:27 am

evrluv wrote:

skinner2 wrote:

evrluv wrote:

OK, I have a question I hope someone can answer. I've been doing Ageless for almost a year now followed by the pinching pulling massage in Loulou's book, three to four days a week. I started doing the Tanaka massage a week ago, and love it, but I do it only on the days I don't do my Ageless routine. Should I do the Tanaka everyday? including the days I do Ageless ex's and massage? Or would that be too much for my skin. Would love some feedback on this. Thanks.

I also do Ageless 4 times a week and have just started doing Tanaka. I'd stick to doing the Tanaka after each Ageless routine only.Like resistance training for the rest of the body, you need rest between work-outs IMO.

Thanks skinner. You're right about resistance training and the benefits of resting between workouts. So, are you saying you completely rest your face doing no massage or anything for three days a week? Does everyone agree that's the best approach?

Yes that's what I do.
I often read of people doing facial exercises 6-7 days a week. That is a surefire method of overtraining if you were lifting weights that many days a week. Why do so many here believe you need to do it almost daily? I'm curious as to why.

free skin care · Sun Jan 10, 2010 12:51 pm

SeanySeanUK wrote:

Not just lypmhatic massage, but a combination of all the other forms of massage that I have trained in.

Yes with lymphatic massages there are many schools of thought out there. On two of the courses I went on with lymphatic massage, they both taught its sequence differently and pressure points, and strokes etc in different directions and so on and so watched how my own face responded and went by those results incorporating various elements of both of them. The face is not just lymphatic glands, so I have incorporated various elements into my own facial massage, but just because what I do works for me, doesn't mean it will work for everyone (as with Tanaka).

With the Tanaka, although its a great presentation of a mini lymphatic massage (and I understand Critic believes it incorporates other elements too and this might be the case for some people), I feel it misses out some essential lymphatic points and stimulation techniques. Just for example: the back of the ears and the ears themselves are highly lymphatic, and so in my own massage I include them. I incorporate movements and strokes for the back of my neck with varying degrees of pressure.

Just to be clear, its not that I'm thinking Tanaka is bad - its a great thing to start with and use, but there are many lymphatic points it doesn't touch or deal with and having studied lymphatic massage, I would like my own one that I do daily to be more comphrensive. Another thing is that I believe massage should include muscle stimulation techniques (and so always do the FlexEffect massage in my routine). I also massage the connective tissue and scalp.

If Tanaka included all the lymphatic points, then I would include that in my routine, but as I already have a system thats much more comprehensive for my face - I don't see that its beneficial in changing it. Does that answer your question?

llina wrote:

you do your own synergist form of lymphatic massage(s), you're a keen enthusiast of lymphatic massages and or massages in general, you have analysed and tried to dicepher the lymphatic massages including the tanaka, you understand that lymphatic massages including the tanaka have benefits, but you don't do the tanaka massage?
i don't get it.

What works for me isn't guaranteed to work for everyone, plus they are a combo of all the things I have studied, and so I don't feel its appropriate for me to claim the credit for what I do daily, although its been based on my experiences with my studies of massage. Besides, I know that when learning the different forms, its always be best learned when I have had a physical face to face lesson with teachers. I have seen various videos in the past, but I think its so difficult to learn from them and I think could if misunderstood or the complexity not seen of the techniques lead to more harm or healing crises (because of the clearing techniques). So I'm not doing a video to share, as I think it would not be a good teaching device at all. Besides the Tanaka works for the majority of people, so there's no need for me to do so.

ATester wrote:

Any chance of sharing those massages to get the best of all worlds? Rolling Eyes

My results after just two weeks are very pleasing. I do facial exercises and finish with the Tanaka massage in the evening, also do only the Tanaka in the morning. Just takes me three minutes morning and evening. My forehead is slightly smoother now and my lower face slender looking, more like it was about five years ago, not quite there yet of course, it's too soon, but hopeful! Hoping to achieve the look of ten years ago! Very Happy

Thank you very much Critic for sharing this massage technique!

I've learned quite a few but to do on other people, nothing like a self-massage so simple and effective!

you should start another thread for you lymphatic massages. that would be great!
i'm sure the others would very interested in more lymphatic massages.
especially your lymphatic massages. you seem quite informed about all of this.
i'm intrigued!

will you post it on DIY of EDS? let us all know.
or will we have to pay to learn your massages?

are your massages similar to the lymphatic massages on you tube? there are many that are done by registered massage therapists and other such experts.
well, regardless, let us all know.

i think we should have more massage threads, here on EDS. what do u say seany?

free skin care · Sun Jan 10, 2010 1:29 pm

SeanySeanUK wrote:

.... With the Tanaka, although its a great presentation of a mini lymphatic massage (and I understand Critic believes it incorporates other elements too and this might be the case for some people), I feel it misses out some essential lymphatic points and stimulation techniques. Just for example: the back of the ears and the ears themselves are highly lymphatic, and so in my own massage I include them. I incorporate movements and strokes for the back of my neck with varying degrees of pressure.

Just to be clear, its not that I'm thinking Tanaka is bad - its a great thing to start with and use, but there are many lymphatic points it doesn't touch or deal with and having studied lymphatic massage, I would like my own one that I do daily to be more comphrensive. Another thing is that I believe massage should include muscle stimulation techniques (and so always do the FlexEffect massage in my routine). I also massage the connective tissue and scalp....

I also wondered how come the points behind the ears were missing. There are different lymphatic massages. One simple that many on EDS have done in the past is with cupping. Manual cupping set came with a simple, but nice massage diagram that essentially provided lymphatic massage movements done with cupping technique, but points behind ears were also missing.... When looking at the lymph nodes diagrams it is very apparent that we have quite a few nodes behind the ears. The lymph node diagrams are quite helpful in identifying the nodes and the pass ways for lymphatic massages. In the same way as facial muscle diagrams are helpful for facial exercises.

free skin care · Sun Jan 10, 2010 2:07 pm

llina - I don't do just lymphatic, and to start threads on just lymphatic massages misses out so much as there are other things that I find work best for me and my clients. Plus there are many different schools of though out there. I also dont believe you can teach it through words alone, and so it would be too big a project for me to attempt at this moment in time. With lymphatic massage, if people are really interested they should research it for themselves. As you say there are many on youtube.

MP I agree with you re the points. It was a shock to me to see it wasn't included on Tanaka, but I suppose there is reason for everything. Even though with lymphatic diagrams, there are always arguments over them and the placement of lymph nodes on training diagrams, because a great deal of lymphatic massage has to do with facial shape, and so when they teach it, they use oval shaped faces, but it doesn't help someone with a square jawline, or a heart shaped face for example. Its also one of the reasons I'm weary of writing up the massages I do, as its so open to misintrepretation. Not that it would be done purposely, but I would hate for someone to go into a healing crisis simply because they misunderstood my words!

free skin care · Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:17 pm

Hi Sean,

does that mean the lymph nodes could be in slightly different places depending on your face shape ?

thanks

Jackie xx

free skin care · Sun Jan 10, 2010 8:58 pm

I vote that seanysean start his own thread!

look at everything we're missing!

free skin care · Sun Jan 10, 2010 9:33 pm

Toby wrote:

I have never been a fan of the regular rebounder(although I liked the idea) but I love the aeropilates that has a rebounder on the end of it that you do in a laying down postion. It if fabulous for the thighs , waist, and will reduce cellulite for sure. I would think with rebounding while in a prone position there wouldn't be the issue with the bladder. Also a Chi machine is great for lymph drainage. Here are links for both
http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.CM_SCID.coll.item.F0411.desc.AeroPilates-Deluxe-Anniversary-Performer-with-Rebounder
chi machine http://www.energywellnessproducts.com/chimachine.htm

Toby, do you own a aeropilates machine at home? It is very new here and I don't think any gym has it, but I found companies selling it (you know everything is made in China), it's aut USD200-300.

I did not know that foot machine is called "Qi machine" ! It was once popular here and every family had one (my mom got one for 15+ years), we have no idea what it is used for, and its benefits. I thought it is just to improve the blood circulation.

free skin care · Sun Jan 10, 2010 9:40 pm

llina wrote:

I vote that seanysean start his own thread!

look at everything we're missing!

I just got another 'lot' of beauty books yesterday, it is a collection of 3 books which are written by doctors, they covered everything you want to know on anti-aging, massages, facial exercises and bone massage, use different techniques to fix your face and body. They are so informative for USD2 each book. Color printed with lots of step-by-step photos, I wish you can read Chinese! I will give a try on the facial exercises and pelvis exercises.

Sun Jan 10, 2010 10:41 pm

Would appreciate if someone could confirm if the following is correct:

That the two exercises below are the only two exercises that do not end with the movement of the fingers from ear to collarbone:
1) Exercise #3 for the mouth and
2) Exercise #9 that reduces double chin which ends in thumb behind ear.

Tks

free skin care · Sun Jan 10, 2010 10:53 pm

JJ12345 wrote:

Would appreciate if someone could confirm if the following is correct:

That the two exercises below are the only two exercises that do not end with the movement of the fingers from ear to collarbone:
1) Exercise #3 for the mouth and
2) Exercise #9 that reduces double chin which ends in thumb behind ear.

Tks

Hi, I end all steps by moving from ear to collarbone.

Sun Jan 10, 2010 11:00 pm

critic wrote:

JJ12345 wrote:

Would appreciate if someone could confirm if the following is correct:

That the two exercises below are the only two exercises that do not end with the movement of the fingers from ear to collarbone:
1) Exercise #3 for the mouth and
2) Exercise #9 that reduces double chin which ends in thumb behind ear.

Tks

Hi, I end all steps by moving from ear to collarbone.

Hi Critic
Thanks for your reply. Does that mean that for:

(1) Exercise 3 - after we move from chin to mouth to below nostrils, we move our fingers from below nostrils across cheeks and to ear and then down to collarbone?

(2) Exercise 9 - after we insert our thumb behind the ear, we move from behind ear to collarbone? Do we also have other fingers flowing from ear to collarbones at the same time?

Thanks!

free skin care · Mon Jan 11, 2010 4:22 am

Their positioning would change as the face shape changed, so for example, the ones along the under eye area are pretty much the same for everybody, but the ones on the neck, jawline, and behind the ears can differ depending on the face shape of the person concerned.

Think about jawline shape, round jaw, square jaw, pointy jaw, or a combo of all of them and your see what I mean.

Jackie284 wrote:

Hi Sean,

does that mean the lymph nodes could be in slightly different places depending on your face shape ?

thanks

Jackie xx

I wouldn't have time to write up all that stuff, as my schedule is pretty manic, and I don't believe that people would benefit from written instructions alone (as when I learned it, it was in a class room with a teacher demonstrating, and sadly no book can replace that, nor would I want it to).

llina wrote:

I vote that seanysean start his own thread!

look at everything we're missing!

free skin care · Mon Jan 11, 2010 5:01 am

critic wrote:

I just got another 'lot' of beauty books yesterday, it is a collection of 3 books which are written by doctors, they covered everything you want to know on anti-aging, massages, facial exercises and bone massage, use different techniques to fix your face and body. They are so informative for USD2 each book. Color printed with lots of step-by-step photos, I wish you can read Chinese! I will give a try on the facial exercises and pelvis exercises.

g'morning critic!!!

good to see you. where have you been?

you're so lucky to get inexpensive books. here in canada, everything is expensive. there are few publishers, they make poor quality books into something fancy, and sell them for a huge profit. even at a second-hand ie 'used' bookstore you cannot get it at &2.

also i think china has many more resources, they are so much faster than the rest. here, things are slower... and everyone wants you to pay them for information. pple here don't want to share information, they just think of themselves and how they can make money from you.

that is why i think what you're doing on this thread is amazing!!! you take your own time out from your busy family& work life, and you share what you have learned, and then take more energy and time to help others by explaining and re-explaining how to do these massages. you're undeniably a generous and kind person!

5 out of 5!!!
hooray! for critic!

i wish i could read chinese too. i heard it is difficult and complex... a very sophisticated language.
i wish i could help you with something for everything you have done for me, and others here. you're the best!

free skin care · Mon Jan 11, 2010 5:08 am

when you have time, let let us know what you're doing.
and keep us updated to the things you're trying.
please don't rush for us, i know you have a family and children, and work, and are VERY busy. whenever you have time. i'm just grateful that i can learn healthy alternatives from you!!!

5 out of 5!!!

free skin care · Mon Jan 11, 2010 6:00 am

Sorry just to be clear on this, your not referring to me. Its not that I don’t want to share the information, but writing down all the information is going to take a great deal of time, and I don’t think its something that can be learned through words alone.

Lymphatic is indeed a healing tool as well, and so its one that can produce a wide extreme range of results depending on different people, and if I can help it I would rather not like to let someone fall into a major detox or healing crises if that can be avoided.

Its great that we have Critic but I think its also very important to note that Critic has not been personally taught by the lady from Tanaka (or if she has, she hasn’t said so) and is simply sharing her own views on what she has learned, which may not be suitable for everyone, or can produce different effects. Just as with TCM, she is an avid follower and has learned much, but does not have the training or qualifications in TCM to be able to practice this with others. I think its very important to note that. Sure try out her suggestions if they feel suitable to you, but pay attention to how your body responds.

There isn't one rule for everyone unfortunately with the face or our general health, and so what works for me won't work for everyone and same for Critic, what works for her won't work for everyone.

free skin care · Mon Jan 11, 2010 6:57 am

SeanySeanUK wrote:

There isn't one rule for everyone unfortunately with the face or our general health, and so what works for me won't work for everyone and same for Critic, what works for her won't work for everyone.

That is definitely the sad truth. It is a shame that what works great for someone won't work at all for someone else!

free skin care · Mon Jan 11, 2010 11:43 am

critic,
i'm such a nut! love ya!
Laughing

my mama always said i was like a savage, but i think i'm passionate! Smile

llina wrote:

when you have time, let let us know what you're doing.
and keep us updated to the things you're trying.
please don't rush for us, i know you have a family and children, and work, and are VERY busy. whenever you have time. i'm just grateful that i can learn healthy alternatives from you!!!

5 out of 5!!!

my skin is getting better so i've increase to tanaka massages 3 per week, gently as you recommended.
however, still only 2 per week with the bone massage, gently again.
some of my friends said that my skin looks nicer and clear..but i think i still have a long way to go. thank you! also, still working on my eye wrinkles with valmont.

my friends know i'm on this forum and they think i'm NUTZZZZ, hehhehehe i wish you were in toronto!

let me know how those 3 new books are. when i have time, i want to look into facial yoga and see if i can get bigger lips! muah! lol lol

free skin care · Mon Jan 11, 2010 11:47 am

critic,

i told my mom about what you're doing here... and she says you are fabu--lous!

mom and her friends want to do it too!
i'm trying to get the videos burned for them, so that they each can have a copy, and watch it on the big screen tv... and practice every day!

thanks babe!

free skin care · Mon Jan 11, 2010 12:32 pm

SeanySeanUK wrote:

Its not that I don’t want to share the information, but writing down all the information is going to take a great deal of time, and I don’t think its something that can be learned through words alone.

Dear Sean,

It is quite clear that you have been very, very generous with sharing information and with your time here on the EDS threads.

(Thinking about going back to write that book? Please? Very Happy

)

free skin care · Mon Jan 11, 2010 9:18 pm

SeanySeanUK wrote:

It's not that I don’t want to share the information, but writing down all the information is going to take a great deal of time, and I don’t think its something that can be learned through words alone.

There isn't one rule for everyone unfortunately with the face or our general health, and so what works for me won't work for everyone and same for Critic, what works for her won't work for everyone.

Time? Is your massage so long? Anyhow I was under the impression you work in this field, so you would have instructions on hand, may be wrong, sorry if that is so.

I agree there is no one rule for everyone... but it would be useful to try out your massage to see if it is useful... I think we are all grown up to decide whether it is good or not after a few days. Please share.

free skin care · Mon Jan 11, 2010 9:40 pm

BBuuuhahaAHAHA!!!
OMG i've never laughed so much in my life!
on this thread not only have i learned WONDERFUL, HEALTHY, NATURAL, & FREE lymphatic and anti aging massages that i can keep with me for the rest of my life, but i have learned about the healing powers of laughter therapy. don't laugh! its true!! Eh?

on second thought, yes laugh! Laughing

i'm using cheap cheap vitamin e gel with my nuskin galvanic spa unit

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