Facial Yoga: Techniques and Benefits
Summary
We all know yoga, but have you ever heard of facial yoga ? It consists of varied and targeted exercises on the face. Simple and easy to implement, it helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and restore your skin's former radiance.
Seduced by this promise? Then come and discover the techniques and all the benefits of facial yoga ! 😁
What is facial yoga?
Definition of facial yoga
Facial yoga, also called face yoga, is a method based on different types of exercises and aimed at plumping and relaxing your face. Inspired by traditional yoga, it emphasizes the body-mind relationship by combining breathing techniques with different facial movements.
These facial yoga exercises can take the form of self-massages on a given area, specific movements to do or precise acupressure points. Facial yoga is a non-invasive and accessible technique, which can bring great well-being if practiced regularly.
What are the benefits of facial yoga?
Its main effect is an increased tone of the 43 facial muscles, which helps reduce wrinkles. The facial muscles support the skin. If they are strengthened, the skin will tend to firm up and therefore not sag. Self-massages stimulate the natural production of collagen, accentuating the appearance of young and plumped skin.
Moreover, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2018 demonstrated that in women aged 40 to 65, daily practice of facial yoga for 20 weeks improves skin elasticity and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
But the benefits of facial yoga don't stop there! Massages and other facial movements also work on blood circulation, bringing more nutrients and oxygen to the cells. This promotes more radiant skin.
Stress is a major factor in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Breathing and relaxation techniques, combined with facial movements, will allow you to access a state of increased relaxation. Complete relaxation is essential to ensure the effectiveness of other facial yoga exercises.
If you want to learn more about how to take care of your skin, check out our articles on hyaluronic acid as a dietary supplement as well as on foods that are good for the skin.
The Importance of Relaxation in Face Yoga
Relaxation: a key element of facial yoga
Relaxation is a pillar of facial yoga. Indeed, in traditional yoga, the state of appeasement is brought about by a series of postures as well as by breathing techniques. Facial yoga is no exception to the rule.
Practicing only facial movements without combining them with breathing exercises is to deprive yourself of a huge part of the benefits brought by facial yoga . Breathing helps bring the body and mind into a state of well-being essential to the success of your practice. It helps to release all the tensions accumulated in the body, counteracting the occurrence of new wrinkles.
In addition, deep breathing techniques allow for increased awareness of the present moment and improve concentration. The sensations will only be better during your practice!
Deep breathing also allows for better blood circulation and, therefore, better cellular oxygenation. This further reinforces the benefits associated with facial yoga.
Some breathing techniques that will benefit your facial yoga practice
Breathing exercises are grouped under the name “pranayama,” which is one of the eight pillars of yoga. Now let’s look at some deep breathing techniques that you can use in your daily practice.
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Square breathing: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds again, then repeat.
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Deep abdominal breathing: Place one hand on your chest and one on your stomach. Inhale deeply, expanding your stomach, then exhale, pulling your stomach in. Breathing is slow and your hands are there to feel the movement of your abdomen.
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Kapalabhati breathing: While sitting, inhale gently through your nose and then exhale jerkily and forcefully through your nose while contracting your abdominal muscles. You can repeat this cycle 20 to 30 times and then take a deep, slow breath before starting again.
These breathing techniques can be performed before, during, or after facial yoga exercises. They will maximize the effect of the exercises you will do and achieve an optimal state of serenity.
Practical facial yoga exercises
There are about sixty different facial yoga exercises. Here are a few that you can easily do at home.
Reduce the lion's wrinkle
Grab the skin above and below your eyebrow with your thumbs and index fingers. Massage by stretching the eyebrow between your fingers.
To read 📖: “Rejuvenate with facial yoga”, Julie Akasha, Editions Tredaniel, October 2023.
Reduce double chin
In a seated position, tilt your head forward while exhaling through your mouth. On the next inhalation, tilt your head back then lift your chin and place your lower lip on your upper lip. Hold this position for 10 seconds then release by exhaling slowly.
Repeat the exercise for a maximum of 5 minutes.
Relax the jaw muscles
Bend your fingers and massage, in a circular motion, all around the jaw area. You can increase the pressure as your fingers move up towards your ear to increase the effectiveness of the technique. With this same position, you can work on the entire zygomatic area (the outer part of the cheek).
YouTube video by Delphine Marie Yoga “Face Yoga: 3 exercises to release, smooth the face and relax the jaw”
These three exercises are a first approach to facial yoga, but there are many others depending on the area you want to work on!
Other allies of relaxation: Ashwagandha and Magnesium
Ashwagandha: an effective adaptogen against stress
Ashwagandha is an ancient adaptogenic herb, primarily used in Ayurvedic medicine. Its use may be beneficial in promoting sleep and relaxation.
Indeed, it improves the body's resistance to stress, promotes the onset of sleep or helps maintain emotional stability. It is an ally of choice to fight against nervous fragility. It contributes to the appearance of a state of intellectual and physical well-being. This is why we offer a supplement based on organic Ashwagandha root extract KSM-66®.
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Magnesium: the ideal partner for your well-being
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in many vital functions. It participates in muscle contraction, it ensures optimal nerve transmission, it contributes to quality sleep… It also helps to reduce the general stress level.
Suffice to say that without it, a state of overall well-being would be very complicated to obtain! To meet your magnesium needs, our supplement is made from Magnesium Bisglycinate which is an easy form for your body to integrate. Thus, you will be able to enjoy its many benefits!
Facial yoga is a gentle and accessible method offering significant benefits to improve the quality of your skin and promote a pleasant state of relaxation. To complete your practice, ashwagandha and magnesium can be interesting supports to maintain general relaxation. So now, all you have to do is try it! 😃
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FAQ
Does Face Yoga Really Work?
Provided you practice regularly, facial yoga can reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and bring about overall relaxation.
How to practice facial yoga?
There are a multitude of simple exercises and self-massages depending on the area you want to work on. Just follow these techniques to create a routine for yourself.
Does facial yoga reduce wrinkles?
According to an American study, facial yoga can reduce existing wrinkles and fine lines if practiced daily.
When to practice facial yoga?
You can practice whenever you want: in the morning or in the evening.
