Daily movement
Orbicularis Oculi Release
This technique targets the muscle encircling the eye, addressing tension that can contribute to eye strain, headaches, and a fatigued appearance.
This technique targets the muscle encircling the eye, addressing tension that can contribute to eye strain, headaches, and a fatigued appearance.
Facial Release · Sophie Perry, Facialist and Educator · Relief from eye strain, tension headaches, and facial fatigue, particularly around the orbital area. · Perform 3-5 slow circles around each eye. Can be done once or twice daily, or as needed.
Why it works
The orbicularis oculi muscle is a sphincter muscle responsible for closing the eyelids. Chronic tension in this muscle can restrict lymphatic flow, impede circulation, and create sustained pressure on superficial nerves. Gentle, sustained pressure applied with the fingertips encourages mechanotransduction, promoting relaxation of muscle fibers and improving localized fluid dynamics. This reduction in muscular hypertonicity can alleviate discomfort, reduce puffiness, and contribute to a more relaxed facial expression.
How to practice
Preparation: Ensure hands are clean. Apply a small amount of facial oil or serum to the area around the eyes for glide.
Placement: Place the pads of your index fingers just above the inner corner of your eyebrows, at the orbital rim.
Pressure: Apply gentle, sustained pressure. This is not a massage; it's a subtle, melting sensation rather than a rubbing motion.
Glide: Slowly and with continuous light pressure, glide your index fingers along the supraorbital ridge (brow bone) towards the temples.
Continue: From the temples, continue gliding beneath the eye, along the infraorbital rim, back towards the inner corner of the eyes. Complete a full circle.
Repetitions: Repeat this circular motion, maintaining light, consistent pressure. Focus on the sensation of the muscle releasing.
Preparation: Ensure hands are clean. Apply a small amount of facial oil or serum to the area around the eyes for glide.
Placement: Place the pads of your index fingers just above the inner corner of your eyebrows, at the orbital rim.
Pressure: Apply gentle, sustained pressure. This is not a massage; it's a subtle, melting sensation rather than a rubbing motion.
Glide: Slowly and with continuous light pressure, glide your index fingers along the supraorbital ridge (brow bone) towards the temples.
Continue: From the temples, continue gliding beneath the eye, along the infraorbital rim, back towards the inner corner of the eyes. Complete a full circle.
Repetitions: Repeat this circular motion, maintaining light, consistent pressure. Focus on the sensation of the muscle releasing.