When a baby yawns, we see the tiny stressors of the day ease into serenity. Stretching the 43 muscles of our face does this. It tones, releases tension, and increases circulation. It keeps our skin youthful.
Perhaps this is why Face Yoga has developed into an entire practice that’s spawned numerous YouTube videos and blog posts. Sagging skin, dark circles and wrinkles bring to light the complexity of who we are. And yes, sometimes we use this complexion as a shield, a mask to the real peace that our soul is experiencing.
What Is Face Yoga?
With simple movements, like sticking out your tongue, puffing out your cheeks, and kissing your lips towards the sky (not all at once, of course), one may shed again the layers of daily wear and tear on our face and neck.
“I was super skeptical about Face Yoga. I thought it just sounded made up or crazy. But I tried a bunch of the different video routines and now I’m a total believer,” says world wide web-renowned yoga teacher Brett Larkin.
From her studies, she created a simple Ayurvedic Face Yoga routine inspired by Shankara Naturals.
“Before we start, assess your face as it is now,” she instructs. “Think about how beautiful you are without judgement. Just breathe and relax and notice which eyebrow is higher, which eye is bigger, which nasal fold is longer… If you want you can even take a selfie just for fun, so you’ll have a before and after pic.”
Brett then adds in gentle neck stretches, a dash of humor (remember, smiling works a total of 12 face muscles!), and her favorite Shankara products.
“I like to pump some of the Shankara Fine Line Moisturizer and put it on my left cheek. It has Ayurvedic herbs and oils to balance your skin’s dosha as well as moisturize your skin.”
“I end by then moisturizing my forehead with Shankara’s Fine Line Treatment Oil with blue chamomile and sandalwood, which is ridiculously moisturizing so I like this one because it’s perfect for before bed. I know that Shankara also has an amazing eye cream for directly under your eyes with rose and cucumber,” she says.
Watch her video and shop some of her favorites in the links above. Let us know your favorite Ayurvedic Face Yoga moves, tag us on social!
