Why facial massages are all the rage in Dubai, from singing bowls to gua sha and kobido

Move over Botox and fillers – there’s a growing number of beauty studios and alternative health clinics in Dubai offering facial massages to help smooth out wrinkles while easing muscle tension at the same time.

Despite having dozens of muscles in our faces, a targeted massage is usually an afterthought in a full-body treatment that doesn’t consider the complexity of this muscular system.

Temporomandibular jaw disorder (TMJ), sinus pressure, tension headaches, migraines and even sleep issues can be rectified with regular face massages, experts tell The National.

“Facial massage is about not only appearance, but also inner alignment,” says Evgeniya Sorokina, co-founder of FaceRoom, which recently opened a second location in Dubai in Business Bay. “Most facial wrinkles and loss of tone come not from ageing itself, but from muscle tension; when facial muscles stay contracted, they pull the skin downwards and block circulation.”

By releasing these contractions, the muscles relax, oxygen flows and the face lifts and brightens on its own, notes Sorokina, adding that no invasive procedures or expensive cosmetics are needed. “This physical release also affects the mind, bringing a sense of calm and balance.”

As someone who suffers from TMJ, I was intrigued to see if the results live up to the hype. Upon researching face massages available in Dubai, I realised there are so many varieties, so I set out on a mission to try the most promising and to find out which ones are worth dropping dirhams on.

Facial massage with singing bowls

The massage is complemented by a sound therapist ringing out crystal singing bowls. Photo: The FaceRoom

Launched by Sorokina in September, this combines a 30 or 50-minute facial massage with a sound-healing session in a group setting at FaceRoom on Tuesday and Wednesday from 7pm. It’s a lovely way to spend an evening with friends or to celebrate occasions such as birthdays or bridal gatherings.

While the masseuse, who is also a licensed aesthetician, works on your face, a sound therapist plays crystal or Tibetan singing bowls and other instruments to help relax both mind and muscles, a technique supported by a fair bit of scientific research.

I test it out at FaceRoom's Marina Promenade branch in Dubai Marina. As soon as my therapist begins the treatment, I feel a much-needed easing of tension that lasts for weeks after.

The addition of sound therapy is genius. The frequencies move me into a meditative state in conjunction with the rhythmic motions from the massage. I leave feeling fully refreshed and with a glowing face.

“The sound frequencies gently calm the nervous system, helping the brain to slow down, while the massage releases the physical tension stored in the face,” explains Sorokina.