How to Do Japanese Kobido Massage

Kobido is a gentle Japanese facial massage that uses upward strokes and precise pressure points to improve circulation and create a lifting effect.

1. Prepare your face. Start with clean hands and a freshly cleansed face. Apply a few drops of facial oil or serum to create slip. Your skin should be damp but not dripping.
2. Begin with forehead sweeps. Place both hands at the center of your forehead and sweep outward toward your temples using firm, upward pressure. Repeat five times, focusing on smooth, continuous motion.
3. Work the eye area. Use your ring fingers to gently trace circles around your eye sockets, starting from the inner corner and moving outward. Apply minimal pressure and keep movements slow and deliberate.
4. Lift the cheeks. Place your palms on your cheeks and use upward strokes from your jawline to your temples. Follow with small circular motions along your cheekbones using your fingertips.
5. Define the jawline. Use your knuckles to apply firm pressure along your jawline from chin to ears. Finish by pinching gently along the jaw edge to stimulate circulation.
6. Complete with neck sweeps. Use both hands to stroke from the base of your neck up to your jawline. Always move upward, never downward, and maintain consistent pressure throughout.