Most people who regularly engage in yoga know that it can relax and strengthen your body, but many forget about their neck and face when practicing. The LA Times reports that furrowed brows, clenched jaws and neck pain are a sign of the amount of tension that people can hold in their face and neck. Yoga can help; practicing yoga poses that relax and work the muscles in the neck and face will tone the area and result in a more prominent jaw line.
Cobra Pose
Cobra Pose, or in Sanskrit, Bhujangasana, helps to relax the neck and jaw area while strengthening it at the same time. When performed correctly, the stretch starts in the chest and shoulders and leads upward into the neck. Yoga Journal instructs to line face down on your yoga mat, with your legs stretched behind you and the tops of your feet pressing into the floor. Place your hands under your shoulders, with the elbows hugged into your body. Engage your abdominals and start to straighten your arms and lift your chest off of the floor, going only as far as feels comfortable. With your shoulders pressed against your back, lift your chin so that your gaze moves towards the ceiling. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds.
Upward Bow Pose
Bow Pose, or in Sanskrit Dhanurasana, stimulates the throat, neck and abdomen. Yoga Journal reports that Upward Bow is also a great pose for stretching your hip flexors along with the entire front of your body, ankles, thighs, chest and abdomen. Yoga Journal instructs to begin by lying on your stomach on the yoga mat with your arms extended by your side, palms facing up. Bend your knees and reach back to take hold of your ankles, keeping your knees hip width apart. Engage your abdominals and lift your heels back away from your buttocks, while also raising your chest off the ground. Open your chest as you push your shoulder blades down your back. Relax the back of your neck while you extend through the top of your head and open your throat. Hold this pose for 20 to 30 seconds.
Bridge Pose
Bridge Pose, or in Sanskrit Setu Bandha Sarvangasana, lengthens the back of the neck and helps with proper alignment, while also relaxing the front of the neck and throat. According to Yoga Journal, Bridge pose also stimulates the abdominal organs and lungs, while rejuvenating tired legs and improving digestion. Yoga Journal instructs to begin this pose by lying on your back with bent knees and your feet on the floor, hip-width apart. Bring your heels in close towards your buttocks. Your arms should be alongside your torso. Press your arms and feet into the floor, with an emphasis on the inner side of your feet, and raise your buttocks to the ceiling. Keep the back of your head pressing into the ground and lift your chin slightly away from your chest. Hold the pose for 30 to 60 seconds and release.
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