This intra-oral facial gives a whole new meaning to mind-body connection

It did more than scratch the surface

Influenced by the ancient wisdom of Buccal massage, Kobido, and Chuanzhi Chinese acupressure – a new kind of facial experience is set to shake up the industry. Here’s everything you need to know. 

We’re all familiar with the lingering relaxation a great facial leaves you with, every pore on your face beaming with gratitude. 

However, finding a treatment program and a dermal therapist that truly speaks the language of your skin is easier said than done (trust me, I’ve had some doozies). 

So, when Isabella Loneragan, one of Australia’s leading dermal experts asks you to test her latest facial innovation, there’s really only one suitable response. 

‘When and where?’

This bespoke intuitive facial treatment – The Intrinsic Illumination Infusion –  is the natural progression of ‘The Intrinsic Facial’, another treatment launched by Loneragan in 2019. 

“I realised that after five years and giving tens of thousands of facial treatments, I was only scratching the surface when it comes to intrinsically – that is, internally – treating the face,” the dermal expert tells Body+Soul. 

“I travelled to Paris and to London to learn from masters of traditional Japanese Kobido and Chinese Chuanzhi acupressure,” she adds. 

“I combined this with my earlier international training in the Russian-derived Buccal technique and combined all three practices with my own insights gleaned from almost two decades working in the industry, to ultimately create this fusion of modern methods and ancient massage practices that now is The Intrinsic Illumination Infusion.”

Taking the meaning of holistic treatment to an entirely new level, Loneragan’s latest technique uses applied massage and acupressure to target the whole body, delving into the practice of neuro-cosmetics – the brain-skin connection.

Having had a front-row seat to Loneragan’s flawless technique and expert knowledge, the facial’s focus on mind-body connection was undeniably its standout quality. 

While Loneragan’s series of serums and products (each curated by the expert herself) no doubt left my skin glowing like never before, her variation of massage techniques – both externally and intra-orally –  left my entire body feeling like I’d spent the last hour floating on a cloud. 

“This treatment not only releases tension in facial muscles that cause wrinkles, but it also works with the 12 meridians of the body to harmonise energies that extend right through to the body’s organs,” Loneragan explains. 

Though each technique played a noticeable role throughout the treatment, Loneragan’s Buccal massage incorporation was unlike anything I (or my face) had ever experienced. Buccal massage, which targets the muscles inside of the mouth, gently stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage to help to reduce puffiness and promote a more contoured facial structure.

Loneragan's newest treatment left me feeling more relaxed than ever. Image: iStock

A shift towards holistic, human-based practices

With an excess of skincare products and treatments to choose from, finding the right routine and approach for our skin can feel like a hopeless pursuit at times. However, though we appear to be living in the age of tech-based beauty and TikTok trends, the Bowral-based dermal therapist says there has never been a greater appetite for ancient techniques and knowledge.

Having been in the industry for over 15 years, Loneragan’s latest facial has been masterfully designed with the changing demands of the industry in mind, “The market is looking for treatments that don’t include machines – but rather, are touch-based therapies,” says the dermal expert. 

“It isn’t so much a demand for the latest and greatest in skincare tech but more ‘natural’ and touch-based expertise. So, I really think we’re seeing a revival in old school, even ancient, human-based practices but with modern enhancements based on the latest knowledge of the industry.”

Originally published as This intra-oral facial gives a whole new meaning to mind-body connection