The masseter muscle is one of the 4 muscles of mastication or chewing. The action of the massater muscle closes the mouth and protrudes the jaw. The masseter muscle works synergistically with the temporalis, lateral and medial pyterigoids to chew food.

To truly offer relief to this muscle, the anatomy must be understood. We practice upwards movements 99% of the time on the face to contour, sculpt and lift. That is totally correct.

The masseter is different. In order to truly offer relief to this muscle, we need to address it from all angles, including a somewhat downwards direction.

However, this does not mean we are “working down on the skin” or “pulling the skin down.”

When you have a correct grasp on the origin of the muscle, you can then work inferiorly along the vertical fibers to release tension.

Because the action of this muscle predominantly closes the mouth and protrudes the jaw, the amplification of these actions is grinding and clenching, which are the most common reasons this muscle gets tight, causing headaches, facial tension, pain and will eventually wear down the teeth, which can can cause a whole other realm of imbalances that we learn about in my buccal training.

When we have this understanding and combine it with a hands on anatomical approach, we can work in less traditional ways without disrupting the skin tissue. We work slower, deeper, more intentional to offer true relief to muscles and fascia.

Does every client have TMJ concerns? Not always. But when we have a foundational grasp on anatomy, we customize the work for each face.

I’m always assessing the anatomy of each face I see/feel. What am I seeing through their bone structure, face muscles, fascia, posture, fat pads, lymph and skin.

Thank you to an absolute amazing group of women who came to train with me this week! Dual therapist @cloudnine_wellness, Esti @browdoula and Esti Ginger and Massage Therapist Carla.

This is @browdoula working her magic! 90% hands on and waste no time in class otherwise!

I’m a hybrid between an esthetician and massage therapist (licensed in both) & you get the perspective and teachings of both with me!

Nov 4-5th, last training of 2024!

www.minimalbeauty.com

свернуть