BLOG 278: TRY IT - 3 WAYS TO USE YOUR TONGUE FOR A SCULPTED LOWER FACE

Today, I’m going to show you some face yoga exercises with the tongue to help sculpt and strengthen the lower face area. 

Before you get into a comfortable position to perform these techniques, you’ll want to wash your hands and face and apply some Fusion by Danielle Collins Moisturising Serum.

Try to remove yourself from any potential distractions, like a mobile phone or a loud TV (don’t worry, these techniques won’t take up too much time). Tie your hair back, put on a shirt or jumper with a loose-fitting neck. And, as always, be sure to check with your doctor if you suffer from any medical or muscle conditions beforehand. 

Finally, sitting comfortably, lengthen the spine and take a deep breath in, followed by a long exhalation out through the nose – and you’re ready to begin.

TECHNIQUE #1

For our first technique, you’ll want to turn your head to one side and tilt your chin up slightly and bring your tongue towards your nose. Hold for 15 seconds in the one position. Then, slowly turn your head to the other side and repeat the pose, with the tongue reaching towards your nose, and hold for another 15 seconds. Release and repeat this technique three times. 

This technique is ideal for lifting and toning the side of your neck, strengthening around the mouth area, and helping to sculpt your jaw. 

TECHNIQUE #2

For our next technique, you’re going to bring your tongue up towards your nose again, but this time, you’ll be looking straight ahead – you can also close your eyes if you prefer. Then, take your index fingers and line them up on either side of the mouth, pressing down and smoothing the area to decrease the facial lines, and hold for 10 seconds. Release and repeat three times. Try to keep your chin parallel with the floor (avoid lifting the head too high).

Here, we’re lifting and sculpting the cheek, working the round orbicularis oris muscle that surrounds the mouth, and you’ll also feel the pulling taut of the muscles through the jaw. Be mindful of your posture and breathing: during the technique, aim for 4 seconds inhalation, and 6 seconds exhalation. 

TECHNIQUE #3

For our last technique, you’re going to bring your tongue around the inside of your lips 3 times one way, and then 3 times the other way. And it’s as simple as it sounds: just slowly sweep your tongue along the insides of the mouth in one direction, and then back again. Focus on feeling the movement around that round orbicularis oris muscle with each sweep. You’ll also feel the elongating of the face muscles throughout. Release and repeat three times. 

What you’ll probably notice the most is the strengthening of the tongue muscle, which is exceptionally beneficial – when we have a strong tongue, it helps sculpt our lower face but also it helps encourage nasal breathing, which is much better for your health than mouth-breathing.

Also, when you have a stronger tongue muscle, you’ll feel that these types of techniques are easier to perform and that you can work the lower face muscles deeper.

COOL DOWN

Now, to cool down, you’ll simply want to take another deep breath in, and another long deep breath out.

Lastly, rub your hands together to create a comfortable level of heat and then cup them around the entire surface of the face: take a deep breath in, feel all of your lower face muscles relaxing, release all of the tension and exhale. Sit for a few moments before gently pulling your hands away and opening your eyes. The sensation will be energising, as well as incredibly calming.

There you have it. A few simple and effective tongue techniques that you can use every day to help sculpt and strengthen your lower face.