Monday, July 4, 2011

Face exercises for symmetry and beauty

Beauty, or attractiveness certainly is "in the eye of the beholder", as each person's perception of what is beautiful is very unique. Sarah Maria, a body-image expert, reminds us of societal influences too, describing beauty as "a socially constructed phenomenon that changes constantly." She says, "As society has evolved and changed, so has the concept of the "ideal" body. What is considered beautiful is both created and informed by changing thoughts and opinions." Personally, I see beauty in people's eyes, in their voices, in their smiles, and of course in a person's words, behaviour and overall personality. I think all this can make a person "beautiful", or "ugly" for that matter. Physical beauty, I believe, is something we can all have, by simply making the very most of the body we have been blessed with, appreciating our individuality, "loving ourselves", deciding, no matter what, that "we are beautiful", respecting the physical body, and taking good care of what is essentially, the home of the soul, spirit or "self". There's a saying which goes something along the lines of, "a healthy body is a home for the soul. An unhealthy body is a prison"! Profound, and yet so true. Let's get back to the idea of "facial beauty"?
If we look at the classic definitions of beauty, most indicate that beauty is all about symmetry of facial features, or visual balance.
I came across these facial exercises while reading a book by "Barefoot Doctor", Stephen Russell. I blogged recently about 3 books I'd just read, and his book "Pure" is one of these (see my post "For your own personal growth"). The book essentially helps us see, understand and live the "beauty" of life, or the "Tao" as he explains. His book "Pure" is, in his words, "A path to peace, power and prosperity". Now, far from focusing on physical beauty, his words on "Pure beauty" include these exercises to help optimise the symmetry and tone of your facial features. They stretch and elongate the face (and boy do you feel that when you do them!!), and help to "frame the beauty that shines in your eyes".
1) Draw your upper lip downwards and looking up simultaneously (as stretched and long as your face will go), allowing that to break in to a smile once it reaches full extension. Repeat 18 times. (I am not sure why 18?!). This feels wonderful and really works to stretch your face! I couldn't understand why (the next day) my jaw line really ached! Then I remembered what I had been doing behind closed doors!
2) Stick your tongue out and look upwards with eyes wide open and release to normal 18 times.
3) With mouth closed, revolve your chin like a camel chewing in a circular motion 18 times one way, 18 times the other.
4) Revolve the tip of your tongue around the inside of your gums 18 times one way, 18 times the other. This will work the muscles at the root of your tongue.
5) Place a palm on each cheek and rub gently in circles upwards to the temples, then draw the palms lightly down either side of your nose and over your chin, and push back up the sides of the cheeks and temples, down over the cheeks again and so on 18 times.
As the author says, "You will feel a magnificent sensation of increased blood and energy circulation throughout your face as a result. Stop, rest and allow your face to relax completely - let all trace of expression slide right off it and feel your entire skull relax."
These exercises should be repeated EVERYDAY and within 30 days your skin and facial muscles will feel more toned, more robust and and you'll notice your features becoming more symmetrical looking. TRY IT!
These words are taken from "Pure" by "Barefoot Doctor". His website is http://www.barefootdoctorglobal.com/ where you can buy his book, and listen to his daily "One-minute clinics"! Thank you Barefoot Doctor for a great book, and wonderful teachings.

[Author's Note: You can visit the original site here which is the source of the above article]

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