Used since ancient times, honey purifies and detoxifies while nourishing the skin. Used in Tibetan and Ukrainian massage traditions, honey is a prized ingredient for achieving beautiful skin even for people living in harsh climates.
History of the Bellanina Honey Facelift Massage
The Bellanina protocol was first introduced in 1987 as the Belav Honey Facelift Massage by Belle Tuckerman, founder of the Belav Institute. Tuckerman created the Bellanina protocol and taught the practice as well as the theory behind it as a seminar program for health professionals, including massage therapists, aestheticians and nurses. The protocol also includes a line of natural skincare products she designed that are used to complement the massage procedure.
Currently, the Bellanina protocol is owned by Nina Howard at Chenal Skin Care in Ann Arbor, Michigan. At Chenal clients receive expert Honey Facelift Massage treatments and aestheticians learn the art of this technique. Trained aestheticians offer the Bellanina protocol at many of America’s leading spas.
Although the protocol is primarily a facial, the Bellanina Honey Facelift Massage includes massaging and stimulating skin on the hands, feet, scalp, neck and back. The facelift massage involves a firming, lifting, contouring treatment designed to restore the skin’s radiance while toning the underlying muscles. Best results in younger clients are achieved when a series of 4-6 treatments are used at weekly or bi-weekly intervals. Clients with signs of severe sun damage or a loss of collagen related to illness, aging or the elements usually require as many as 12 to 18 sessions to reverse the damage although improvement is usually seen after the first procedure.
The Procedure
In the Bellanina Facelift Massage, which typically takes 70-90 minutes, the aesthetician first thoroughly cleanses the skin using a pure, wholesome facial cleanser and applying warm towels to soften the skin. This process removes cellular debris and prepares the skin for massage. The aesthetician then massages the skin with luxurious azulene and chamomile-based aromatherapeutic oils or a soothing apricot kernel oil along with Bellanina’s invigorating patented Honeylift Massage lotion. The massage procedure itself, which is accompanied by soft music and dim lighting, involves a combination of whipping, tapping (tapotement), acupressure and contouring strokes. Following the massage, warmed towels are placed over the skin to aid in nutrient penetration and to soothe tension lines.
While the client’s face is swaddled and allowed to relax, the hands and feet are also massaged and then wrapped in warm towels. Clients feel blissfully relaxed and peaceful, enjoying the peaceful ministrations of a scalp massage and back cleansing. After rinsing the skin, the aesthetician moisturizes it gently with natural plant-based creams.
The Honey Facelift Massages provides many health and aesthetic benefits, including:
- Improved circulation in dermal and epidermal tissues
- Exfoliation of the topical layers of the skin
- Nourishment of the skin and connective tissue with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory nutrients
- Smoothing of fine lines
- Moisturizing and softening tof he skin
- Diminishment of wrinkles
- Pain, including headache, relief
- Improvement in infectious, respiratory, and liver diseases
- Improvement in sleep
- Reduction of depression
- Reduction in cellulite
What to Expect
The Bellanina Honey Facelift Massage is a perfect remedy for skin that is starting to show a loss of tone. The protocol is reported to lift sagging nasolabial and frown lines as well as help define the cheeks and jawline. Besides its cosmetic benefits, this protocol is reported to improve lymphatic circulation and sinus problems as well as relieve jaw pain related to dental misalignment or stress.
Besides feeling better, most clients notice immediate improvement. But as Howard explains, repeated stimulation of the underlying muscles is key to keeping the skin taut and smooth. Similar to results generated by any exercise program, the muscles of the face thrive when they’re conditioned by using a series of treatments.
According to trained aesthetician Sheila Rooney from the Retreat at Solterra in Lakewood, Colorado, clients receiving the Bellanina Honey Facelift Massage can expect to see improvements in muscle tone and elasticity evidenced by a beautiful glow, improved skin tone, a reduction in under-eye bags, firmer cheeks and jaw lines and a smoother neck. What more can one hope for?
Elaine Moore - I'm a retired medical technologist and medical writer with more than 30 years experience working in hospital laboratories. Currently, I ...
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