This Tool Helps My Migraines and Makes My Skin Glow

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As someone who writes about science-backed nutrition and wellness every day, when I first heard about the Kairetool, marketed as an acupressure body tool “to stimulate fascia and naturally remove cellulite,” I was skeptical. According to the website, you can use this surgical-grade steel tool anywhere on your body, from face to feet, on bare skin or over clothes, to get a firmer, less-puffy appearance. It sounded a little woo-woo to me, but I was curious to give it a try (after all, who wouldn’t want more-toned, less-puffy skin?).

I started rubbing the Kairetool all over my face and neck (I followed these tutorials). The tool glides smoothly on its own, but I found that using a bit of serum or coconut oil helped the process since I have very dry skin.

Rolling your face with the Kairetool has a “hurts-so-good” feeling. Though you can control the pressure, it feels like foam-rolling for your face. When I’m doing it, I can feel the fascia releasing and popping (kind of like when you’re getting a massage and your therapist gets a knot out of your back).

But here’s the thing: It doesn’t just feel good; I can notice an immediate difference when I’m done. I use my tool first thing in the morning, and the bags under my eyes are noticeably less puffy, my skin is glowy and I feel like I hold less tension in my face. And perhaps the biggest—and most unexpected—benefit is that it helps my migraines.

I have low levels of iron, and though I try to eat plenty of iron-rich foods, I still regularly suffer from migraines. If you’ve ever had a migraine, you know how terrible they are. And the strange thing is, they seem to affect everyone differently. Mine manifest behind my eyes and create horrible tension in my neck and behind my ears. The last time I had a migraine coming on, I used my Kairetool to try to relieve some of that pressure—and it seriously helped.

Let me be clear: It felt absolutely terrible to put intense pressure on my migraine trigger spots, but when I was done rolling, I noticed so much of that tension had left my body. (Also, it feels amazing after putting it in the freezer for a few minutes.) Combined with some strong headache medication and plenty of water, it was a total lifesaver.

Obviously this is just my personal experience, but there is some research to back it up. Studies have shown that facial massage can help with blood flow and vasodilation response, TMJ or “lockjaw” and, potentially, migraines. Not to mention, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence on aesthetic benefits like firmer, brighter skin and the reduction of cellulite.

The Kairetool is an investment at $125 and also comes in two crystal-encrusted versions for $165 (I have the jade one). While I think it’s worth every penny—especially if you suffer from headaches or migraines like me—there are plenty of similar options out there that are less expensive (like this one on Amazon, $55). Or, if you just want an instant puffiness reduction, you could also try this nifty ice roller ($22, Amazon).

Jaime Milan is EatingWell’s digital editor for all things newsy and trending. She’s always on the hunt for the latest and greatest things to share with EatingWell’s readers. In her spare time, you can find her experimenting in the kitchen, tackling home projects with her husband or taking pics of her very photogenic American Eskimo Dog, Grits. Follow her on Instagram at @jaimemmilan.