An Introduction to Face Yoga: Part 1

What is Face Yoga? Face yoga is a series of facial exercises, where you intentionally isolate and tone your face muscles using exercises that stretch and work the muscles in your face to lift and tone your skin. The main focus is to perform movements with intention; as in yoga flow, when you focus on specific muscles to strengthen them through isolated movement.

What are the benefits of Face Yoga? Facial exercise can impact our health and bodies as tension in the face transmits to the whole body. The main benefit of face yoga is its effects on the skin's appearance, having a tightening and plumping effect. By stimulating the blood flow in your face, the circulation can increase the production of collagen which improves skin firmness and delays the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By intentionally toning facial muscles you promote blood circulation in the skin and help tighten the areas.

How do you do Face Yoga? You should aim to practice face yoga twice a day, ideally in the morning to wake muscles up and again before bed to release the tension created throughout the day. You should aim to practice 4 to 5 exercises per session for about 30 seconds each. You should aim to start with the bigger muscles first and then work on the more delicate areas like the eyes and mouth. While practicing each pose you should aim to maintain good straight posture, keep your chest open and maintain a continuous breath just as in yoga flow. Let’s get started!

Warm Up 1: All Over Blood Start by blowing exaggerated raspberries not only just with the lips, but with the cheeks as well. The bigger the vibration is, the better for relaxing facial muscles. Lip muscles are a core muscle for the face and by relaxing them, other muscles are relaxed too. Repeat two times for 15 seconds each. Repeat two times for 10 seconds each.

Warm up 2: Relax Your Lips Start by blowing exaggerated raspberries not only just with the lips, but with the cheeks as well. The bigger the vibration is, the better for relaxing facial muscles. Lip muscles are a core muscle for the face and by relaxing them, other muscles are relaxed too. Repeat two times for 15 seconds each.

Warmup 3: Face Tapping Tapping promotes relaxation and boosts circulation. Start at your forehead and use your fingertips to rhythmically tap your skin. Continue all along your face toward your jaw. Next, tap the front of your neck and across your shoulders. Then move up along the back of your neck to your head. Finally, rub your palms together to generate heat. Cup your hands over your face and breathe deeply for several breaths.

I hope you enjoyed these warm ups. Check back for more exercises focusing on the neck, chin and jawline. These exercises and more can be found in An Introduction to Face Yoga.