A yoga facial is a series of face exercises based on yoga tradition. It is believed that a yoga facial can help to tone, smooth, and soothe the skin of the face, making it appear brighter and younger. Some spas offer a type of yoga facial in which a technician manipulates the skin of the face, but it is also possible to do a yoga facial at home. If you do the exercises faithfully, you will notice a release of facial tension and feel less stress in your face.
The face carries a great deal of tension and energy. As a primary mode of expression, the face may form into hundreds of poses a day reflecting anger, happiness, sorrow, or a range of other emotions. Most individuals have at least a few tense muscles in the face which could benefit from facial exercises designed to loosen and free the muscles.
Like many other holistic practices, a yoga facial begins with an energy focusing exercise. This exercise is called palming, and involves rubbing the hands together briskly to concentrate energy. The palms are placed over your closed eyes while you lie down and relax. Combined with deep breathing, palming is supposed to relieve stress, soothe the optic nerve, and focus your energy after a long day. Palming can be carried out at any time that you are feeling tension or stress.
A yoga facial includes a mixture of poses such as the lion, a pose in which the mouth and eyes are opened as wide as possible while roaring and sticking the tongue out. The lion is supposed to improve circulation and relieve tension. These poses are combined with physical manipulations like gentle facial massage. In a spa, a specialist would lead you through the physical poses and gently massage the skin and muscles of your face. Some spas also include a traditional facial such as a clay facial in the treatment.
Running through all of the exercises which comprise a yoga facial takes approximately 15 minutes, and according to advocates should be done once a day. Long term effects are supposed to include a reduction in tension, an increase in circulation, and less tension related headaches. A yoga facial is also toning, and will improve the general condition of the skin. In combination with a regular yoga practice, it could bring balance and focus to your life, especially if you rarely take time to take care of your body.