Facial yoga, a time-honoured practice, is becoming increasingly popular as people seek natural ways to improve their skin health. This routine entails a series of simple facial exercises and massages that work to tone the facial muscles, enhance blood flow, and boost collagen production.
What is face yoga?
Face yoga is a combination of techniques that help with lymphatic drainage, says Priya Khandelwal, Mumbai-based face yoga instructor. Lymphatic drainage massage uses light, rhythmic strokes to improve the flow of lymph, a clear fluid that helps reduce swelling improves circulation, and promotes healing.
“Like the body muscles, our facial muscles need proper nutrition to function optimally,” says Parul Agarwal, certified yoga teacher and founder of Svatma Yoga from Bengaluru. Face yoga is effective for the facial muscles as it increases blood flow and gives the face a healthier appearance.
What does a face yoga session look like?
“Sitting straight is important while doing face yoga. I always encourage people to sit straight with their spines erect because a large part of what leads to the unnecessary formation of a double chin or a back hump is mostly because of a bad posture,” says Khandelwal.
She begins her routine with some warm-up exercises for the upper body, focusing on the shoulders to release tension. She then does stretching exercises for the neck and the face. These exercises release tension and improve the overall appearance of the face.
According to Khandelwal, a quick and simple facial yoga routine of  10-15 minutes a day can be effective. She ends it with acupressure energy to the face, breathing exercises, and sometimes emotional freedom technique (EFT).
Benefits of face yoga
According to Agarwal, face yoga is an underestimated practice. “We need to understand that we cannot get the benefits in one day,” she says. One needs to strengthen and tune one’s facial muscles to reap its benefits. Â
A 2018 study done by Rumiko Okamoto and Katsuyoshi Mizukami at the University of Tsukuba, analysed  the advantages of facial exercises in enhancing the mental health of the elderly. For 12 weeks, the participants engaged in  30-minute facial exercise sessions twice a week that included yogic breathing, rhythmic face movement, muscular stretching, and facial yoga. The findings showed that tongue muscle power, facial expressiveness, and mental wellness had  improved.
“Face yoga is a sense of self-love also. When someone takes out that extra 10-12 minutes in a day to take care of their face it can be beneficial for them and it can be emotional well-being too,” says Khandelwal.
A few benefits listed by Khandelwal are:
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Tightens and tones the facial muscles
- Improves blood circulation and oxygenation of the skin
- Stimulates collagen production to improve skin elasticity and firmness
- Stimulates lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness
- Gives a defined and youthful look to the face
- Relaxes the mind and reduces stress
Five face yoga pose
Does face yoga really reduce age?
A pilot study published in JAMA Dermatology, taught 32 facial exercises to middle-aged women and found that they experienced changes in the fullness of their features and were satisfied with the outcomes. 18 out of 20 facial traits showed improvement. However, more research is needed as the study only included a small group of middle-aged women.
Facial exercises can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin  Moreover, it can reduce deep-set expression lines. “While it may not eliminate these issues, the goal is to age gracefully,” says Khandelwal.
Will face yoga give one more wrinkle?
“Not if you massage in the right way,” says Danielle Collins, UK-based face yoga expert. Massaging correctly results in better blood circulation, removal of toxins, and reduced tension.  “However, it is important to use a light touch on the face than on the body as the skin is thinner on the face,” she says.
She advises using a mirror as one needs to check that no lines appear on the face while doing techniques. “If so, adjust the exercise or use fingers to smooth that part of the face. Also, make sure to follow techniques from a qualified experienced teacher,” she adds.
Finding the inner glow
“There are no overnight miracles to healthy skin. Patience and consistency are key. Listen to your body – it will tell you what it needs. Ultimately, facial fitness is a mindful practice. There is no room for self-shame or judgment. When I work with clients, my goal is to enhance their overall wellness – which in turn translates into healthy, radiant skin and a healthy relationship with oneself,” says Paayal Mahajan, holistic therapist and wellness entrepreneur in Delhi and Dallas.
Khandelwal suggests avoiding overstretching if one has medical conditions like spine issues, neck issues, or vertigo. The skin should always be hydrated, she adds.
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good article