Training: Working with the Fascia and Muscles of the Face and Neck
This module is the first of two dedicated to correcting the muscles of the face and neck.
The Interrelationship Between Posture and a Youthful Appearance
Healthy posture and a straight back are the foundation of a youthful face. Fascial chains extend throughout the entire body, ending in the palms, feet, and eye area—where the greatest tension accumulates. As we age, the elasticity of connective tissue decreases, increasing tension at the ends of these fascial chains. This makes them stiffer and less mobile while causing surrounding muscles to become spasmodic. Modern plastic surgeons also confirm this phenomenon, emphasising that facial muscles are often in chronic spasm.
How Postural Changes Affect Facial Shape
When the upper part of the m. trapezius shortens (as seen in upper body cross syndrome), the back of the neck visually appears shorter. Due to the continuity of fascial chains, the m. occipitofrontalis also shortens. This transformation causes the forehead to shift from being mobile and lifted to being narrow.
Additionally, the m. temporalis and m. masseter—which are fascially connected—border the now-shortened m. occipitofrontalis, leading to further contraction. As a result, the face shape changes from elongated to rounder. Increased tension in the m. occipitofrontalis also affects the nasal muscles, causing them to lose their original shape and appear wider, contributing to the formation of nasolabial folds. Other facial muscles react to the shortening of the masticatory muscles by going into spasm.
Figuratively speaking, it’s just like a “box” (the skeletal and fascial structure). If it shrinks, it compresses its contents, forcing everything inside to contract. The front of the neck undergoes similar changes based on the same principle.
“The Shorter the Neck, the Rounder the Face”
Practical Training
During the training, participants will learn techniques to:
✔️ Reduce internal tension in the bone structures of the skull
✔️ Work with the lateral, anterior, and posterior surfaces of the neck
✔️ Address the m. masseter, m. temporalis, and m. trapezius using superficial fascia techniques
✔️ Master separation and “suture” techniques to restore the natural length of the facial and neck muscles
This comprehensive approach helps eliminate fascial restrictions, restoring muscle mobility and the natural contours of the face and neck.
