4 Face Yoga ‘Moves’ to vitalise your visage
Try introducing face yoga into your routine for a real full body workout
By now, we are all well aware of the multiple benefits that regular yoga practice can offer us. But have you tried face yoga?
It may sound strange, and maybe even a bit woo woo, but extending your practice from the body all the way through to your face can promise partakers tighter skin, firmer cheeks, and even a brighter complexion. We sought out the help of Danielle Collins, World Leading Face Yoga Expert to share her top face yoga ‘moves’ for a vitalised visage.
Frown Preventer
Gently press the index finger and middle finger between the eyebrows. Press into the muscle and gently stretch the eyebrows away from each other. Hold for 2 deep breaths. Repeat twice more.
Benefits: This is an excellent way to release tension from the procerus muscle between the eyebrows which when tense can mean we frown or grimace. This helps to smooth lines in this area, prevent new lines being formed as well as improve the circulation in this area, brightening the skin. You can practice this at any time but this is ideal to use first thing in the morning to prevent stress-related expression lines in this area during the day.
Tongue in Cheek
Place the tongue inside the cheek by your upper back tooth. Slowly bring the tongue up the inside of the cheek, moving forward along to the area where the line is between the mouth and the nose. Continue up and down for up to 8 rounds, Repeat the other side.
Benefits: Reduces and prevents nasal labial lines (lines between the nose and the mouth) by strengthening the underlying muscles and tightening the skin attached to the muscles. It is also great for energising the skin by boosting the circulation which brings fresh blood and oxygen to the surface of the skin. You can also do this one at any time but it’s perfect to do when driving, cooking, or reading as it is a hands-free exercise.
Advanced Puffer Fish
Puff both cheeks out full of air and use one hand to tighten and hold the skin taught around the lips to prevent lines here and to add extra resistance. Keeping the cheeks puffed out, gently tap one cheek with the free hand and then move the hand across to the other cheeks. Keep moving the hand from side to side for 30 seconds.
Benefits: This is great to lift and firm the cheeks, reduce smile lines and lift the lower face by strengthening the muscles. The tapping aspect of the exercise helps to boost the collagen, elastin and circulation to brighten and plump the skin. This is a great one to use anytime but is especially good at helping the skin to look energised before a party or special occasion.
Turkey Neck Toner
Turn the head to one side and slightly tilt the head back. Keeping the mouth closed, repeatedly bring the tongue up to the roof of the mouth so you feel it working the area under the chin. Do this between 6 and 12 times before repeating on the other side.
Benefits: Lifts and tones the loose skin under the chin and reduces neck tension. You can do this at any time and it’s actually a great one to do while you are doing yoga poses such as twists so you are combing body and face yoga together.
