I would like to discuss the importance of relaxing certain areas of the face where tension tends to build up. As you can see, there are many areas that appear red in color. These represent muscles that are overworked, while blue areas represent muscles that are underactive. To achieve a lifted, youthful appearance, it is essential to relax overworked muscles and activate underactive ones. This is the fundamental principle behind our Koko Face Yoga program. In this post, I will introduce three areas of the face that are commonly overworked and explain how to relax them.
1. Frown lines between eyebrows (11th lines)
The first area I'd like to discuss is the frown line between the eyebrows, also known as the "11 lines." This area, specifically the corrugator muscle, tends to be constantly contracted, leading to the formation of wrinkles. However, it's not just this one muscle that needs to be relaxed, but the entire area surrounding it, including the inner corners of the eyes and the upper corners of the nose. To relax this muscle, one technique is to use facial shiatsu, which involves massaging the muscle with a lubricant such as cream. Another effective technique is to use facial tape, which can reduce tension in the overworked area. Additionally, if you find that you have a lot of tension in this area when you wake up, it may be a sign that you are experiencing stress or nightmares. So it's important to find ways to relax this area if you have lots of tension here.
2. Masseter muscle
This muscle is often associated with TMJ pain, clicking sounds, and teeth grinding (TCH). If you experience these symptoms, it may be worth checking out our video on TCH as some dentists believe it is worse than grinding. Additionally, tension in this muscle can also lead to headaches. To reduce tension in this area, I personally went to a chiropractor who specializes in facial symmetry and slimming the face. As a face yoga instructor, I always emphasize the importance of reducing tension, but I was surprised to find that even I had tension in this area. It's important to find ways to relax this muscle if you have tension here.
3. Mentalis
When we are focused on something, such as working on a computer or experiencing stress, this muscle can often become tense. Many people may also have a tendency to hold their face in a certain posture, which can lead to wrinkles and tension in this area. Additionally, the DAO depressor muscle, which is located near the mentalis muscle, can also become overworked and contribute to wrinkles and sagging in the face. To address this, it is important to relax this muscle. One exercise that I have found helpful is to place your fingers on the muscle and gently press down, holding for a few seconds. This exercise can be done regularly to help relax the muscle and improve the appearance of the face.
Summary:
It is crucial to pay attention to three specific areas of the face, the inner upper area, the masseter muscle, and the chin. When these areas become tense, it can result in sagging skin and wrinkles. Therefore, it is essential to make an effort to relax these areas to maintain a youthful and healthy appearance.