What is Kobido?
Kobido is an ancient Japanese facial and skull massage that is said to have originated 540 years ago! Its massage techniques follow a very precise and lengthy protocol to teach. In Japan, the undisputed master is Shogo Mochizuki. In France, practitioners are trained by Master Takumi Finch.
100% natural, Kobido works on skin laxity and helps combat the signs of aging. The sensation alternates between the dynamism of Yang percussions and vibrations and the calming depth of Yin strokes. Its objective: to drain, stimulate and reposition tissues, stimulate fibroblasts that produce elastin and collagen.
How does a Kobido massage work?
I took advantage of a stay in Bordeaux to try the Kobido massage by facialist Annie Lay. I knew her work as a set makeup artist and knew that in recent years she had trained in this practice, which is much talked about on social media but which I had not yet tried.
The session, which took place in her studio in the Grands Hommes district, lasted an hour.
She first "made contact" with my skin and my general state by placing one hand on my face and one on my sternum. This step allows her to assess the nature of the skin on the day of the treatment: dehydrated? Dry? Devitalized? Etc... And to feel my stress level for the day. All these indications allow her to know how to play with the key gestures of Kobido.
Then, on perfectly cleansed skin, she performed smoothing and draining movements, mainly with the fingertips, just moistened with a neutral black sesame oil.
Next, she moved on to working on the décolletage and neck. Then her hands gradually moved up over the entire face in this order: oval, cheeks, temples, forehead, mouth, and finally, eyes, separately, as these are the most delicate parts.
For each step, the two hands are dissociated: one performs the diagnosis as the sequence progresses, sensing how the skin, muscles, and tissues react, and the other performs tapping, vibrations, and smoothing. "It's like a choreography," explains Annie Lay.
At this stage, my mind completely let go, my entire body relaxed. I didn't fall asleep, but I was in an in-between state that allowed me to let go while still feeling the massage. Annie Lay concluded the session with a smoothing treatment using a gua sha. Divine!
What are the benefits of Kobido massage?
Annie Lay, trained by Master Takumi Finch, explains that "Kobido works on balancing 'chi', the vital energy. It stimulates skin micro-circulation, reactivates blood circulation and lymphatic flow; which allows for better tissue oxygenation and restores radiance to the complexion. Its action provides better nutrient supply to cells and drainage of metabolic waste. It also has an effect on skin tissues, which it firms, and on muscles, which it relaxes to smooth expression lines. Finally, it tones and plumps the face."
You leave a session with a more glowing complexion, invisible fine lines, as if plumped from within, rosy and full cheekbones, a rested face, a better-defined facial oval.
As the massage promotes relaxation, the entire body is relaxed and spirits are boosted.
Before the age of 40, it delays the appearance of the first wrinkles and spaces out their "establishment." After 40, when practiced as an anti-aging treatment, it does not remove wrinkles but stabilizes their evolution. Kobido is compatible with aesthetic medicine, delaying the "need" for a first injection.
Why can't we live without Kobido anymore?
Accustomed to salon treatments and body massages, I found in this protocol THE complete treatment that relaxes (neck, skull, shoulders), boosts energy and gives a splendid complexion: plump skin, fresh and luminous complexion, well-erased wrinkles; redefined oval, the result is magical. It's not a skin cleansing since no cosmetic products are applied, but because it's a draining massage, this treatment deeply regenerates tissues and the result is stunning immediately after the session and lasting over time. When, like me, you wear very little makeup, no foundation, just a bit of blush and mascara, having a naturally glowing, rested, 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 performed à la carte for a quick 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.
Please note, it should not be performed on a face that has received Botox injections.
Can you give yourself Kobido massages?
No, simply because this art of the right gesture requires extensive training. Few masters transmit their art, and beware, as many "Kobido" branded treatments are not performed by practitioners trained in this technique. A trendy treatment often means an imperfect copy...
To find a Kobido specialist, we recommend consulting the directory of Kobido specialists on Master Takumi Finch's website.
However, you can give yourself daily facial massages at home, always moving upwards and towards the center. Be careful not to move the tissues too much, but use a fairly firm gesture with only your fingertips.
To learn more, we recommend Marine Clermont's book, Auto-massages Kobido, published by Marabout.
What can you do at home to extend its benefits?
- Self-massage your face with a neutral oil using a Gua Sha
- Think "inner beauty" by alternating courses of We want ultimate radiance or We want petal-soft skin depending on your skin type, with a course of We want pretty cheekbones.
- Compose the right plate. And by right plate, we mean one that bans industrial dishes, that favors organic, seasonal vegetables and fruits, without denying our culinary tastes. It's all about balance.
First tips to remember: start a course of Bone Broth, a collagen-rich broth that plumps the skin.
Finally, don't forget to complete your Holistic Skin diagnosis and receive your personalized "inside & out" beauty prescription.
