Kobido and Hadado: Traditional Facial Sculpting Massage for Non-Invasive Results
Kobido and Hadado fuse centuries-old Japanese techniques with modern approaches to support circulation and structure and promote overall skin health, offering a non-invasive route to achieving a sculpted, rejuvenated look. At Yutori Wellness in Shoreditch, practitioners Hiroe Hamilton and Ania Bodi combine selected elements of both approaches with their own therapeutic techniques to create a truly integrative facial sculpting experience. These ancient techniques promise a radiant, youthful appearance without needles or surgery.
Book a Kobido or Hadado session with one of our practitioners.
Understanding Kobido and Hadado Facial Treatments
Rather than treating Kobido and Hadado as two completely separate treatments, practitioners Hiroe and Ania combine selected elements of both approaches with their own therapeutic techniques. This includes fascial work, lymphatic drainage, acupressure points and work with the head, neck, shoulders and décolleté.
Yutori’s Kobido face therapy methods emphasise holistic beauty, focusing on the natural enhancement of facial contours and skin health. By incorporating specific hand movements, our practitioners stimulate circulation, lymphatic drainage, and facial muscle toning. The result is a facial sculpting massage that feels as therapeutic as it looks: deeply relaxing, releasing and revitalising, while naturally leaving the face looking more lifted, sculpted and refreshed.
Key Differences Between Kobido and Hadado
Kobido
Kobido (古美道) is a traditional, centuries-old Japanese esthetic technique that was born about 540 years ago in Suruga (now Shizuoka Prefecture) and originated from amma (massage). Today, Dr. Shogo Mochizuki, a physician and specialist in Japanese massage, carries on the tradition as the 26th head master.
Kobido is presented as the ultimate facial massage: directly working the facial muscles to stimulate contraction and achieve the maximum firming effect. You can expect rhythmic and percussive strokes, which will improve circulation and leave the skin lifted and glowing. This method is particularly beneficial for those seeking to enhance their facial structure and achieve a youthful appearance. The rapid hand movements help to tone facial muscles, giving an immediate lifting effect after each session.
Hadado
Hadado represents a more advanced, master level evolution of Kobido that brings together tradition and innovation. More modern in concept, it was developed to deepen and expand the effectiveness of traditional Japanese facial massage techniques through precise work with the muscles, fascia, and the lymphatic system to enhance both structural and aesthetic results.
There is a strong emphasis on the preparation of the tissues before any lifting, contouring, or sculpting begins. Hadado was developed by Tomasz Tomasik (trained by Dr. Shogo Mochizuki, 26th Master of House and Lineage of Kobido Japan). Tomasz added myofascial release prior to the traditional Kobido to increase its benefit. Think of this as deep tissue work for your face. While Kobido focuses on energising the face, Hadado provides a soothing experience that delivers impressive results.
While both massages offer incredible benefits for facial health, Yutori’s Kobido Face Therapy will meld both techniques and create a treatment that is individually adapted to your face and what your body needs on that particular day.
What to Expect During a Kobido or Hadado Appointment
A typical session with one of our practitioners lasts from 60 to 90 minutes and includes the following:
Cleansing
The skin is thoroughly washed with a gentle cleanser before the treatment begins.
During Yutori’s Kobido Face Therapy
Your practitioner will assess your needs and build a facial massage tailored to you specifically. Our practitioners use gentle strokes at first before using fast, rhythmic hand movements and tapping to stimulate blood flow, promote lymphatic drainage, and achieve a non-invasive lift.
How Sessions End
Beyond looking more lifted and refreshed, you leave feeling calmer, more grounded and at ease.
How Kobido and Hadado Work Beyond the Face
This is much more than a facial lifting treatment.
While the natural lifting and sculpting effect is one of the most visible results, the treatment works on a much deeper level. It combines a variety of manual techniques, including fascial release, lymphatic drainage, relaxation techniques and acupressure points, together with therapeutic work on the face, head, neck, shoulders and décolleté.
By working beyond the face itself, the treatment can help release accumulated tension and may be particularly beneficial for people experiencing jaw and TMJ tension, headaches, facial muscle tightness associated with stress or bruxism, or tension related to prolonged sitting and poor posture.
The work around the head, neck and shoulder girdle is an important part of the treatment. Tension in these areas can have a direct influence on how we hold and use our face, jaw and neck.
The lifting effect is a natural result of releasing tension, improving tissue mobility and supporting circulation and lymphatic flow.
The result is a treatment that feels as therapeutic as it looks: deeply relaxing, releasing and revitalising, while naturally leaving the face looking more lifted, sculpted and refreshed.
Finding Sculpting Facial Massage in Shoreditch, London
Our practitioners bring expertise and holistic commitment to health. Hiroe Hamilton and Ania Bodi tailor our facial massage treatments to the individual, bringing together Japanese acupuncture, shiatsu, and massage therapy to regulate the body and restore balance.
We specialise in authentic Kobido and Hadado facial massage in Shoreditch, as well as integrative face therapy that combines both approaches. Whether you’re seeking natural facial lifting, stress relief, or deep tissue release and lymphatic drainage, our practitioners create a personalised experience for your needs.
Book a Kobido or Hadado session with one of our practitioners.
Tips for Maintaining Results After a Yutori Kobido Face Therapy Massage
While these treatments require zero downtime, integrating practices at home can amplify their benefits and help prolong the results.
Hydration
It’s important to stay hydrated after a Kobido or Hadado session, as both treatments promote lymphatic drainage. Drinking plenty of water will help your body flush out any toxins released during the treatment, rehydrate facial muscles, and prevent soreness from fascial release.
Post-treatment Skincare
After your treatment, opt for soothing products that hydrate and nourish the skin, such as serums and moisturisers rich in natural ingredients. Avoid harsh exfoliants or aggressive treatments immediately after your sessions so as not to overwhelm the body.
Acupressure and Lymphatic Drainage Support
Additionally, it may help to incorporate lymphatic massage or stimulate certain acupressure points into your daily skincare practice. This can help prolong the results of any Kobido or Hadado massage. Ask your practitioner during your appointment for more guidance.
Comparing Kobido and Hadado to Other Non-Invasive Facial Treatments
While modern techniques such as injectables, and microneedling offer effective results, some are searching for a holistic solution that does not involve injections or downtime. Japanese traditional facial massage provides a natural alternative with its own unique advantages, all while providing excellent results.
Differences from Modern Facial Treatments
Unlike invasive injectables, which involve introducing foreign substances into the body, Kobido and Hadado focus on enhancing your skin’s natural capabilities. These Japanese facial massage techniques work by stimulating circulation and toning muscles, promoting a lifted appearance without the risks associated with fillers, and other injectables.
Kobido and Hadado involve no downtime, allowing you to return to your daily activities immediately after treatment.
Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Needs
Selecting the ideal facial treatment involves considering your personal preferences, skin conditions, and lifestyle. A consultation with our practitioners determines the best option for your needs.
If you’re looking for a natural, non-invasive approach to facial sculpting in London, Kobido and Hadado offer a compelling alternative.
To get started, book a Kobido or Hadado appointment with one of our practitioners.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Kobido is a traditional Japanese facial massage technique spanning 540 years, using rhythmic and percussive hand movements to directly stimulate facial muscles, improve circulation, and create a natural lifting effect. It is an effective anti-ageing approach that leaves the skin sculpted, lifted and glowing.
Hadado combines myofascial release, fascial work, deep muscle manipulation, lymphatic drainage, and acupressure techniques. It works on the deeper layers of facial tissue and muscle, releasing chronic tension while creating structural improvements in facial contour.
Yes, facial massage offers numerous benefits for the skin, including improved circulation, enhanced lymphatic drainage, and a natural lifting effect. Techniques like Kobido and Hadado can boost collagen production, resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
Kobido facial massage is suitable for individuals of all ages and skin types looking to enhance their facial appearance and promote relaxation. It is particularly beneficial for those seeking a non-invasive method to improve skin elasticity, reduce puffiness, and achieve a youthful glow.
Kobido massages can be an effective method for alleviating symptoms associated with TMJ and jaw clenching. Techniques that target the jaw and surrounding muscles can help release tension and improve range of motion.
It depends on the treatment you’ve had. Let us know when you book, and your practitioner will advise on the right timing for you.
Kobido is more dynamic and rhythmic, focused on a quick visual lifting effect. Hadado works deeper and slower, focusing on muscle tension, asymmetries, and long-term improvement in skin quality and facial contour. Both achieve natural facial rejuvenation. Your practitioner will tailor your Yutori Kobido Face Therapy session to your needs.
