What is Face Yoga?

As we grow older, many of us search for ways to make our skin look younger. While expensive beauty products or cosmetic surgery are an option for some, others prefer to avoid these costly solutions. If you’re looking for a natural and inexpensive way to treat your skin, face yoga may be perfect. According to yoga experts, the practice can be used to sculpt your face, lift your cheeks, and minimise the appearance of wrinkles. Better still, all you need to get started is a comfortable yoga mat. In this article, we explore face yoga in more detail.

What is Face Yoga?

Face Yoga is exactly what it sounds like – yoga for your face! The practice consists of simple exercises that can sculpt and smooth your face for a younger appearance. For best results, the exercises should be used daily. If you already use yoga, incorporate the exercises into your regular routine. Alternatively, practice face yoga whilst watching TV in the evening, or even during your lunch break!

The Exercises

Below, we explore some of the most popular exercises.

X and O Pose

X and O Pose strengthens the cheeks and jaw muscles to keep your face looking toned and trim. Additionally, the exercises can help to burn fat when used regularly. To practice the posture, straighten your neck and relax your face. Mouth the letters X and O so that your jaw, cheek, and lips are all moving. Repeat each letter 10 times for best results.

Fish Face Pose

Fish Face Pose also tones the cheeks and jaws. Additionally, the exercise helps to keep your lips looking plump. To practice the exercise, close your mouth and draw your cheeks in to create a ‘Fish Face’. Finally, try to smile whilst maintaining the position. You are in Fish Face Pose. Hold the pose for around 15 seconds before repeating the exercise. For best results, practice the pose at least 5 times per day.

Saxophone Cheeks Pose

Saxophone Cheeks Pose is another favourite for toning the face. To practice the exercise, take a deep breath in through the mouth and puff out your left cheek. Hold the air for around 5 seconds before transferring it to your right cheek. You are in Saxophone Cheeks Pose. Repeat the process around 10 times for best results.

Puppet Face Pose

Often described as a natural alternative to botox, Puppet Face Pose tones the entire face to prevent sagging skin, wrinkles, and loose cheeks. To practice the pose, place the tip of your fingers in your smile lines. Hold the smile and use your fingers to push your cheeks up. You are in Puppet Face Pose. Hold the position for around 30 seconds before relaxing your face and removing your fingers.

Ceiling Pose

Ceiling Pose can help to achieve a more prominent jawline and high cheekbones. To practice the exercise, look up the ceiling and pucker your lips like you’re about to kiss. You are in Ceiling Pose. Hold the pose for 5 seconds before repeating the exercise. To strengthen the muscles in your neck, stick your tongue out whilst looking up. For best results, return to a neutral position before repeating the exercise.

Satchmo Pose

When used regularly, Satchmo Pose can get rid of a double chin. To practice the exercise, tilt your head and bring your right ear towards your right shoulder. You are in Satchmo Pose. Hold the exercise for a few seconds before repeating on the left side. For even better results, try rolling your neck in a clockwise direction in-between the stretches.

The Joker

Focussing on the muscles beside the mouth, The Joker can minimise the appearance of smile lines. To practice the exercise, use your middle and index fingers to press on the nasolabial fold. Next, smile without wrinkling your eyes. You are in The Joker. Hold the pose for a few seconds before repeating the exercise 5-10 times.

The Snarl

To practice the Snarl, press your thumbs on the nasolabial lines whilst touching your brow muscles with your index fingers. Using the muscles on the upper lip and around the nose, lift your upper lip. You are in The Snarl. Hold the pose for around 10 seconds before repeating the exercise. If possible, avoid using your eyebrow muscles. This will allow the exercise to focus on the muscles around the mouth.

Easy Crow

Designed to minimise the appearance of Crow’s Feet, Easy Crow is simple to practice. To use the exercise, press your middle and index finger to the corners of your eye. Finally, squint without wrinkling skin around your eyes. You are in Easy Crow. If you feel a slight pull around your eyes, don’t panic! This means that the exercise is working. Repeat Easy Crow 10 times per day for best results.

Eye-Opening Binoculars

To use Eye-Opening Binoculars, cup your forefingers and thumb around the brow, cheek, and across the face. This position should resemble a pair of binoculars. Finally, lift your eyebrows without wrinkling the forehead. You are in Eye-Opening Binoculars. For best results, practice the exercise 5-10 times per day.

Heart-Shaped Box

Designed to eliminate wrinkles between the eyes, Heart-Shaped Box is a face yoga favourite. To practice the exercise, press your forefinger to the top of your forehead. Your middle finger should be pushing the brow towards the eyes, down and out. Your thumbs should be resting on your cheeks. Finally, lift your cheek muscles. You are in Heart-Shaped Box. Repeat the exercise 10 times for best results.

In Summary

If you’re looking for a natural alternative to botox, practice the face yoga poses above. As no special equipment is required, you can achieve a younger face without breaking the bank. All you need is a flexible yoga t-shirt that won’t restrict your movement.