Face Yoga : Secrets to an Ageless Face – Benefits of Facial Yoga

Youthful, wrinkle-free skin forever – sounds like too much to ask for, right? The best-case scenario involves either plastic surgeries or expensive cosmetics that will deliver somewhat questionable results.

What if I told you that a much simpler and a much more natural possibility exists?

This possibility is called facial yoga. A few basic facial exercises can help you maintain your skin youthfully.

What is Facial Yoga?
Facial yoga consists of a set of basic exercises that can be used to tighten and tone the facial muscles. By getting in the habit of practicing facial yoga on a daily basis, you can forget about the botox and the other “forever young” possibilities. The poses and exercises are really simple and suitable for ladies of all ages.

Want to know what the full benefits of facial yoga are? I have comprised a list of the most important advantages that you will experience, as soon as you give this practice a try.

① It’s Less Expensive than Cosmetic Surgery and Over the Counter Crèmes
Getting botox can cost you a fortune and the same rule applies to the most advertised anti-wrinkle treatments. Some of the creams could cost you hundreds of dollars. Facial yoga is a much more affordable possibility.

Facial yoga costs you nothing – you can find tutorials and examples of the most common exercises online. You simply need to get in the habit of practicing those.

② All-Natural
Anti-aging treatments are often full of chemicals, artificial preservatives and fragrances. These could lead to irritation and they could have some more harmful consequences.

Facial yoga is an all-natural practice. The lack of toxins and chemicals will have an instant effect on facial skin health. You will notice the change in your complexion and the elasticity of your skin almost immediately.

③ It may Slow Down the Aging Process
We all know that squinting and smiling can lead to the early appearance of wrinkles in particular areas.

Facial yoga helps the muscles relax and overcome the effects of subconscious squinting or brow furrowing. Some facial expressions have already become a habit and the exercises can be used to break the routine and slow down the onset of the first signs of aging.

④ It Releases Tension
Speaking of tension, did I mention facial yoga releases that, too? Well, yes! It’s incredible how much stress we carry around on our neck and face. Facial yoga adds awareness of those muscles and different ways to alleviate any tightness that you may carry around. It helps some women recover from chronic neck pain.

⑤ Facial Skin Toning
Exercise tones muscles and facial yoga is no exception. As you move the muscles, you will be improving circulation in the area. The provision of nutrients and oxygen to the facial tissues will keep the skin nourished and beautiful.

The movement of muscles and the improved circulation will also stimulate collagen production, which is another manner in which facial yoga will postpone the appearance of the first wrinkles.

⑥ Can Help Eliminate Double Chins
Who doesn’t want to eliminate the dreaded double chin? Or jowls? Facial yoga can assist in eliminating both! This goes hand in hand with toning, but with more focus on the neck, which can sag with aging. In fact, in many Asian cultures, neck exercises are a beauty secrets believed to promote youthfulness.

⑦ Boost Your Confidence
Let’s face it – when you look better, you feel better. A little bit of facial yoga on a daily basis will soon lead to much healthier and radiant skin. Noticing the difference will boost your self-confidence and make you feel really good. The humorous aspect of doing the facial exercises will also have an effect on your self-perception and general attitude.

Ready to Practice?
Now that we have discussed the basics and the benefits of facial yoga, it is time to learn some of the most common and the most beneficial exercises. These can be done everywhere – try them in front of the mirror and have fun with the process.

① Smiling Fish Face – to Tone & Lift the Face

The Smiling Fish assists in toning and lifting the cheeks. Form a traditional fish face with your lips. Then, smile. Both actions should occur simultaneously. Repeat 5 times.

② Marilyn – for Firmer, Fuller Lips

Named for the infamous Marilyn Monroe, this pose is geared towards creating firmer, fuller lips. Simply pucker your lips, press them into your hand, and blow a kiss. Repeat.

&#9314 ; Baby Bird – to Firm Neck, Jaw & Throat

This pose is meant to tone neck muscles and prevent sagging, double chins. Also known as “Kiss-the-ceiling” – First, tilt your head back to the right like trying to kiss the ceiling. Tip your chin upward and press the tip of the tongue to the roof of the mouth. Next, smile, then swallow. Repeat for center and left side.

④ Satchmo – to Reduce Chubbiness

Reduce chubbiness with this exercise. This simple exercise works great on your modiolus muscle (muscle on either side of mouth), orbicularis oris muscle (muscle around your mouth), and zygomatic arc (cheek bones).This pose was named after horn players who store a lot of air in their cheeks! Grab a big breath and puff the breath from cheek to cheek. Repeat until you run out of air, 5 to 10 seconds. Repeat the sequence 10 times.

⑤ Temple Dancer – to Ward off Crow’s Feet

Temple Dancer focuses on warding off crow’s feet and sagging. While keeping the rest of your face motionless, open your eyes wider than usual. Look slowly left, then back to center. Look slowly right, then back to center. Repeat 10 times.

⑥ Buddha – to Reset the Face

This pose is meant to reset the face into a state of smooth calm. Simply close your eyes and smile very slightly. Be sure to relax the rest of the face completely to achieve maximum calm.

⑦ Lion Face, Part I – to Stretch Facial Muscle & Release Tension

Lion face exercise stretches facial muscles and releases tension. Inhale through your nose, make fists and squeeze all your facial muscles. Reapet this exercise for 5 times to reap the benefits.

⑧ Lion Face, Part II

Now exhale through your mouth, stick out your tongue, roll your eyes up and open your hands. Repeat three times.

Images 1-6 courtesy of Amanda . Images 7-8 from Time Magazine.