Hi! I'm Sage.
Years ago, I was so frustrated with my facial tension and couldn't find answers to what I was experiencing. I knew it was changing not just the way my face felt, but also how it looked.
I went to a physical therapist, I tried random massages here and there, learned basic gua sha techniques, etc. But it wasn't until I learned about the unique anatomy of facial muscles and the brain-body link that causes tension in the first place that I was able to resolve my facial tension and experience real results.
Over the years, I've combined several fields to deepen my knowledge and bring this life-changing practice to you all. I am certified in Myofascial Release and Microexpression Reading, and am extensively self-studied in the areas of facial anatomy, body trauma work, somatic release, gua sha, skin care, and face massage. I also have a PhD in mass communication, which trained me to analyze studies at an academic level and share this information in an easy, applicable format.
All of these seemingly disparate fields came together as an ideal combination to allow me to develop and teach my Facial Tension Release methods that have helped me and many others.
My philosophy is that we have the power to heal ourselves. I am simply here to teach and assist you on that journey. You can truly change your life by changing your face - but not in the way society typically teaches us. We are here to gain true confidence and release ourselves from the binds of strain in the face so that we can be our best selves from the inside out. I am so excited for you to begin!
Certifications/Courses
I am always taking in new information to incorporate into my techniques. I believe a comprehensive blend of mind-body considerations and a deep understanding of facial anatomy is key to creating safe and effective techniques.
This is what truly sets the Facial Tension Release methods apart from other approaches for the face.
Here is a list of certifications and courses I’ve completed in the past several years:
- Myofascial Release Certification from the Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies
- Head and Neck Anatomy Course from Complete Anatomy by Elsevier
- Microexpression Reading Advanced Level Certification by The Paul Ekman Group
- Anatomy Trains: Zoga Assessment, Strategies, Techniques and Movement Workshop for Posture by Wojtek Cackowski
- Anatomy Trains: "The Anatomy and Physiology of Self Expression" Live Facial Dissection Course (end of June 2024)
- Anatomy Trains Zoga Face Integration Certification with Wojtek Cackowski (end of June 2024)
- Alexander Technique: Balanced Posture for Ease and Comfort Certification by the University of Michigan
- Clinical Somatic Exercise Course Levels 1 and 2 from the Somatic Movement Center
- Neuroaffective Touch: Somatic Toolkit on Healing Emotional & Relational Trauma Course by Dr. LaPierre
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Gua Sha + Bo Jin Course by Sandra Lanshin Chiu, L.Ac.
- Natural Anti-Aging Through Your Tongue Course by Sandra Lanshin Chiu, L.Ac. and Michal Niedzielski, P.T. with the Postural Restoration Institute
Additional areas of self-research:
- Osteopathic techniques for the face
- Tongue posture
- Myofunctional considerations
- Visualization techniques for the face and body
