Infraorbital and Zygomatic Arch Release

This release addresses tension in the cheekbones and under-eye area, promoting facial ease and reduced strain patterns.

facial release · Cecily Braden’s Connective Tissue Release Massage · This meets a felt state of facial tension, particularly around the eyes and cheeks, often associated with screen use or expressive habits. · 1 round per side, 30-60 seconds per position

Why it works

This practice directly targets the periosteum (connective tissue covering bones) of the infraorbital rim and zygomatic arch. By applying sustained, gentle pressure, it encourages fluid exchange within the fascial layers, releasing adhesions and improving tissue pliability. Neurologically, the sustained pressure provides a sensory input that can down-regulate sympathetic nervous system activity, as the mechanoreceptors in these areas send signals to the somatosensory cortex, influencing muscle tone and promoting relaxation. This release can interrupt habitual tension patterns and improve lymphatic drainage in the region.

How to practice

1. Begin with clean hands and face. You may apply a small amount of facial oil for glide.

2. Place fingertips: Gently place the pads of your index and middle fingers of one hand under the eye, along the infraorbital rim (the lower edge of the eye socket).

3. Apply gentle, sustained pressure: Apply light but firm pressure, pressing slightly upward and into the bone. You are not dragging the skin, but rather engaging the underlying tissue.

4. Hold and breathe: Maintain this pressure for 30–60 seconds. Take slow, deep breaths, allowing your exhale to soften the facial tissues.

5. Move to zygomatic arch: Slowly slide your fingers laterally to the top of the cheekbone, along the zygomatic arch, maintaining pressure.

6. Hold again: Hold for another 30–60 seconds, continuing with slow, intentional breaths.

7. Repeat on other side: Release and repeat the sequence on the opposite side of your face.

8. Begin with clean hands and face. You may apply a small amount of facial oil for glide.

9. Place fingertips: Gently place the pads of your index and middle fingers of one hand under the eye, along the infraorbital rim (the lower edge of the eye socket).

10. Apply gentle, sustained pressure: Apply light but firm pressure, pressing slightly upward and into the bone. You are not dragging the skin, but rather engaging the underlying tissue.

11. Hold and breathe: Maintain this pressure for 30–60 seconds. Take slow, deep breaths, allowing your exhale to soften the facial tissues.

12. Move to zygomatic arch: Slowly slide your fingers laterally to the top of the cheekbone, along the zygomatic arch, maintaining pressure.

13. Hold again: Hold for another 30–60 seconds, continuing with slow, intentional breaths.

14. Repeat on other side: Release and repeat the sequence on the opposite side of your face.