Kobido: everything you need to know about Japanese face massage

Kobido, the ancient Japanese facial massage, is gaining an ever-expanding following among wellness enthusiasts worldwide. Far beyond a beauty treatment, this time-honored ritual combines precise techniques with a holistic approach, rejuvenating the skin and enhancing overall well-being. By stimulating energy meridians, Kobido not only promotes relaxation but also offers natural anti-aging benefits. Step into the world of Kobido—a transformative Japanese art that harmonizes body and mind.

What is Kobido face massage?

The origins of authentic Japanese massage: Kobido

Kobido, meaning "ancient way of beauty," is a centuries-old face massage originating in the 15th century in Japan. Initially reserved for the Empress and nobility, this luxurious treatment is rooted in the traditional art of anma, a Japanese therapeutic massage. Over time, Kobido has evolved into a powerful ritual that blends beauty with well-being, offering a deeply rejuvenating experience for the skin.

Kobido is not just about aesthetics: it is deeply rooted in a holistic approach that aims to restore harmony between body and mind. Beyond enhancing the skin’s appearance, this massage aims at rebalancing your internal energy by targeting key points on the face, often linked to the acupuncture meridians. This holistic approach to beauty and well-being is at the core of the Kobido philosophy, aiming to create harmony between mind and body for a profound, lasting sense of relaxation.

The Kobido technique

The Japanese Kobido facial massage uses a series of precise movements to rejuvenate the skin, tone facial muscles, and harmonize the body’s natural energy flow. It incorporates techniques such as light pressure, rhythmic tapping, and deep smoothing motions, all working together to revitalize the skin and induce deep relaxation.

Targeted pressure on key points stimulates energy meridians, improving circulation and relaxing the muscles while reducing stress and restoring energy balance. Rhythmic tapping enhances microcirculation, boosts collagen production, and improves skin elasticity with a glowing complexion.

Smoothing motions, using long, fluid strokes, help drain toxins accumulated in the skin tissue while relaxing the facial muscles. These gentle movements improve skin firmness and help to refine facial contours, providing a natural lifting effect.

This unique combination of techniques offers a sensory experience that not only revitalizes the skin but also promotes inner well-being by harmonizing the body and mind.

The benefits of Kobido Japanese facial massage

Effects on the skin and the lymphatic system

Kobido massage activates microcirculation pathways and promotes cell oxygenation, enhancing skin firmness and elasticity. By doing so, it supports cell renewal, reduces dark circles and puffiness under the eyes, and leaves the skin smoother with a radiant glow

The results include smoother, more supple skin and a glowing complexion. By activating tiny blood vessels, Kobido also helps to reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes, leaving the face visibly more rested and brighter. This treatment is particularly popular for its effectiveness in regenerating the skin and giving it a softer texture, without the need for aggressive cosmetic products.

Rejuvenating the face

Kobido is celebrated for its natural lifting and plumping effects. This Japanese facial massage helps firm the skin and visibly reduce the signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles.

This massage also stimulates the production of collagen, an essential protein for keeping skin firm and elastic. By releasing facial muscle tension, Kobido helps to smooth skin folds and refine facial contours, creating a natural lifting effect without any invasive interventions. Expression lines are reduced, particularly around the eyes and mouth, and replaced by a more youthful, relaxed appearance.

Overall benefits

In addition to its visible benefits on the skin, the Kobido practitioner’s repetitive and delicate movements provide deep relaxation and promote emotional balance by reducing stress and calming the mind.

Kobido also works to improve complexion. By stimulating blood circulation and promoting the elimination of toxins, it leaves the skin brighter and more radiant. This treatment offers a sensation of lightness and well-being, ideal for those looking to recharge their batteries. Regular practice of Kobido can contribute to a better emotional balance, helping to reduce anxiety and promote a state of deep relaxation.

How to prolong the effects of Kobido massage

Self-care routine:

To prolong the effects of Japanese facial massage , it is essential to adopt a suitable skincare routine. The products you use should promote hydration and cell regeneration, while respecting the unique characteristics of your skin. Plant oils such as argan oil, rosehip oil and jojoba oil are ideal for deeply nourishing the skin and maintaining its elasticity. These oils provide essential fatty acids that help preserve the skin barrier while combatting dehydration.

Regularly applying moisturising serums rich in hyaluronic acid and antioxidants also helps to maintain full, luminous skin. These products penetrate deep into the epidermis layer and boost natural collagen production, prolonging the anti-ageing effects of the Kobido massage. To maximise results, we recommend applying these products morning and night to clean skin, using gentle, circular movements to ensure that the active ingredients are fully absorbed.

Self-massage techniques

The Kobido Japanese facial massage can be complemented with simple self-massage movements that fit seamlessly into your daily self-care rituals. These techniques help maintain the benefits of the treatment and keep the skin toned.For optimum results, devote just a few minutes a day to this ritual.

Use a light oil or serum to make it easier for your hands to glide over the skin, and use smoothing movements from the centre of the face outwards.

Start by applying light pressure to the temples and forehead to release tension. Next, smooth the skin from the centre of the face outwards, paying particular attention to the eye contours and cheekbones. These movements help to stimulate circulation and drain toxins. You can also lightly tap the cheeks and chin to energise the skin and activate microcirculatory pathways.

Lastly, smoothing movements from the neck to the chin can be used to firm up this often-neglected area and prevent the skin from sagging. These self-massage techniques, when performed regularly, prolong the lifting and glow-boosting effects of Kobido.

Healthy lifestyle

To maintain the benefits of the Kobido massage over the long term, it is vital to follow a balanced lifestyle. Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants , vitamins and essential fatty acids plays a crucial role in skin health. Green vegetables, vitamin C-rich fruit and oily fish such as salmon promote collagen production and contribute to firm, luminous skin.

Hydration is also needed to keep skin supple and radiant. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps to eliminate toxins and maintain skin elasticity. To round out this routine, it is essential to get a good night’s sleep. Enough high-quality rest enables the skin to regenerate and reduce signs of fatigue, while maintaining the relaxing and revitalising effects of Kobido.

By combining these practices with an appropriate skincare routine and self-massage techniques, you can extend the benefits of Kobido massage and ensure that your skin looks radiant every day.

Where to enjoy a Kobido facial massage

L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar - MGallery*****

Located in the Champ-de-Mars Park in the centre of Colmar, the Esquisse Hotel & Spa MGallery***** is an authentic oasis of calm. Its Spa by Clarins, one of the finest in Alsace, invites you to discover the authentic Kobido®, a Japanese facial treatment combining deep relaxation with natural lifting effects. This massage is perfect for reviving facial radiance and firming the skin, all in a setting designed to be both zen and sophisticated.

The spa also offers a signature Soin d’Exception, a treatment combining several anti-ageing techniques for a more intensely regenerating effect. With its luxury facilities – including a swimming pool, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi – L’Esquisse is the perfect place to extend your well-being experience and reconnect with yourself.

ibis Le Touquet Thalassa***

Located directly on the beach in Le Touquet, the ibis Le Touquet Thalassa*** offers a unique setting in which to enjoy the benefits of thalassotherapy and Kobido massage. With its breathtaking views over the Opal Coast, this hotel invites you to immerse yourself in nature, nestled between the dunes, the sea and the surrounding forests. The Thalassa Sea & Spa offers targeted treatments to revitalise body and mind, including Kobido, renowned for its natural anti-ageing and lifting benefits.

In this luminous and rejuvenating setting, you can extend the feeling of relaxation thanks to a wide range of wellness facilities including a sauna, steam room, sea bath and gym. The Kobido treatment, combined with Thalasso marine techniques, is ideal for restoring tone and radiance to skin after a day in the great outdoors.

Mercure Le Touquet****, Paris Plage

Found in the heart of the Domaine de la Petite Forêt on the Opal Coast, the Mercure Le Touquet**** welcomes you for a genuine wellness break in an exceptional natural setting. Just a few minutes from both the beach and the town centre, this hotel offers an experience of total disconnection in an environment of sand dunes and forests. You can recharge your batteries in the modern spa, where you can enjoy the firming, plumping effects of Kobido, inspired by Japanese tradition.

The spa La Petite Forêt, in partnership with KOS Paris, offers bespoke treatments and relaxing massages tailored to your needs, all in a soothing, sophisticated setting. After a gentle session, you can extend the wellness experience by taking advantage of facilities such as the swimming pool, gym and relaxing terrace overlooking the forest.

Mercure Saint Nectaire Hotel - Spa & Well-being***

Located in the heart of the Volcans d’Auvergne Natural Park, the Hôtel Mercure Saint Nectaire – Spa & Well-Being*** is a peaceful slice of paradise where nature reigns supreme. Nestled in the soothing atmosphere of the ancient thermal baths of Saint-Nectaire, the spa offers a wide range of treatments including the Kobido massage. This ancestral Japanese treatment, perfect for revitalising the face, is part of the spa’s natural and environmentally-friendly approach using organic and local products.

In this rejuvenating setting, you can extend your wellness experience with indoor and outdoor pools, a steam room and a sauna. Enjoy the calm of the ancient volcanoes and bespoke treatments for a radiant complexion and a deep sense of relaxation.

How much does a Japanese facial massage cost?

The price of a Japanese Kobido facial massage can vary according to location and any accompanying services. In general, this ancient treatment costs between €70 and €200, for a session lasting around an hour. Prices may be higher in luxury establishments offering a comprehensive experience with access to a spa, such as the Sofitel or other prestigious hotels.

However, aside from the price, a Kobido massage is above all an exceptional moment devoted to revitalising body and mind. Whether in an intimate spa or a premium hotel, this sort of treatment offers an incomparable experience of well-being and serenity – and a real investment in your personal well-being.

Kobido massage, a treatment focused on your well-being

With its revitalizing benefits, Kobido is the ideal choice for a moment of complete relaxation. To prolong its effects and enjoy a truly rejuvenating experience, consider combining it with a stay at a spa hotel. Picture a weekend by the sea or in the mountains, featuring spa treatments, yoga sessions, and revitalizing sea bathing. Take full advantage of your wellness retreat to refresh both body and mind.

Want to make the feeling of well-being last longer? Book your wellness break now.