Face Alchemy Through Yoga and Acupressure
This post is a class syllabus and progress tracker for part of my “adult-school” curriculum. Overview here.
Subject: Wellness & Somatics
Course Title: Face Alchemy Through Yoga and Acupressure
Dates: Monday September 1st to December 22nd.
Learning Objective: Develop an understanding of facial anatomy and how it connects to overall body health, while practicing techniques to build a sustainable daily routine.
Requirements for A+ Grade:
Attend 8 Face Yoga Classes
Tuesday Sept. 9th at 5:30pm with Anna ✓
Tuesday Sept. 16th at 5:30pm with Anna ✓
Research, Study and Media Consumption
Weeks 1 to 2: Foundations & Facial Anatomy
Weeks 3 to 4: Lymphatic Flow & Detox
Weeks 5 to 6: Eye & Forehead Focus
Weeks 7 to 8: Smile & Jaw Lines
Weeks 9 to 10: Neck & Décolleté
Weeks 11 to 12: Targeted Problem Areas & Stress Release
Weeks 13 to 14: Expressive & Energetic Face Work
Practice
Take “before” photo to have to compare in 16 weeks
Learn and implement one new technique per week
Final Capstone Project
Create 2 step-by-step routines:
Shorter daily routine (3-5 minutes)
Expanded 2-3x per week routine (15–20 minutes)
Written step-by-step with benefits of each technique
Reflections on progress and personal observations
$300 Grant:
Face yoga classes $10 per class x 8 = $80
Acupressure Pen = $10
One spa treatment at Sculpt Atelier = up to $150
Option to purchase supporting books or posters = up to $60
Weeks 1 to 2: Foundations & Facial Anatomy
Introduction to facial anatomy for beginners (bones, muscles, lymph nodes)
Identify tension spots and pressure points on face & neck
Basic face yoga movements to warm up muscles
Simple acupressure points for relaxation and circulation
Observation exercise: notice areas of tension or asymmetry
Weeks 3 to 4: Lymphatic Flow & Detox
Understand lymph nodes and fluid pathways in the face & neck
Face yoga movements to stimulate lymphatic drainage
Acupressure points to reduce puffiness and improve drainage
Gentle massage techniques for detoxifying the skin
Integrate breathing techniques to enhance lymph flow
Weeks 5 to 6: Eye & Forehead Focus
Learn muscles around eyes and forehead
Face yoga exercises to reduce eye strain, lift eyebrows, and smooth forehead lines
Acupressure points for sinus relief, headaches, and tension around eyes
Techniques to improve circulation and reduce dark circles
Weeks 7 to 8: Smile & Jaw Lines
Anatomy of the jaw, mouth, and cheeks
Face yoga movements to tone cheeks, lips, and jawline
Acupressure for TMJ tension, jaw clenching, and masseter release
Techniques to reduce tension from stress and improve smile symmetry
Weeks 9 to 10: Neck & Décolleté
Muscles, lymph nodes, and acupressure points of neck, throat, and chest
Face yoga to elongate neck, open collarbone, and tone décolleté
Acupressure points for neck tension, thyroid support, and relaxation
Movements for posture and circulation
Weeks 11 to 12: Targeted Problem Areas & Stress Release
Anatomy for targeted areas
Examples: smile lines, nasolabial folds, cheeks, forehead
Face yoga to address problem areas and build symmetry
Acupressure for tension release, stress reduction, and circulation
Self-assessment: tracking changes and tension relief
Weeks 13 to 14: Expressive & Energetic Face Work
Facial muscles for expression and energy flow
Face yoga to amplify expression, lift, and vibrancy
Acupressure for rejuvenation, glow, and energetic balance
Mindful reflection: notice improvements in expression