face yoga: What is face yoga? This unique form of exercise keeps early ageing & stress at bay

It isn’t hard to assume what face yoga is even if you had never opted for a session or heard about it before. This form of facial exercises involve certain face movements (poses), massages as well as breathing exercises, which not only soften the muscles of the face and improves blood circulation, but also gives you an inner glow and tighter skin, thereby deterring ageing and enhancing natural appearance.

However, in a time when we are so habituated to seeing ourselves through Instagram filters, and opting for cosmetic implants and botox to deal with ageing, what relevance does face yoga have and why should one practice it, you may ask.

Sarvesh Shashi, founder of a digital health platform Sarva, which offers face yoga classes as well as teachers training courses delves into the modern form of exercise that packs ancient wisdom of hatha yoga, and shows why it is a practice that everyone should incorporate in their lives, and can see results with minimal time investments.

Face Yoga & Ageing

Face yoga can definitely increase blood circulation and the oxygenation in the facial muscles, explains Shashi.

“Sometimes, stress can cause age lines, skin sagging and this majorly happens because several toxins build up in the body which don’t get released in time. These then cause early ageing. Face yoga, through its techniques and practises can help drain the toxins out and hence delay ageing. It is an excellent practice for reducing puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles while strengthening the muscles to endure day-to-day strain,” he says.

However, that’s not all. Face yoga can reduce scars and spots too. It increases blood circulation that clears all pigmentation and scars and spots from the skin over time. It can also provide relief from sinus issues, by opening up nasal blockage.

Face Yoga & Meditation
Mediation can also be anti-ageing although we generally do not see it that way. Shashi explains that meditation is also a part of face yoga regimen because when we meditate we keep our face stress-free and all the pent-up tension goes away which helps in ironing out smaller and finer lines (smile lines, wrinkles etc.) on the face.

“Increasing more concentration while focussing on the face can help draw attention to the stressed or tensed face muscles too. Mindful breathing can help relax these muscles thus increasing blood circulation in them. This leads to better oxygenation of the muscles and the skin cells, making the face glow from the inside out. Sleep meditation in particular is very helpful for the facial skin and muscles,” he explains.

Face Yoga & Mental Health

While face yoga is obviously not the answer to your mental health struggles, it does alleviate some of the symptoms, explains the yoga entrepreneur.

“Yes, it helps improve mental health. Face Yoga allows the use of techniques for certain pressure points on the face, forehead, neck and temples which reduce tension, alleviate headache and allow for good sleep. This trifecta then allows for better mental health. Also, face yoga can help increase the glow on the face which helps improve confidence.

Should You Be Practising Face Yoga Alone?

Any kind of physical activity in the initial days of learning should simply be done in the guidance of a trainer. The pressure points on the face, neck and forehead can be very sensitive so handling these gently is important.

“Also, Face Yoga promotes the use of oil or serum or sometimes both. It’s important to know what kind of products would suit your skin type. The skin on the face is very delicate and the more it is cared for, the better the results will be. One face yoga session for 20 to 30 minutes a day is sufficient for good looking skin. It takes upto 30 days to start seeing lasting results but instant results can be achieved with 3 to 4 sessions as well,” he concludes.