Face Yoga can support many things

A specially tailored Face Yoga program promotes healthy muscle tension/relaxation and an upright posture. Diaphragmatic breathing is also included.

Everything is interconnected – balance in the body is restored.

The buccinator muscle is the most active muscle during wind instrument playing; it compresses the cheeks. The orbicularis oris muscle pulls the lips back and presses them against the front teeth.

The following muscles have a supportive effect during playing: risorius, zygomaticus major, depressor anguli, and depressor labii inferioris, by contributing to the tonification of the buccinator muscle. (Howard & Lovorich, 1989; Landeck & Döll, 1974; Sataloff et al., 1991; Penzel, 1995)

In flute instruments, the facial muscles serve to shape the airflow (Brevig 1995).

The air column in the instrument is then set into vibration, producing a tone (Howard & Lovorich 1989, Methfessel 2000).

In the neck region and the superficial veins, including the muscles, various connections are made via connective tissue strands, so that a contraction of the platysma muscle results in controlled exhalation into the oral cavity and from there into the instrument. The orofacial muscles are therefore very important for intonation. An additional 15 facial muscles may also be involved.

(Source: Dissertation Gesichts-Hals-Motorik beim Spielen von Blasinstrumenten von Anette Zielke 2010)

This year in Zurich, at the Colorado Cranial Institute - Future Health Institute, I learned this method, which I incorporate as a valuable addition.

 

The Face Lifting Massage

(It is not solely for beauty)

Facial massage is a subtle treatment and is wonderful on its own or as a complement to the FY program.

When I perform the facelift treatment, I communicate via the connective tissue system, thereby stimulating, among other things, the facial nerves, the brain, and ultimately the entire body.

This induces deep relaxation.

 

Goals of this treatment

During a face massage, we balance the tension of approximately 90 different muscles in the face and neck.

Improves jaw function, helps with migraines and tension headaches.

Promotes blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, more vital skin, and a reduction in wrinkle depth with regular use.

Dysfunctions and dystonias improve.