Get a smaller, slimmer face with just a massage

Imagine being able to get a smaller, slimmer face with just a facial massage. Intrigued? Golki therapy can do just that.

Watching the latest K-dramas (Legend of the Blue Sea, anyone?), it's hard not to envy the seemingly perfect V-shaped jawlines of the actors and actresses.

But what if there was a way to sculpt your face and make it slimmer, all without going under the knife?

Golki therapy just might be your answer.

This therapy is a deep-bone massage that helps to remodel your face through the stimulation of bones and subsequent promotion of blood circulation in the body.

Created by Lee Byung Chul in 1979, it was first invented after rigorous research into the efficacy of massage techniques for those with health issues.

It was discovered as an advancement of Lee's strong belief in natural healing techniques, after he began practising qigong and observing the link between pain, bones and other functions in the body.

Though golki therapy sounds similar to chiropractic treatments, Lee is quick to point out that they are not the same, as each employs completely diff erent techniques and approaches.

"Chiropractic care mainly involves manipulation of the spine," he says.

"On the other hand, golki therapy involves the deep, targeted massaging of the bones, tissues and skin. It may be used on any part of the body that requires treatment.

"It not only improves your skeletal bone structure through unique bone massage techniques, but also increases the core blood circulation to your skin and muscles, leading to an improvement in general wellness and natural beauty. It is not solely focused on pain Management."

Think of this therapy as an overall wellness treatment where the objective is to treat the bones, and in the process promote overall health of the body.

It is also able to enhance one's muscles, skin and tissue through the massage techniques.

But beyond its health benefits, golki therapy for face remodelling is also extremely popular.

It claims to be able to give customers a slimmer, more V-shaped jawline without the use of any invasive treatment.

Hundreds of South Korean celebrities are already reportedly big fans of Yakson Golki Therapy Small Face Care.

TRIED AND TESTED

Yakson Golki Therapy Small Face Care is meant to give you the coveted "egg shaped" face that many Korean celebrities sport.

It is a bone-restructuring treatment that will help to slim down your face.

Understandably, the idea of bone manipulation sounds a bit daunting.

If you're thinking of going for it, this is your guide to knowing what to expect.

Pre-treatment

You'll be ushered into the changing room where you can store your things in the lockers that are provided.

Here, you'll put on the Yakson House T-shirt and shorts (you have to remove your bra, but you can keep your undies on) to prep for treatment.

Yakson Singapore is strictly for women only, so you don't have to worry about bumping into male customers on the way to the therapy rooms.

Back, arms, decollete massage

Before the start of your golki treatment, your therapist will give you a back, shoulder, arms and decollete massage.

My therapist, Stella, used fi rm strokes to help release tension in my upper back.

At certain points, I could feel her pressing down or rubbing my bones too, especially near my shoulder blades.

The bone massages where she used her elbow to knead my muscles were slightly more painful.

The entire massage took about 30 to 40 minutes.

After this, Stella helped to clean off my sunscreen and makeup in preparation for the facial golki therapy.

Facial golki

This therapy can only be performed by master therapists, so Stella called in golki senior master Jessica.

Now she is a beautiful, petite Korean who can pass for a K-pop star, but do not be fooled by her demure appearance.

She is strong!

Before the start of my session, Jessica asked me to cup my face in my palms to have a feel of my current bone structure.

She also asked if I had any particular concerns about my face shape.

Use this time to chat with your therapist and lay down any fears or expectations you have.

Do note that there are no mirrors in the treatment area, so it's advisable to already know what you want to focus on before the treatment.

The golki treatment initially starts as a deep-pressure massage that feels relatively soothing.

After the first few minutes, though, your therapist will increase the pressure to push and massage your bones for the face resizing.

I'm not going to lie: This part really, really hurt. If pain was rated upon 10, with 10 being the most painful, eyebrow embroidery would be a four to five, facial extractions a seven or eight, and golki therapy a nine.

I already expected the session to hurt (bone restructuring can't be painless, right?), but I was still caught off-guard by how firm the strokes were.

And though it was bearable since Jessica worked on different parts of my face, I still involuntarily shed a few tears.

Facial mask and finishing touches

After all the rubbing and kneading, Stella came back to apply a soothing peppermint mask to my face.

The coldness was a welcome respite after the therapy.

The mask was left on for roughly 20 minutes.

When it is removed, your therapist will apply moisturiser and sunscreen.

You can then head back to the changing room to freshen up.

Aftermath

My face, head and back remained sore even two days after the treatment.

I also sustained small bruises on my neck and shoulder area, which I'm told is normal for first-time customers.

According to Yakson, this is just a result of your body's bones and muscles going through their initial healing process to achieve alignment and balance.

The soreness generally lessens after the first three to five sessions of continuous, regular golki therapy.

The verdict I was honestly sceptical when I heard about Yakson's promise to change one's face shape through this therapy.

It seemed incredulous that someone's jaw structure could be manipulated non-surgically but that is exactly what you'll get with Yakson's Small Face Care.

Personally, I could see and feel that my cheekbones were more lifted after just one session.

This is supposed to be due to a removal of fluid build-up, and you're encouraged to complete 20 sessions for permanent effects.

My entire back area felt less tight as well.

Despite the pain, I'd still go back if I had a special occasion coming up.

A 20-session package for Yakson Golki Therapy Small Face Care is priced at $4,108.80 (after GST).

For more information about Yakson Singapore, visit www.yakson.com.sg.

This article first appeared in the March 2017 issue of SHAPE. SHAPE is now available in both print and digital formats. Log on to https://www.shape.com.sg/ to subscribe!