Qigong, pronounced "chee-gung," is an ancient Chinese mind-body practice used to promote health and well being. According to the Qigong Institute, Qigong involves the manipulation of your Qi -- the universal life force or energy -- through Gong -- or your practice. The practice of Qigong centers on specific breathing, exercises, self-massage and meditation. Qigong facial exercises focus on massaging various pressure points, also known as acupressure points, on your face. You can use specific Qigong facial exercises to reduce stress, alleviate tension and promote relaxation.
Qigong Facial Massage
To perform the Qigong facial massage technique, sit in a chair with your shoulders relaxed and your head and neck in line with your spine. This posture is known as "wuji". Breathe through your nose. Cover your face with your hands cupped and your fingers pointing upward. Use the fingertips of your middle fingers to massage the area above your eyebrows using circular motions. Move your hands along your eyebrows outward toward your ears, continuing the circular motions. Rub your temples next, moving down to your jaw muscles. Repeat this exercise as many times as necessary to reduce tension and tightness.
Qigong Forehead Exercise
According to Qigong master Norm Than in his book, "The Humble Beginning of an Immortal," this Qigong facial exercise can reduce tension in your forehead. Place your hands on your forehead with your fingertips facing each other. Use gentle pressure on your forehead with the middle three fingertips of each hand. Raise your eyebrows, but use the pressure from your fingertips to prevent the skin from creasing. Hold the contraction for a few breaths, then release and repeat up to 10 times. Perform four sets of this exercise daily.
Bright Eyes Exercise
The bright eyes exercise releases stress in your eyes and might help reduce feelings of dizziness and headaches, according to author Tina Chunna Zhang in her book, "Earth Qi Gong for Women." Place the fingertips of your pointer fingers on the area of your face where the bridge of your nose and the inner corners of your eyes meet. Use circular motions to gently massage this area using extreme care, as this is a very sensitive and delicate area of your face.
Temple Point Massage
This simple exercise encourages relaxation in your eyes and might help alleviate headaches, toothaches and symptoms of the common cold, according to author Zhang. Bring the fingertips of your pointer and middle fingers to your temples. Using a firm, circular motion, massage this area for a few moments with your eyes open, then close your eyes and repeat.
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