Yes - Halloween (one of my favorite holidays) is just around the corner so I thought I'd give you a scare! In all candor, years ago, the first time my then husband saw me do this exercise one morning, he jumped back in alarm. Despite the frightful or some would say silly appearance of this facial yoga technique it has many benefits. Read the step-by-step instructions below and give it a whirl. It won't make you look 25 if you're 55, but it can keep your face and neck better toned than they would be otherwise.
Book Excerpt - Copyright 2010
Lion (Sanskrit name is Simhasana)
"Yoga facial toning promotes the production of healthier, more resilient cells and facial muscles in the gentle way Mother Nature intended, from the inside out." Rose Hong Tran, Yoga Facial Toning.
Type of yoga pose: Can be done seated or standing
Body parts targeted: Face and throat
How to do the pose:
1. Sit in a comfortable position on your mat in a half-lotus pose or Japanese sitting position or in a chair with your spine erect.
2. Arch your back slightly forward and stretch your arms out stiffly at the elbows. Spread your fingers far apart.
3. Inhale deeply and then exhale strongly forcing all stale air from your lungs.
4. Open your mouth as wide as you can and your eyes as wide as possible.
5. Extend your tongue out of your mouth as far as it will go- as if you were trying to touch your chin with it.
6. Hold this position motionless for 10 seconds.
7. Slowly draw your tongue back into your mouth, close your mouth, and relax completely. Allow your hands to relax on your thighs. Inhale and exhale deeply.
8. Repeat the exercise.
Practice Time: Start by holding the pose for 10 seconds, add five seconds a week until you’ve built up to 30 seconds.
Number of repetitions: 3 in a practice session. Can also be done any time of the day to wake up your face.
Key benefits from this pose:
1. Increases energy and vitality in the face and throat – perks up the face.
2. Stretches away tension lines in the face and neck.
3. Helps prevent or minimize wrinkling.
4. Helps firm sagging face and neck muscles.
5. Increases circulation and stimulates nerves in the face and neck.
6. Stimulates and massages the larynx.
7. Can stop or alleviate sore throats.
8. Helps to remove a double chin.
Special tips and Laura’s experience with this pose:
Exhale fully when you stick out your tongue. This can seem hokey, but some yoga teachers suggest roaring as you exhale and stick out your tongue to enhance the pose. Keep your eyes wide open during this pose.
I have not had sore throats for several years (just two since I stop eating red meat, poultry, and dairy products in 2002). You can nip sore throats in the bud and alleviate the discomfort by doing this funny looking facial exercise – I can vouch that it worked for those two sore throats.
Yours for sticking out your tongue for great benefits,
Laura Venecia Rodriguez