The International Journal of Professional Holistic Aromatherapy
By Yasmine ElGhamrawy, MSc., Cert. Aromatherapist, Skincare Formulator, Founder of Yatlina® and Yumiko Inoue, CNHC, FYM, CMA, TIDHA, IFPA, BRA, ARR, AEAJ, Cert. Complementary Therapist
Facial reflex therapy and essential oil–based skincare are commonly used in complementary practice to support skin health and emotional well-being. However, limited studies explore their combined effect in a menopausal context.
This case study examined how a personalised, integrative facial care approach might affect a client’s emotional and physical well-being. Combining facial reflex therapy and aromatherapeutic skincare, it explored their joint effects in a structured, one-to-one setting
Research on using these therapies together in menopausal clients is limited. This case study aimed to assess whether the combined approach could support both skin changes and emotional balance. Furthermore, it explores the potential benefits of integrating facial reflex therapy Sorensensistem™ with an aromatherapeutic facial oil on skin texture, facial muscle tone, and emotional well-being in menopausal clients.
Menopause often causes visible skin changes alongside emotional shifts and loss of internal balance. These issues are interconnected with stress impacting skin health and appearance, influencing mood and self-perception. The treatment plan reflected this complexity. Rather than targeting a single symptom, the approach treated the face as a map of the whole person, encompassing their emotional, energetic, and physical aspects. Sessions combined skilled touch with therapeutic scent to support skin texture, ease tension, and foster inner balance and self-connection.
The case follows one client through ten sessions, using reflective feedback, visual records, and practitioner notes to track changes in appearance and deeper emotional well-being. Written informed consent for the use of anonymised data and publication of photographs was obtained from the client prior to the study.
The client, age 56, presented with menopausal symptoms, including fatigue, heightened anxiety, and panic attacks, and peri-oral skin irritation. She also reported persistent jaw tightness, poor sleep quality with fear and worry, and difficulty regulating stress while acting as the full-time caregiver for her elderly mother.
Although she had not previously experienced facial reflex therapy, she was familiar with facials and used Aromatherapy informally at home. Her initial focus was on improving her skin tone and texture, though she was open to supporting emotional well-being if it emerged as part of the process.
Medications included prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (Estradot and Utrogestan) and antihypertensive medication (Losartan). She had a history of topical steroid use (Betnovate steroid cream and Betacap steroid scalp solution) for dermatitis. No known allergies were declared.
The sessions were structured progressively, guided by the client’s feedback and the evolving presentation of their skin.
The facial microsystem reflex map uses specific points and areas on the face that correspond to internal organs and systems. In the basic seven-step sequence (Cassara and Carrasco, 2013; Sorensen, 2011b), these points and areas are gently stimulated to support systemic balance, muscle release, and relaxation of both body and mind.
In session one, the area with the largest deposit on the face (swollen tissues indicating bodily imbalances) was identified and analysed. From session two onwards, additional techniques were introduced to expand the therapeutic effect. These included:
These methods were layered onto the base protocol to create a responsive, whole-body treatment via facial reflex pathways. The goal was to stimulate the body’s innate healing mechanisms through precise facial point work.
The complete protocol included:
Sessions were conducted weekly, each lasting 60 to 75 minutes.
The setting was calm and private, allowing for an uninterrupted therapeutic space. The client also applied the facial oil nightly as part of her personal routine, reinforcing treatment effects between visits
A bespoke facial oil was created to use for skin experiencing hormonal or seasonal stress. It was formulated to support the skin barrier, encourage regeneration, and provide a calming aromatic experience to complement therapeutic touch.
For this case, the oil was selected from a set of five available blends after joint discussion between the formulator (Yasmine ElGhamrawy) and the therapist (Yumiko Inoue). It was chosen not only for its potential to address the client’s skin sensitivity and uneven tone, but also for two key functional qualities that aligned with the therapeutic goals:
The formulation contained a blend of nutrient-rich plant oils and a low concentration (0.5%) of selected essential oils
The formulation comprised a spectrum of plant oils, each selected for its unique profile of fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. Together, they support barrier repair, moisture retention, and the regeneration of hormonally affected skin (Lin et al., 2017; Parker, 2015).
Together, these oils provide omega-3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids, antioxidant polyphenols, and protective sterols.
This combination supports:
Selected for both skin affinity and emotional support (Ali et al., 2015; Buckle, 2015; Price et al., 2021):
While these essential oils offer mild skin benefits at low concentrations, their inclusion primarily served to create a consistent, comforting aromatic profile that supported parasympathetic activation. The client described the scent as “soothing and familiar,” which helped her enter a more relaxed state during treatment and enhanced compliance with home use.
The foundation of the treatment was the Sorensensistem™ Facial Reflex Therapy, developed by Lone Sorensen (Sorensen, 2011a). This method draws from traditional Eastern medical systems, including Chinese meridians, Vietnamese acupuncture maps, Tibetan philosophy, and methods from South America and Japan. It integrates them with modern insights from neuroscience and neuroanatomy.
Unlike general facial massage, this method uses precise, rhythmic stimulation of micro-reflex points and areas on the face and scalp. These points and areas correspond to internal organs, glands, and body systems. The goal is to influence neural signalling between the brain and the rest of the body, supporting physical, emotional, and neurological regulation.
The Facial Reflex Therapy protocol was adaptive and responsive. Early sessions focused on immune support and hormonal balance for her anxiety and panic attacks. Later treatments shifted to slower, grounding sequences as emotional themes such as grief and exhaustion surfaced. The arms and legs also showed signs of extreme tension due to negative emotions held. Treatment adjustments were made based on the client’s physical cues, including skin texture, muscle resistance, and facial expression.
Observations focusing on skin texture, muscle tone, and emotional expression were tracked through client responses, verbal feedback, practitioner observation, visual comparison, and written feedback.
The client presented with heightened sensitivity, peri-oral redness, emotionally related muscular tension, and visible fatigue. Her skin appeared dull, with congestion and a lack of tone around the mouth and forehead.
Across the treatment period:
Facial Reflex Therapy techniques focus was adapted to address changing needs:
This case highlighted the potential of an integrative facial approach to support emotional resilience and physical renewal. Both practitioners noted how combining skilled touch with aromatic presence created a layered therapeutic effect:
One potential refinement would be incorporating a structured self-report tool or symptom tracker to quantify progress and deepen client insight.
Note: Around session five, her dermatitis had worsened due to elevated stress levels. However, she gradually began learning how to manage her stress, and by the final session, we observed noticeable improvement in her skin condition. Furthermore, there was a noticeable reduction in forehead wrinkles and an improvement in eyebrow symmetry. Her skin texture showed significant improvement over the course of eight sessions, aligning with the approximately 28-day skin cell turnover cycle.
Progressive improvements were noted in skin firmness, hydration, and luminosity. The client reported improved mood regulation, deeper sleep, and reduced anxiety. A strong scent-memory connection developed, with the facial oil acting as a sensory cue for relaxation between sessions.
The sessions offered more than a physical improvement from the client’s perspective; they became a space of reflection, support, and self-connection. She reported greater self-awareness and resilience in emotionally demanding situations, alongside noticeable changes in skin tone and comfort.
The combination of facial reflex therapy and a tailored facial oil blend proved effective in this case, addressing both visible skin concerns and underlying emotional tension. Over the course of ten sessions, the client experienced noticeable improvements in skin tone and texture, as well as facial muscle relaxation and overall emotional balance. This was supported by both practitioner observation and the client’s own feedback.
While this case offered insight into how a personalised combination of facial reflex therapy and aromatherapeutic skincare may support emotional and skin-related concerns during menopause, the findings are context-specific. This case reflects a single-client response, and the results may not be generalisable. Observations were largely subjective and practitioner-reported. While progress aligned with the treatment timeline, external factors, such as caregiving stress and personal habits, may have influenced outcomes. Structured outcome tools would provide additional insight into future studies.
Though anecdotal, this case suggests potential benefits of combining reflex-based facial massage with aromatic interventions for clients navigating hormonal and emotional transitions. Replicating the case with outcome measures or expanding it to a larger client group could strengthen these observations.
The authors are grateful to FC for her openness and commitment throughout this process and to Yumiko Inoue for her deep skill and compassionate presence during each session.
Yasmine ElGhamrawy is a certified Aromatherapist, natural skincare formulator, and founder of the award-winning brand Yatlina®. Her work blends scientific insight with traditional plant-based care to create targeted Aromatherapy products and functional scent experiences. Through Yatlina® she offers clinical Aromatherapy, bespoke scent services, seasonal workshops, and aromatic travel programmes that explore the cultural roots and practical uses of essential oils. Yasmine’s proprietary blend “Immortal Beauty” was used in this case study. www.yatlina.com
Yumiko Inoue is an experienced complementary therapist with nearly 30+ years of expertise in wellness and beauty, with features in top lifestyle publications and a reputation for beautifully transformative work. Specialising in Aromatherapy, facial reflex therapy, Japanese cosmo lifting, foot reflexology, and manual lymphatic drainage, and face yoga. Her integrated and client-first approach supports both inner balance and outer radiance. She is also a hands-on teacher for Sorensensistem.