What is Kobido?
Kobido is an ancient Japanese facial and scalp massage that is said to have originated 540 years ago! Its massage techniques follow a very precise protocol that is very time-consuming to teach. In Japan, the undisputed master is Shogo Mochizuki. In France, practitioners are trained by Master Takumi Finch.
100% natural , Kobido addresses skin laxity and helps combat the signs of aging. The sensation alternates between the dynamism of Yang percussion and vibrations and the calming depth of Yin gliding strokes. Its objective: to drain, stimulate , and reposition tissues, stimulating fibroblasts that produce elastin and collagen.
What happens during a Kobido massage?
I took advantage of a stay in Bordeaux to try Kobido by facialist Annie Lay . I knew her work as a makeup artist on set and knew that she had trained in recent years in this practice which is much talked about on social media, but which I had not yet tried.
The session, which took place in his studio in the Grands Hommes district, lasted an hour.
She first "made contact" with my skin and my overall condition by placing one hand on my face and the other on my sternum. This step allowed her to assess the nature of my skin on the day of the treatment: dehydrated? Dry? Devitalized? Etc… And to sense my stress level that day. All these indicators helped her determine how to best use the key Kobido techniques.
Then, on perfectly cleansed skin, she performed smoothing and drainage movements mainly with the pads of her fingers, which were just moistened with a neutral black sesame oil.
Next, she moved on to working on the décolletage and the nape of the neck. Then her hands gradually moved up over the entire face in this order: oval, cheeks, temples, forehead, mouth and eyes last and separately, because these are the most delicate parts.
For each step, the two hands are used independently: one makes the diagnosis as the sequence unfolds, sensing how the skin, muscles, and tissues react, while the other performs tapping, vibrations, and smoothing. "It's like a choreography," explains Annie Lay.
At this point, my mind completely let go, my whole body relaxed. I didn't fall asleep, but I was in a liminal space that allowed me to let go while still feeling the massage. Annie Lay finished the session with a smoothing treatment using gua sha. Divine!
What are the benefits of Kobido massage?
Annie Lay, trained by Master Takumi Finch, explains that "Kobido works on the balance of 'chi,' the vital energy. It stimulates cutaneous microcirculation, reactivates blood circulation and lymphatic flow ; which allows for better tissue oxygenation and restores radiance to the complexion. Its action allows for better nutrient delivery to cells and drainage of metabolic waste. It also has an effect on skin tissues , which it firms, and on muscles, which it relaxes in order to smooth expression lines. Finally, it tones and plumps the face ."
You leave a session with a more glowy complexion, invisible fine lines, as if plumped from within, rosy and plumped cheekbones, a rested face, a better defined facial oval.
The massage promotes relaxation, the whole body is relaxed and morale is boosted.
Before age 40, it delays the appearance of the first wrinkles and slows their development. After age 40, when used as an anti-aging treatment, it doesn't eliminate wrinkles, but stabilizes their progression. Kobido is compatible with cosmetic medicine and delays the need for a first injection.
Why can't we do without Kobido anymore?
As someone who regularly receives spa treatments and body massages, I've found in this protocol THE complete treatment that relaxes (neck, scalp, shoulders), boosts energy, and gives a radiant complexion : plump skin, a fresh and luminous glow, wrinkles visibly reduced, and a redefined facial contour— the result is magical. It's not a facial cleansing since no cosmetic products are applied, but because it's a lymphatic drainage massage, this treatment deeply regenerates tissues, and the results are stunning immediately after the session and long-lasting. When, like me, you wear very little makeup, no foundation, just a touch of blush and mascara, having a naturally glowing, rested, and healthy complexion is essential. This boost from Kobido is therefore a perfect solution for periods of low energy or for ongoing maintenance.
What is the ideal frequency for Kobido massages?
Its effects are visible for 15 days. It can therefore be used as needed for a quick radiance boost. To prevent the formation of wrinkles or to plump and smooth existing ones, a course of 1 to 2 sessions per month is recommended.
Warning: Do not perform this procedure on a face that has received a Botox injection.
Can you give yourself Kobido massages?
No, quite simply, because this art of precise technique requires in-depth training. Few masters pass on their art, and caution is advised because many treatments labeled "kobido" are not performed by practitioners trained in this technique. A trendy treatment often means a copy that isn't always accurate…
To find a Kobido specialist, we recommend consulting the directory of Kobido specialists on Master Takumi Finch 's website.
However, we can give ourselves a daily facial massage, always moving upwards and towards the center. Be careful not to move the tissues too much, but use a fairly firm motion with only the pads of your fingers.
For more information, we recommend Marine Clermont's book, Kobido Self-Massage , published by Marabout.
What can we do at home to prolong its benefits?
- Self-massage your face with a neutral oil using a Gua Sha
- Thinking "inner beauty " by alternating treatments of We want ultimate radiance or We want rose petal skin depending on your skin type, with a treatment of We want pretty cheekbones .
- Creating the right plate . And by a good plate , we mean one that bans processed foods, that gives pride of place to organic, seasonal fruits and vegetables, without sacrificing our culinary tastes. It's all about balance.
First tip to remember: start a Bone Broth treatment , a broth rich in natural collagen that plumps the skin.
Finally, don't forget to complete your Holistic Skin diagnosis and receive your personalized "inside & out" beauty prescription.
