Different Schools of Facial Exercise: The Expert View

My Facial Yoga Parties are introductory, light and fun. But if the participants want to progress, I usually recommend specific books or DVDs to exercise a distinct part of their face.

To give you more of an insight into the best schools of Facial Yoga, I have invited my first guest blogger whose expertise I regard highly, Lynn Rae, a facial posture & jaw realignment specialist. Lynn is based in London and here are her comments on the distinct ways of approaching Facial Yoga..

Lynn says:

Marja Putkisto Training – http://www.methodputkisto.com/uk

Marja Putkisto

• I have trained with Marja Putkisto and worked alongside her for many years so I know and understand the Method Putkisto Face first hand.
• It is a whole body experience – the posture of the body and the position of the head upon the body are crucial to the work.
• It involves being aware of the face as a 3-dimensional structure and thinking from the inside- out – breathing, massage, stretching/releasing tight muscles in facial exercises, as well as a small amount of posture awareness and upper body releasing exercises.
• No mirrors are used for the exercises so changes are felt rather than seen, although a mirror is available to assess changes.
• The overall experience leaves you feeling energized, relaxed and the feeling that you have a new relationship with your face and a better understanding of its structure.
• The results are instant, you can see and feel that the face is more open and uplifted than before, with a great sense of mobility. Of course for the results to become permanent a course of classes is necessary. The programme is carried out one to one or in a group/ workshop format.

Eva Fraser Method – http://www.evafraser.com/

I have a colleague who has participated in the Eva Fraser method.

• From what I can gather, it is very precise and prescriptive with very specific exercises and repetitions. I think the main difference between the two methods is that this is carried out in front of a mirror and you watch rather than feel what is happening, the work is from the outside.
• Also the work is very much focused on the face and neck, rather than connecting it to the whole body.
• This is a beautifully organized and tried and tested programme with highly specific diagrams and an absolute knowledge of what is expected.
• The focus seems to be more on strengthening the lifting muscles of the face; although it plumps up the face, it doesn’t encourage mobility. The results happen over time as the muscles gain tone.

Yoga Face Method

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yoga-Face-Eliminate-Wrinkles-Anti-aging/dp/1583332774

• The exercises again are generally done in groups, which adds a lovely dynamic and energy. With breathing and meditation it can sometimes also be a full body experience.
• It is more about creating shapes with the face than precise exercises, which helps to release and strengthen the structure as well as encouraging mobility and fun.

In Summary:
You should choose a programme depending on what are the most important aspects to you.

• Knowledge of the face and its structure
• Release of muscular tension
• Relaxation
• Improved postural awareness
• Exercises and massage to do at home
• A feeling of the face being opened, uplifted and mobilized
• Fun approach so you will want to do it regularly

For more information about Lynn’s work and classes in London, please go to her LinkedIn profile

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/lynn-rae/28/636/60b

The Habit of Frowning “Computer Face”

There is a growing evidence that more women in office-based jobs are developing a “computer face” and premature signs of ageing. Working long hours in front of a computer screen results – in a decade or so – in sagging  jawline, “turkey neck” and deep-set wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. 

It is a habit. When stressed or thinking hard, people often put on a grumpy face to appear more serious. 

• Concentration leads to frowning and squinting that overtime brings on the frown lines.
• Sagging is due to shortened neck muscles and sitting in one position for too long.  This repetition leads to pre-mature signs of ageing - and in two decades of looking at the screen - these may be really significant.

To me, it is not the Botox but small changes to break the habit include:

• taking regular screen breaks
• stretching neck muscles – Dr Prager, a London cosmetic surgeon, also recommends “Kiss the ceiling” exercise we teach in facial yoga classes
• and raise your computer screen higher so that you are not looking downwards at it.

Come for facial yoga tuition or organise a facial yoga party.

Source: Eccles, L. Screens put years on you.  Daily Mail Sep 2010.