Face Yoga does to your face what yoga does to your body- relax and tone. Be it Botox-addicted Desperate Housewives or every-anti-ageing-treatment-lover Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston, everyone is going crazy for face yoga lately.
Are we exaggerating? No! These yoga poses promise to relax your fine lines into smooth submissions, firm jawlines and create a healthy glow. We think it’s worth a try. And anyways, what is there to lose? Umm, some cheek fat and wrinkles!
Owl
Make two 'C' shapes with the fingers around the eyes, then relax the forehead and open the eyes wide. Repeat three times holding each timer for ten seconds.
The V
Make a 'V' sign by positioning fingers at each end of the eyebrows and create a powerful squint. Relax and repeat six more times. Finish by squeezing eyes shut for ten seconds. Relax.
Circle the eyes
Place index fingers at the edge of eyebrows. Tap gently around the eyes following the arc of the eyebrows and continue under the eyes. Repeat the opposite way. Stroke outwards under the eyes from the nose four times.
Puffer fish
Puff out cheeks and make mouth as small as possible. Gently tap cheeks with hands for 30 seconds.
The giraffe
Tilt the head back while stroking the neck. Bring the head down. Repeat twice, and then jut lower lip, place fingers on collarbone and point chin upwards, pulling corners of mouth down. Hold for four deep breaths.
Hamster cheeks
Puff out cheeks and purse lips. Transfer air from cheek to cheek for 30 seconds.
Jaw toner
Gently pinch along jawline three times towards the ears. Place the thumbs on the bottom of the jawline. Drag them along the jaw away from each other three times, removing them when you reach the ears.
Kiss the sky
Tilt head back and kiss ten times (actually make a kissing sound). Relax, take a deep breath then exhale as though blowing a kiss in front of you. Relax and repeat twice more.
Relaxation
Gently tap fingertips all over the face, then rub palms until they become warm and cup them over closed eyes. Take deep breaths and relax all facial muscles. Take a deep breath to finish.
Chipmunk cheeks
Take a breath then close your mouth and puff out the cheeks like a balloon. Repeat 5 times. The action tones cheek muscles preventing them from looking hollow.
Permanently surprised
Open your eyes as big as you can to lift the eyebrows, hold 5-7 seconds. Repeat 5 times. Over time gravity affects the elasticity of muscles on the upper forehead and brows, causing them to droop, making you look tired. Exercising these muscles erases the effects of gravity.
Pucker up
Suck in your cheeks to pucker up. Hold tight and try to smile. This helps in reducing lines round the mouth and nose and keeps the lips full.
Gravity face
Look straight ahead. Place your first 3 fingers on each hand and gently pull towards the temples and hold for 5 breaths. Repeat 4 times. Eventually you smooth the lines around the eyes, giving your an overall rested refreshed look.
Regular facial yoga ensures firm muscles. The exercises prevent your skin from drooping, increase blood flow and hence counteract wrinkles.
Image: Shutterstock
