Yoga

Unveiling the Radiance within: The Surprising Benefits of Face Yoga

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In our quest for youthful and vibrant skin, we often overlook the power of natural remedies and holistic approaches. Face Yoga is transformative practice that combines facial exercises, massage techniques, acupressure and relaxation to enhance the health and appearance of our skin. Beyond skincare products and invasive procedures, face yoga offers a natural and effective way to rejuvenate and nourish our face.

  1. Toning and Strengthening Facial Muscles:
    Similar to how physical exercise strengthens our body, face yoga targets the muscles in our face, helping to tone and tighten them. By engaging in specific facial exercises, such as cheek lifts, eyebrow raises, and jawline exercises, we can improve muscle tone, sculpt our features, and combat the effects of gravity. Regular practice of face yoga can lead to firmer and more defined facial contours.
  2. Stimulating Blood Circulation to the Face:
    Face yoga uses massage techniques that can help to improve the blood circulation to the face. Increased blood flow nourishes the skin with oxygen and nutrients while aiding in the removal of toxins. The enhanced circulation gives the skin a healthy glow and can reduce puffiness, dark circles, and signs of fatigue.
  3. Boosts Collagen and Elasticity:
    As we age, the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for maintaining the skin’s firmness and elasticity decreases. Face yoga stimulates collagen production, increases oxygen and blood flow helping to give a more youthful appearance.
  4. Relaxation and Stress Reduction:
    Stress and tension can manifest on our faces, contributing to frown lines, wrinkles, and a dull complexion. Face yoga incorporates relaxation techniques, deep breathing, and facial massages that release tension and promote relaxation. By incorporating these practices into our routine, we can reduce stress levels, restore balance, and experience a renewed sense of calmness, reflecting positively on our skin.
  5. Enhanced Mind-Body Connection:
    Face yoga is not only about physical exercises but also about cultivating a deeper connection between the mind and body. By focusing on the sensations and movements of our facial muscles, we become more attuned to our body’s needs. This increased awareness can extend beyond the practice of face yoga, leading to better overall self-care and healthier lifestyle choices.

The Benefits of Yoga

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Below are just a few of the benefits Yoga has to offer:

  • Yoga has many benefits from healing ailments, lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing levels of sugar in the blood of diabetics and relieving stress and anxiety with controlled breathing and certain Asanas.
  • Yoga asanas can flush out toxins and speed up recovery after exercise. Athletes risk becoming injured, sick or burnout from too much training and not getting enough recovery. With a carefully control training plan and by incorporating Yoga sessions into your plan you can get stronger and cope better with the hard sessions, whilst recovering quicker for your next training session.
  • Yoga can also keep you younger for longer, by increasing your flexibility and strength. As you get older the muscle mass starts to decline. Bones can also become weaker but by practicing Yoga and other strength/load bearing exercises you can slow down the process.
  • Yoga lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol, helping the body to destroy viruses and to helps the immune system fight off diseases.
  • Controlled breathing and certain Asanas can help to alleviate asthma and to give an energy boost to the body, it can help you to relax better so your sleep improves and you feel happier and more relaxed overall.

 

 

 

 

3 yoga poses for stress relief, relaxation and improved wellbeing

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Yoga heals the nervous system, reducing tension and anxiety. It calms the mind and loosens tight muscles, helping you to let go of any worries. If you learn to let go of your worries during a Yoga session you will learn to let go at other times also and with regular practice, you will feel calmer, more relaxed and happier over all.

Try these 3 yoga poses for stress relief, relaxation and improved wellbeing

Childs Pose

Childs pose relaxes and quietens the mind. It relieves stress, improves the central nervous system, reduces headaches, stretches the lower back, hips, thighs, ankles, shoulders and neck.

  • Kneel on your hands and knees then release your hands and knees to the floor keeping your knees hip width apart.
  • Exhale and slowly lower your buttocks to the floor .
  • Lengthen the back of your neck and slowly rest your forehead on the floor. Either stay with your hands reached out overhead or gently place them by your thighs with the palms facing up.
  • Take take several slow breaths and relax, holding the position for up to 2 minutes.

Downward Facing Dog

This Downward Facing dog pose helps to the reduce stress fast, energising and reducing tiredness by improving the blood circulation to the whole body. It can relieve headaches, neck and shoulder tension and also helps to strength bones and muscles.

  • Kneel on your hands and knees then slowly push your hips up by straightening your knees and elbows so your body forms a V shape. Take a few deep breaths and hold the pose for as long as you feel comfortable building up to up to 2 minutes.

Triangle Pose

The Triangle pose helps to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and tiredness whilst toning and stretching the whole body. It will also improve digestion, help to reduce body fat by improving the metabolism, increase bone density and improve balance.

  • Standing upright, extend your right foot out to the side about 4 feet in width with your foot facing out to 90 degrees.
  • Bend down to the right side whist exhaling and hold your right ankle or calf (you can place your hand on a block just behind your foot if easier).
  • Inhale and lift the left hand over your head, keeping it straight.
  • Hold this position for unto 1 minute, then repeat on the other side.

Photo’s courtesy of PIXABAY