"Take a deep breath," their instructor intoned, "then say BLAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH." And with that, the lady in the front of the room grabbed her forehead, stuck her tongue out and rolled her eyes back into her head. And just in case, you are wondering what is this...combat tactics of the crazed and dangerous? Nope.
It's the newest trend in the fight against the signs of aging. This latest weapon is facial yoga. At the crack of dawn, I was part of a small group of women gathered on a Sunday morning at the beach in Mumbai where we were taught to combat the effects of aging. The pots of creams and the needles were asked to be kept in the back burner and in this class where tongues are stuck up and out, eyes are rolled back, eyelids are fluttered, mouths are opened and shut in silent screams or gummed in mock "Grandma without her teeth in" motions, necks are self-throttled, noses are pushed up and back and cheeks are prodded and probed - we were taught just about everything about facial yoga.
For people who deem needles too scary and surgery too drastic, the latest anti-aging fad is just what we recommend: facial yoga. Based on the premise that facial muscles, like any other muscle, need exercise to stay toned, enthusiasts of facial yoga say the regular practice of making kissy faces or wagging one's tongue can reduce worry lines and wrinkles — and even create a little peace within. The face carries a great deal of tension and energy.
Facial yoga classes are becoming very popular amongst women. “I have just enrolled myself in a facial yoga course in my locality. I am yet to see the results," says 45-year-old housewife Shipa Venkat who is aspiring to achieve a youthful appearance especially after undergoing a weight-reduction programme. "Facial stretches and yoga temporarily reduce the neurological impulses associated with stress and the grimaces that lead to the worry lines in your forehead," agrees Sonal Chib, a yoga teacher based out in Mumbai who specializes in facial yoga.
What can facial yoga do?
Increase blood and oxygen flow to the brain
Engage both large and small muscle groups
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Clear up the complexion as a result of facial muscle stimulation
Improve circulation around the face
Reduce stress and tension around the jaw, ears and neck
