Yoga can include awareness of the face, jaw, tongue and breath. These practices should remain gentle and should not be presented as a substitute for other forms of care.
Navigator
Prepare the posture
Sit on a chair or folded blanket. Keep the head balanced over the spine and relax the shoulders.
Jaw movement
- Let the teeth remain slightly apart.
- Open and close the mouth slowly.
- Move the jaw gently from side to side.
- Pause before the movement becomes uneven.
Tongue awareness
- Rest the tongue behind the upper teeth.
- Relax it into the floor of the mouth.
- Trace a gentle circle inside the lips.
- Keep the neck still.
Lion Pose variation
Inhale comfortably, then open the mouth, extend the tongue and exhale with a moderate sound. Relax fully before repeating.
Humming
Use a soft humming sound during an easy exhalation. Stop before the throat or jaw tightens.
Common mistakes
- Clenching the teeth.
- Forcing the tongue.
- Using a very loud sound.
- Repeating without rest.
Practice limits
Stop when the jaw, tongue, throat or neck feels sharply strained. Learn stronger facial and sound practices from a qualified yoga teacher.