Yoga Techniques to Relieve Stress and Tension from Facial Muscles
Introduction
Stress is a part and parcel of everyone’s life. Facial muscles are where stress and anxiety usually show up first. Continuous anxiety, stress, and unresolved emotions can cause tension in facial muscles resulting in headaches, jaw pain, and ultimately leads to a major problem known as trigeminal neuralgia. The good news is that you can combat these symptoms with yoga to ease tension, pain, and stress.
Benefits of facial yoga
Facial Yoga is a fantastic tool for dealing with muscle tension in your face. It involves stretching and relaxing your facial muscles regularly. The following are some benefits of Facial yoga:
- Relaxes muscles – Facial Yoga helps in relaxing muscles in the face, neck and shoulders, reducing the discomfort caused by tension.
- Improves skin health – Facial Yoga can reduce signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, and even sagging skin by improving blood circulation to the face.
- Relieves stress – Facial Yoga can also be used as a stress relief exercise as it releases tension stored in facial muscles.
- Reduces headaches – Practicing facial yoga can also ease the tension in your forehead muscles and bring relief from headaches.
Techniques for facial yoga
Below are some proven yoga techniques that aim to combat stress and alleviate tension from facial muscles:
Lion pose (Simhasana)
Simhasana is a posture that stretches and firms facial muscles.
- First, kneel on the floor with your inner ankles touching and spreading gently apart
- Place your palms on your knees and spread your fingers wide apart
- Breathe in deeply through your nose.
- On exhaling, open your mouth widely and stick out your tongue.
- Contract the muscles such that you are producing an audible sound from your throat.
- Stay in this position for several breaths and then relax your mouth and jaw.
Pursed-lips breathing
Pursed-lips breathing is one of the easiest facial yoga technique which can be done anywhere and anytime.
- Sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight and your feet flat on the floor
- Inhale deeply through your nose
- Exhale through slightly puckered lips while keeping your mouth closed
- Exhale like blowing out a candle
- Repeat it for several breaths
Forehead Smoothening
This technique is great for reducing wrinkles and fine lines on your forehead.
- Place your palms on opposite sides of your forehead, fingers pointing inwards
- Stretch the skin from the eyebrows up so that you can feel your scalp move a little
- Hold the stretch for several seconds and use your fingertips to gently massage the forehead
- Release the stretch, making sure not to pull the skin
- Repeat twice for best results.
Eye-brow lift
This technique is useful in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, forehead lines, and hooded eyelids.
- Place your index fingers just above each of your eyebrows
- Take a deep breath and close your eyes tightly while placing gentle upward pressure on your eyebrows.
- Hold this position for approximately 30 seconds, then exhale
- Repeat once or twice.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. Can yoga help with facial tension and stress?
Yes, yoga has been proven to help with facial tension and stress. It relaxes the muscles in the face, neck and shoulders, helps relieve headaches, and reduces stress hormones which ultimately leads to tension relief and relaxation.
2. How does facial yoga reduce wrinkles?
Facial yoga increases circulation to the face, helping to improve the skin’s elasticity and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It also helps to relax muscles in the face.
3. Is it safe to perform facial yoga?
Facial yoga is generally safe, but it is always best to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, stop and seek medical advice.
4. How long does it take to see results?
Results can vary depending on the individual, but with regular practice, you can expect to see noticeable improvements in your face in a few weeks.
5. How often should I do facial yoga?
You can do facial yoga as often as you like, but it is recommended to do it at least twice a week to start noticing results.
6. Do I need any equipment to practice facial yoga?
No, you don’t need any equipment to practice facial yoga. You can do it anywhere at any time, all you need is a few minutes and some quiet space.
7. Can facial yoga be done by anyone?
Yes, yoga can be done by almost anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. But it is always best to consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise program.
8. Can facial yoga help with headaches?
Yes, facial yoga can help with headaches as it targets muscles in the forehead that are often responsible for headaches caused by tension and stress.
9. Is facial yoga a substitute for professional facial treatments?
No, facial yoga is not intended to be a replacement for professional dermatological or cosmetic treatments, but it can be an effective alternative or complementary technique to those treatments.
10. How long do I need to practice yoga to see the benefits?
This varies from person to person, but most people see noticeable results in a matter of weeks, provided they practice regularly and correctly.
Conclusion
Facial Yoga is an excellent way to relieve stress, tension and tightness in facial muscles. It is easy to learn, free, and can be done anywhere and anytime. The best part about facial yoga is that it tackles not only muscle tightness in the face, but it also helps to improve skin health, reduces signs of ageing, and promotes overall relaxation. So what are you waiting for? Try these techniques today and start feeling refreshed and rejuvenated!
