Kobido Facial Lifting Massage

Traditional Japanese Kobido facial lifting massage — a 100-movement protocol combining deep relaxation, lymphatic drainage, facial acupressure, and tissue lifting techniques developed over centuries. At Arendarska Care, Kobido is offered as a non-invasive alternative for clients who want visible facial lifting and improved microcirculation without needles or devices. The treatment may support wrinkle softening, release of facial muscle tension, collagen and elastin stimulation via mechanical pressure, and lymphatic detoxification. Results are visible after the first session; maintenance series of 3 are recommended.

Kobido (古美道) is a Japanese art of facial massage dating from the 15th century, traditionally developed as a protocol for preserving and restoring facial beauty through manual techniques alone. Unlike Western facial massage or lymphatic drainage, Kobido follows a structured sequence of over 100 distinct hand movements executed in a precise order — the specific combination of pressure, rhythm, and direction is thought to produce effects on both the superficial and deeper facial structures. At Arendarska Care, Kobido is positioned as an aesthetic physiotherapy service — a nod to founder Mgr. Aneta Arendarska's background in physical rehabilitation. The session progresses through four phases: 1. **Deep relaxation and muscle release:** Slow, broad effleurage strokes across the shoulders, neck, and face to warm tissue and release superficial tension in the frontalis, corrugator, and masseter muscles. 2. **Lymphatic drainage:** Light, rhythmic strokes following the lymphatic pathways of the face and neck, redirecting interstitial fluid toward the submandibular and cervical lymph nodes. This phase may reduce puffiness and mild facial oedema. 3. **Facial lifting sequence:** Rapid, precise pinching, tapping, and vibration movements targeting the underlying muscular and fascial layers. These techniques are associated with stimulation of microcirculation in the dermal capillary bed and are the part of the protocol most associated with the visible lifting effect — the cheekbones, jowl area, and eye contour are specifically addressed. 4. **Acupressure finish:** Sustained pressure on facial acupressure points (tsubo) to stimulate energy pathways and produce a calming, tension-releasing closure to the session. Clients typically report visible improvement in facial contour, skin radiance, and reduction of puffiness after the first session. For cumulative collagen-stimulation and muscular retraining benefits, a series of 3 sessions at 1–2 week intervals is recommended (5,000 Kč for 3, saving approximately 700 Kč vs three singles). Monthly maintenance sessions then help preserve the results.