It tones your facial muscles, by helping to reduce the build-up of tension in your tongue, jaws, lips, throat and face. It brings blood to the throat, so if you feel a sore throat threatening, it may help to prevent it from developing. It is also useful in improving the quality of your voice!
- Sit on your heels. Rest your palms on your thighs or knees.
- Inhale. Exhale slowly and at same time open WIDE your eyes and mouth, stretching your whole face, slowly sticking out your tongue as far as it will go without straining. Stiffen your arms and spread out your fingers. The idea is to look as fierce as possible (you may roar if you want…).
- Hold the position as long as you can, then slowly relax your tongue, face, arms and hands. Continue breathing regularly. Visualise all the tension draining away from your face and throat. (See, you did giggle. Try the mirror if you didn't.)
(Pictures by Spirit of Light Yoga Studio, Terry de Vries, Stellenbosch (021) 883-9938)