While it is undeniable that the benefits of yoga are endless and far reaching many are still skeptical of a new trend being called yoga facial toning. The yoga element will definitely produced positive results but does it actually give you a face lift without the surgery? This may indeed be one of those things you may just have to tryout to find the answer for yourself.
Yoga facial toning is considered to be a specific exercise program which stimulates, firms, and lifts every muscle of the face and neck. The claim is that by exercising these muscle there will be a reduction of sagging skin and the disappearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Many also believe the stimulation of the facial muscles will also lead to a clear complexion.
During a yoga facial toning class the face is ultimately the focus but be aware of the fact you will not just be sitting in a chair making faces at your instructor, it is generally believed that proper form involves your heart being higher that your head. The facial poses are often combined with yoga body poses and breathing techniques to allow for an increased flow of oxygen and nutrient rich blood to all parts and aspects of the head including the face, neck, scalp and brain.
The facial poses are very precise as technique and form are considered key. In general terms some of the facial expressions utilized are looking surprised, puffing out your cheeks, looking like you are kissing someone, and wagging your tongue. The premise is that exercising the muscles of the face and neck will result in drastic improvements of an aged face and also prevention of further damage. All muscles in your body regardless of where they are located will experience atrophy when not used and stimulated.
There are additional side effects of facial yoga that may indeed lead to a younger appearance. Yoga is centered around the body, mind and spirit connection and the balance of ones vital force. When you leave a yoga class you will definitely experience an unexplainable combination of feels including increased energy, at peace, free of stress, and a sense of clarity which leads to a shift in awareness. If you feel more vibrant you will most certainly look more vibrant. In addition, we most certainly wear stress on our faces, therefore it stands to reason we should also see in the face when this stress is alleviated.
Whatever the reason, many people swear by facial yoga toning so it may require some experimentation on your part to determine for yourself if this is a trend you want to be a part of. If yoga facial toning does indeed return the toted results it is definitely a great alternative to the cost and risk that surgery offers. At the very least it would offer the proven benefits of total body yoga not to mention laughs and good hearted fun, where else can you stick out your tongue and not get a disapproving look.
During the commute, she frowns at the traffic delays and curses at all the idiots who think they own the road. She stops and picks up a double espresso. Last night she slept poorly. Small wonder - with all the changes at work lately, she has to plan the following day as she falls to sleep.
Lunchtime comes and goes, but she works through, eating a bag of potato chips, a jelly doughnut, and a bran muffin while she slowly sips more coffee as she pounds on her keyboard.
The commute home is even more hectic than her morning traffic ordeal - thank heavens for that extra espresso she grabbed before she got into the car.
Supper is never a sit-down affair with the family. Everyone grabs something out of the freezer, and pops it into the microwave before rushing off to ballet lessons, night courses, or other pursuits.
As Rhonda gets ready for yet another sleep-deprived night, she realizes that she has only had one glass of water all day. Oh well, if she drinks one now, she will be up to use the bathroom during the night. It is bad enough to be tossing and turning while she worries about work, without adding a bathroom break into the equation.
Does Rhonda's life sound a little bit like yours?
Stress, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and not enough water or exercise can quickly age a person. Who has the time to pamper themselves with relaxing hot tub soaks, invigorating facial masks, or beauty creams - never mind even thinking about Botox or a face-lift.
However, you can do something to slow down - and even reverse - some of the aging that has crept into your face. It is called breathing. Yes, you read that correctly - breathing!
Although the initial reaction of the body when confronted with stress is to breathe more deeply and to flush itself with adrenalin, extended periods of stress can actually result in shallow breathing. Add to that the fact that most of us hold our breaths slightly to keep our abdominals pulled in, using only the top part of our lungs to breathe, and the shallow breathing is exacerbated.
Every cell in our bodies requires an abundant quantity of oxygen in order to function at peak efficiency. Reduce the oxygen, and efficiency begins to decrease. Skin and organs robbed of oxygen begin to function poorly and age prematurely.
The solution: begin and end your days with deep breathing in bed. Banish all thoughts and concentrate on only one word, 'relax', as you take several deep breaths. Make sure that you empty your lungs completely before beginning each new breath. You can infuse your brain with extra oxygen by bending your knees and raising your legs into the air. Keep the knees bent slightly to protect your lower back.
Work deep breathing into your daily schedule:
Any time you are waiting for your computer to do something.
Whenever you have to stop at a stop sign or a stop light.
Every time you hang up the phone.
Whenever you open the refrigerator or turn on the microwave.
Use your imagination, and make deep breathing a part of your life. By concentrating on the relaxation process and infusing your body with oxygen, you will increase its efficiency and reduce the effects of stress.
An added bonus: you will probably sleep much better every night!
(c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included.
Both Katie Carwell & Kathy Steinemann are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Katie Carwell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Aging, Yoga Practice and Dry Skin. Looking for Anti Aging tips, facts and products to help you age gracefully and ensure you life your best life? Visit: