Facials
Kobido Japanese Facial Massage in Málaga
Kobido is a hands-only Japanese facial massage, with no devices, combining quick rhythmic movements, gentle pressure and drainage strokes over the face, neck and décolletage. At Narumi, in Málaga city centre, Marta Fernández performs it in our treatment room with the Mount Fuji mural. It leaves your face relaxed, your skin brighter and your features looking more toned. You can enjoy it as a single session or, if you love it, regularly.
- Duration
- Around 45 minutes
- Sessions
- One session is enough to enjoy it; book regularly to keep the effect
- How often
- Every 1–4 weeks, at your own pace
- How it feels
- Relaxing, with a changing rhythm: quick movements and slow pressure
What you can (and can't) expect
What it helps with
- A relaxed face and a rested expression
- Skin radiance
- A more toned look and a tightening effect after the session
- A less puffy feel to the face, thanks to the drainage movements
What it doesn't do
- It doesn't relieve migraines, teeth grinding or jaw joint problems
- It doesn't fill folds or lift marked sagging
- It doesn't erase deep wrinkles or pigmentation
Is it right for you?
Ideal for
- Anyone looking for a wellbeing facial without devices, needles or acids
- People who hold tension in their face and want to switch off
- Those wanting to look their best before an event, with nothing that irritates the skin
- As a gift or as part of a pampering ritual
When we don't carry it out
- Irritated skin, wounds, sunburn or an active cold sore
- Inflamed acne or a rosacea flare-up: please see your dermatologist
- Recent fillers, threads or facial procedures, until your doctor gives the go-ahead
- Fever, infection or feeling generally unwell
- Persistent facial or jaw pain: see your doctor or dentist first
If you're unsure about your own situation, check with your doctor first. We'll go through it with you at your initial consultation.
Your session, step by step
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Welcome and assessment
We chat about your skin and how you're feeling, and settle you into the room with the Japanese mural.
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Cleanse
We cleanse your skin so the hands glide over a well-prepared surface.
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Opening massage
Enveloping strokes over the neck, décolletage and shoulders to release tension before moving to the face.
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Kobido on the face
Rhythmic sequences, fast and slow, with gentle pressure and drainage movements across the whole face.
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Finishing
Slow calming strokes, moisturiser and sunscreen. We give you a moment before you get up.
A massage rooted in Japanese tradition
Kobido grew out of anma, Japan’s traditional massage, and its name is usually translated as “ancient way of beauty”. Tradition places its origins in the 15th century and links it to families of masters who passed the technique down from one generation to the next. As with many traditions, the exact history blends fact and storytelling; what has come down to us is a recognisable style of facial massage, with changing rhythms, quick movements that stimulate and slow pressure that relaxes.
At Narumi, Kobido has a special meaning. Narumi is a Japanese name, and one of our treatment rooms is decorated with a mural of Mount Fuji, a pagoda and cherry trees in bloom. That’s where we perform Kobido: a facial designed to help you switch off, not to leave you with red skin or a list of aftercare instructions.
What you’ll notice afterwards
The most immediate change is a rested expression: your forehead, brow and jaw feel looser. Your skin usually looks brighter, with a livelier tone, and many people notice their face looks less puffy thanks to the drainage movements. Jonathan, one of our clients, described the draining feeling it gives and how it left his skin bright and hydrated.
You can enjoy that effect from the very first session. With regular sessions, your face holds on to that toned look for longer. What no massage will do, however good, is lift marked sagging or erase deep wrinkles.
Kobido on its own or as a ritual
You can book it on its own or as part of a ritual. The Ritual Narumi pairs it with a 30-minute body massage for anyone who wants to unwind from head to toe. The Silk Skin Ritual combines it with a radiofrequency facial and pressotherapy: the warmth prepares the skin and the massage closes the session calmly. Both make wonderful gifts.
After your session
Aftercare
- Drink some water and take a few minutes before heading out.
- If you can, skip make-up that day to see how your skin looks.
- Wear sunscreen, as you would every day.
- You can repeat it every few weeks if it suits you.
It's normal to notice
- A slight flush from the massage that fades quickly
- Feeling sleepy or deeply relaxed afterwards
- Kobido Japanese facial massage €29
- Ritual Narumi €50
- Ritual Piel de Seda €75
Guide prices for 2025, VAT included. Please confirm the current price on WhatsApp.
Comparison
| Kobido | Radiofrequency facial | Bellaction Duo facial | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Hands only | Controlled warmth from a beauty device | Peel, beauty device, massage and cold |
| How it feels | Relaxing, rhythmic | Gradual warmth | Varied; finishes with cold |
| Typical sessions | One-off or regular | 6–10, then maintenance | 5–10, then maintenance |
| Ideal if you want | To switch off and bring out your glow | To work on firmness consistently | A more noticeable tightening effect |
Other options that may suit you
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If you want to work on the look of firmness with a course of sessions
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If you'd like a more complete firming facial, with a beauty device and cold
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If what you need is to relax your whole body
What our clients say
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a Kobido massage in Malaga?
At Narumi Estética Avanzada & Bienestar, Calle Cristo de la Epidemia 33, near Lagunillas and a few minutes' walk from the historic centre. We perform it in our treatment room with a Japanese mural of Mount Fuji, a pagoda and cherry blossom. Book on WhatsApp or by phone on +34 611 500 328; we'll do our best to help in English.
How much does Kobido cost?
The session price is in the price table on this page. You'll also find it in two rituals: the Ritual Narumi, which pairs it with a 30-minute body massage, and the Silk Skin Ritual (Ritual Piel de Seda), with a radiofrequency facial and pressotherapy.
What exactly is Kobido?
It's a facial massage from the Japanese tradition, rooted in anma, Japan's traditional massage. It combines quick, rhythmic movements with pressure and drainage strokes. Today the name is used for facial massages that follow that tradition; ours is entirely manual, with no devices or cups.
Is Kobido a facelift?
It's often called the "Japanese facelift" because of the tightening effect you leave with, but it isn't a facelift: it doesn't lift tissue or replace surgery. What it offers is a relaxed face, brighter skin and a more toned look, which you'll enjoy even more with regular sessions.
Does it help with migraines or teeth grinding?
That's not what we offer it for. It's a wellbeing and relaxation massage, not a health treatment. If you suffer from migraines, jaw pain or clench your teeth, please see your doctor or dentist. Many people love Kobido because it relaxes their expression, but it doesn't replace any medical care.
How many Kobido sessions do I need?
There's no set number: a single session is enjoyable in itself and shows on your face as you leave. If you like the result, you can repeat it every one to four weeks to keep that radiant skin and rested expression. There's no need to commit to a course.
Does Kobido massage hurt?
It shouldn't. Some movements are fast and others press a little more firmly, especially around the jaw and temples, where tension builds up. If anything feels too intense, we soften it. Most people describe it as deeply relaxing.
Can men have Kobido?
Yes, and more and more do. It's a facial with no devices and no make-up afterwards, designed to relax your expression and bring out your skin's glow. If you shave, it's best to do so the day before so your skin isn't irritated.
Can I combine it with other treatments?
Yes. It goes beautifully with a radiofrequency facial, an LED light facial or pressotherapy. If you'd like a complete experience, our rituals already include it, with the order of each technique carefully planned.
Does it make a good gift?
It's one of our most appreciated gifts because you don't need to know anything about the recipient's skin. You can give it on its own or as part of a ritual with a gift voucher, valid for 3 months.
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Written and reviewed by Marta Fernández · Last reviewed:
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Send a messageWhere to find us
A few minutes' walk from Málaga's historic centre
- Phone and WhatsApp
- 611 500 328
- Opening hours
- By appointment only. Check availability on WhatsApp or by phone.
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