International Day of Yoga: From youthful skin to managing migraines, know 15 benefits of face yoga

Glowing, youthful skin is like the enchanted treasure of beauty, an eternal desire that transcends age. In our quest for everlasting youth, we turn to an array of makeup and beauty products but what if we tell you that you need to dig a little deeper? You need to rejuvenate your skin through diet and exercise as well. Yes, they play an important role here! Just as we sculpt our bodies with rigorous workouts, so must we sculpt the 57++ muscles of our faces. One of the best ways to sculpt your face is through face yoga. Scroll down to find all the benefits of face yoga.

Properly massaging and toning these muscles helps reduce sagging, improves blood circulation to the face, enhances the absorption of creams and oils, and nourishes and tightens our facial features. Incorporating appropriate facial yoga exercises can also aid in preventing the formation of wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. Doesn’t that sound lovely?

Benefits of face yoga

Facial or face yoga is not just a natural face lift but a gateway to holistic well-being. Face yoga works by targeting the muscles beneath your skin, effectively reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Through the art of face yoga massaging, one can experience enhanced circulation, lymphatic flow, and liberation from tension. Additionally, acupressure techniques promote better blood flow and decrease tension, which can help prevent headaches, clear sinuses, and improve sleep quality.

1. Improvement of muscle tone and face contours (issues specifically related to smokers).
2. Stimulates blood circulation and nutrient flow not just of the face but your organs too.
3. Promotes effective lymphatic flow and helps removing toxins from the body.
4. Helps you get a healthier glowing skin and a radiant complexion.
5. Improves sinus problems, breathing, and assists in tinnitus.
6. It’s great for patients who are facing partial facial paralysis.
7. Great for a detox or a cleanse.
8. Reduces facial spasms and muscle twitching
9. Balances energy levels and general flow of “chi”.
10. Eases stress anxiety.
11. Assists in improved sleep and well-being patterns.
12. Correction of hunger and appetite issues.
13. Corrects bowel irregularity.
14. Reduces headaches and migraines.
15. Helps those suffering from hair loss, hair weakening, and greying of hair.

Face yoga exercises for beginners

Here are five exercises that can give you a youthful appearance without invasive procedures or expensive cosmetic operations. These exercises offer a practical and accessible alternative for achieving a timeless and vibrant look.

1. Air push-ups

This exercise lifts the drooping corners of your lips by activating the zygomatic muscles in your face. Inhale deeply, filling your mouth with air. Shift the air from one side to the other, pressing it towards the inner cheek walls. Feel your face warm up as blood rushes in. Repeat 20 times for best results.

2. Cheek burpees

This exercise benefits the nasolabial folds (smile lines), mouth, cheeks, droopy lips, and droopy eyes. Start by inhaling deeply and exhaling through the side of your lips, directing the air upwards towards your eyes. Engage your cheek muscles with each breath, and try to look upwards as you do so. Repeat the exercise 20 times on each side. Your facial features will thank you for this refreshing workout.

3. Facelift with hands

To kickstart the one-minute exercise, begin by warming the oil. Then, apply the oil to your entire face, generously covering your jaw, cheeks, and forehead. With the heel of your palm, apply upward pressure from the jawline, the cheek muscles, and behind the eyes to create a gentle stretching sensation. Repeat this invigorating process three more times.

4. Brow lift

This remarkable exercise soothes your mind but also revitalises your forehead muscles while promoting lymphatic drainage. This technique specifically targets concerns like droopy brows, 11 lines, and brow lines. To begin, apply facial oil to your index and middle fingers. Lift your brows upward, starting from one end and gently working your way to the other, moving inward. Once you reach the third eye, shift your focus to the opposite brow. Repeat this invigorating exercise an additional ten times.

Cheek whipping

For an effective cheek-lifting exercise that enhances cheekbones, and jowls, and defines the jawline, try the cheek whipping technique. With the index and middle finger of your right hand, lift your facial muscles from the corner of your lip to the earlobe, counting to 20, and then to 10. Next, lift from the apples of your cheeks to the top of your ear, counting to 10.

Pro Tip: Remember, this is an intense face cardio exercise, so limit it to no more than three times a week.

What to expect from face yoga?

Consistency is key when it comes to face yoga, much like any other exercise regimen. Think of it as hitting the gym for your facial muscles. If you practice more exercises and spend more time with your face, then you’ll see quicker, faster, and better results.

The time it takes to witness lasting changes through face yoga differs from person to person. However, to achieve initial results within six to ten weeks, practise daily with sessions lasting 15 to 20 minutes.

To expedite your progress, don’t forget to incorporate a few extra tricks up your sleeve. Shield your skin with SPF to safeguard against harmful sun rays, stay hydrated, and get ample restful sleep for results to appear sooner.