Articles: "Hands on for 04"

Executive stress cured | Holistic facial | Hands on for 04

Lyndsey Filby sets out to turn back the clock with the finger-tip facelift

T'S THE New Year and a time for change. But let's be honest, most of those resolutions to spruce up our appearance will be waning as January draws to an end. The trouble is the odds are stacked against us when it comes to long‑term change, because most of us want instant results. I suppose years of broken resolutions has taught me one thing ‑ small, realistic changes are more likely to stand the test of time. Vowing to hit the gym every day, while limiting carbohydrates, chocolate and everything else I enjoy  in life is doomed  from its well‑meaning start. But I have also come to realise not all positive changes entail hard graft and deprivation ‑ something Rejuvanessence illustrates perfectly. The treatment, described as the 'fingertip facelift', can turn back the clock by years, but takes up little of your time, offers fast results and is more of a treat than a chore. Eve Beauty Room, run by Debbie Hunt, is one of only two places in Suffolk offering the holistic therapy Founded by Margareta Loughran, a London‑based therapist, the treatment works on the principle that long‑held negative emotions, from everyday stresses to grief, result in facial muscle tension. She believes this stress and tension in the skin's two layers, the dermis and epidermis, causes the layers to tighten around the blood vessels and lymph glands. This, in turn, hinders the flow of nutrients and oxygen, causing waste products to build up in the cells and producing a lacklustre complexion. The face becomes drawn and tight, allowing lines and wrinkles to set in. The treatment, which draws on principles from several fields including acupuncture and chiropractics, involves the use of precise, gentle, fingertip massage to release tension in the 91 muscles of the face, neck, skull and shoulders. It also works on the connective tissue to make the skin more elastic and flexible. Debbie explained: "The connective tissue is like millions of elastic bands underneath the surface of the skin which can become tangled as we go though life, particularly when we repeatedly pull negative expressions caused by stress, pain or grief. "For instance, during times of grief people often put on a brave face which can cause their cheeks to become as hard as rocks and their jaws tight. Also, illness can take its toll, particularly around the forehead where people frown. "People can go around with the same stress and strain in their face for years without being aware of it." Using the lightest touch, with two fingers, Suffolk January 2004

‘turn back the clock with the finger tip facelift’

The therapist sets about releasing the tightened muscles with a special facial massage. It is amazing to think just by using two little fingers, no magic lotions, potions or machinery, you can achieve such noticeable results," said Debbie. During Rejuvanessence, set expressions of anger, fear or sadness are said to melt away, leaving a more relaxed, joyful and youthful expression. Intrigued by such claims I took myself along to Eve Beauty Room in Kesgrave. Debbie, who works from home, has converted part of the ground floor of her property into an immaculate beauty room. Looking every inch the professional salon with bright white walls and stylish wooden floors it has the added bonus of complete peace and quiet. I must admit at 27 years old I was doubtful when Debbie told me she would do half my face and then lift me up to show me the difference. And I was genuinely impressed when I looked in the mirror and saw that one of my eyebrows was slightly higher than the other. Debbie said: "I would say 100% that nobody would ever want to leave without having the other half of their face done once they see the difference. In more mature ladies the lift on the treated side is so noticeable, it can look like they have had a mild stroke on the untreated side." The technique is so subtle it almost feels like hands‑on healing and while the touch is light some of the muscles deep inside my face felt quite achy and tingly. Much to my embarrassment I nodded off a few times during the treatment ‑ but in my defence most people do, according to Debbie. Following the first treatment the thing I noticed most was the fact the arches of my eyebrows were higher and more defined My complexion also looked quite peachy, the result of improved circulation I'm told. Debbie has achieved some remarkable results with Rejuvanessence ‑ especially on clients who have suffered a bereavement or illness, which can lead to premature ageing. "I had one lady who had a very mild stroke and another whose husband died very suddenly, which resulted in both looking really aged quite quickly. However after the course both their faces were lifted and more open and relaxed. I would say all the tension in the face of the lady who had the mild stroke was gone."

More mature clients also experience a reduction in lines, bags, sags and wrinkles according to Debbie "Following Rejuvanessence my clients often tell me people have commented on how well they look. It can't actually tighten the skin, like a facelift but it can smooth it out and lift it." Debbie has clients of all ages from their 30s right up to their 70s. She said: "I would say it has benefits for all ages. Obviously if you start young, by easing away any tightness, you can stop the lines developing in the first place and delay the signs of ageing."

In fact, Margareta Loughran accept as part of ageing can actually be completely avoided with Rejuvanessence. She believes it is toxicity in the face that leads to bags under the eyes, deep lines and grey ageing skin and that mature healthy skin can look wonderful at any age.

Due to its holistic roots the Rejuvanessence facial massage is usually combined with diet and relaxation. Debbie said: "It is not particularly sold as a beauty treatment, it is more a holistic therapy but I felt it had great potential for the beauty world. "People spend a fortune on so‑called miracle creams but they generally don't penetrate the skin deep enough to make much of a difference. I love the simplicity of Rejuvanessence and the fact it is gentle, pleasant, non‑invasive and effective. " Once you complete the initial course of five treatments you need only schedule in four hourly visits a year to maintain the results. "I think people like the treatment because it is relatively inexpensive, not particularly time‑consuming and is quite nice to have a lie down and relax every now and again." Debbie's impressive follow up rate for Rejuvanessence is probably the best reflection of whether the treatment works. "I've never had anyone who hasn't wanted to go on and have the full course after the first treatment. Also all of my clients have gone on to have their maintenance treatments," she said. M Rejuvanessence costs £27.50 per hour session. Eve Beauty Room also does a range of Environ and Demagogical facials as well as pedicures, manicures, massage, sugaring and electrolysis. For more information contact Debbie on 01473 635625.