Gentle Japanese Cranial Massage for Posture, Face and Body Balance
No cracking, no forceful pressure. Our hands-on Japanese techniques help you feel lighter, stand taller and leave with a fresher, more relaxed face.
First-visit prices available · 10 salons across New Zealand · ★★★★★ rated by our clients
Kesae, our founder, in her treatment room
What Clients Come to Us For
Many clients visit us for:
- Neck, shoulder and lower-back tension
- Rounded shoulders and posture that leans forward
- Jaw tension and tired eyes
- A tired, dull or puffy-looking face
- Tension around the chin and jawline
- Stress and trouble switching off
- Tiredness from sitting at a desk, standing at work, or caring for a family
We don’t treat medical conditions. If you have an injury or health condition, please tell us when you book, and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
Our Approach
Kesae’s treatments come from Japanese corrective beauty therapy (小顔矯正). The idea is simple: when your body’s posture and balance improve, your face, shoulders and whole body often feel lighter too.
Our techniques are gentle and work in time with your breathing. We work on the face, head, hands, feet and pelvis, because the outer parts of the body play a part in how the whole body holds itself.
What makes a Kesae session different
A goal for every sessionWe start by talking about how you want to look and feel, both today and over the next year or two.
Gentle, never forcefulNo cracking and no painful pressure. Many clients fall asleep.
Before and after photosWe show you the changes in your posture so you can see them for yourself.
A 30-second home exerciseAfter each session, we give you one simple exercise to help the results last until your next visit.
doTERRA essential oilsWe chose them for their quality, and their scent makes the session calming and relaxing.
Our Treatments
| Treatment | Length | Price | First visit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kesae Cranial Treatment 顔＋手足＋骨盤 (face, hands & feet, pelvis) | 120 min | $280 | $196 | A full head-to-toe reset |
| Deluxe Cranial Treatment 顔＋骨盤 (face + pelvis) | 90 min | $210 | $147 | Face and posture together |
| Bigan Facial Cranial Treatment 美顔 | 60 min | $130 | $91 | Face, jawline and scalp |
| Kotsuban Hip Treatment 骨盤矯正 | 45 min | $130 | $91 | Posture, hips and lower back |
The 120-minute Kesae Cranial Treatment is available at Gardens Manurewa, Mt Eden, Te Atatu South and Whangārei.
Kesae Cranial Treatment120 minOur signature full-body treatment. We combine facial cranial work with hand, foot and pelvic techniques to improve overall balance and boost circulation, and to bring a natural glow to your face. Ideal if you want to feel completely reset.
Deluxe Cranial Treatment90 minBigan facial work and Kotsuban hip work together. A popular choice if you want to see changes in your face and posture in a single visit. Many clients come back once a month.
Bigan Facial Cranial Treatment60 min“Bigan” (美顔) means “beautiful face.” This gentle facial and scalp technique, learned in Japan, focuses on the muscles and structure beneath the skin to help your face look lifted, fresh and more balanced. No surgery, no machines, just skilled hands.
Kotsuban Hip Treatment45 min“Kotsuban” (骨盤) means “pelvis.” Gentle work around the pelvis and sacrum helps your body find its centre again. Popular with mums after childbirth, people who sit or stand all day, and anyone whose posture has started to lean forward.
Your First Visit
- Message us on Facebook. Tell us your preferred salon, treatment and time. Your therapist may be with a client, so we’ll reply as soon as we can.
- Arrive 10 minutes early. You’ll fill in a short intake form with your therapist.
- Talk about your goals. We ask about your concerns, what you’ve tried before, and how you’d like to feel.
- Relax. You stay fully clothed. Please wear or bring loose pants or yoga pants.
- See the difference and take it home. We show you your before and after posture, and give you a 30-second exercise to do at home.
Tips: Light makeup and sunscreen are fine. Full makeup will come off, because we use oil on the face, so bring your makeup if you’d like to reapply it. Please bring a water bottle.
What Our Clients Say
Find Your Nearest Salon
Same prices at every salon. Choose the one closest to you and message us to book.
Visit Us at Gardens Manurewa
Gardens Manurewa is the home salon of our founder, Kesae. All four treatments are available here, including the 120-minute Kesae Cranial Treatment.
- Therapist: Kesae
- Payment: Cash, EFTPOS or online banking
- Booking: Message us on Facebook. Please mention “Gardens Manurewa.”
From Our Treatment Room
Photos from Kesae sessions. Results vary from person to person.
Meet the Founder
In 1998, Kesae Watanabe began training in Japanese corrective beauty therapy (小顔矯正) in Tokyo. In 2000, she moved to Auckland, where she has supported women’s health and beauty ever since.
Kesae saw that many therapists had excellent technique, but few combined it with real care and attention. Kesae Total Balance was built on both. It is an “inner beauty” salon, where feeling balanced and confident shows on the outside too.
Today, Kesae Total Balance is a team of Japanese-trained therapists across New Zealand, each working in a way that fits their own life, and each bringing the same gentle Kesae approach to their clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book?
Send us a message on Facebook with your preferred salon, treatment and time. Our therapists can’t answer calls during treatments, so Messenger is the quickest way to reach us.
What happens in my first session?
Your therapist will ask about your health history, any areas of tension, and your goals, then suggest the treatment that suits you best. You stay fully clothed.
What should I wear?
Wear or bring loose pants or yoga pants. Light makeup is fine. Full makeup will come off with the facial oil.
Is cranial massage painful?
No. It is gentle and non-invasive, with no cracking and no forceful pressure.
How often should I come?
It depends on your goals. Some clients come weekly at first, and many come monthly to maintain their results. Your therapist will help you plan what works for you.
What if I have a medical condition or injury?
Please let us know when you book, and remind your therapist before your session so they can adjust the treatment. Our treatments don’t replace medical care.
What if I need to cancel?
If you’re unwell (cold, cough, fever, stomach bug, etc.), please cancel. There’s no fee for cancelling because of illness. If you’re unsure, just message us.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes. Message us to arrange one.
How can I pay?
Cash or online banking at all salons. EFTPOS is also available at Gardens Manurewa.
What if I’m not happy with my treatment?
Please contact us within 7 days. We’ll work with you to put it right, including rescheduling or adjusting your treatment at no cost.
Ready to Feel Lighter?Message us on Facebook to book your first session at first-visit prices.Message Us to Book