Rest a moment and feel a sense of satisfaction and then smile and
place both hands upon the face, covering it as far as possible and
knead the muscles, so as to eliminate every constriction and allow
the diffusion of the smile to go into every part.
Do not laugh at this exercise but observe the effect. This exercise,
however, should be practiced in union with the smile.
Pay especial attention to any part of the face where there are
constrictions or tendencies to constriction, and especially any part
that may seem to droop.
Where there has been a good deal of suffering or whining, or both,
certain parts of the face, especially the corners of the mouth, are
turned downward. This habitual action causes the muscles that lift the
corners of the mouth to become too long while the corresponding muscles
that draw the mouth down become abnormally short. Kneading is,
primarily, to give extension to the muscles that have become too short,
and the laughter at the same time is to give exercise to the muscles
that have become too extended or elongated.
All parts of the face will be brought into proportion. Crows' feet will
be eliminated and the beauty and expression of the countenance greatly
increased. Where there seems to be no muscle between the skin and bone,
as sometimes in the forehead, there must be manipulation, exercise of
the weak muscles.
In the case of the face we have to bring in so-called secondary motions.
We have to use the hands in the way indicated to get any effect. Of
course, the effect will be temporary unless the disposition is changed.
The mental and emotional actions are always the primary cause, but
frequently the condition of the muscles has become such that it will
take a long time to effect a change. The exercises, accordingly, are a
wonderful help.
If one-tenth of the power of this exercise to help the countenance were
realized, it would not be neglected.
One of my students opened a room and secured quite a following in facial
massage by using these exercises. Some cruder than this one were used,
though good results were accomplished. This exercise, as here suggested,
can be done by anyone alone. If people use it who have constricted
countenances, they should carefully emphasize the smile. That has not
been done and hence the best results have not been secured.
The faithful practice of such an exercise and especially the study of
the significance of the smile and the practice of laughter, in union
with other exercises for the stimulation of vitality, will work wonders
in the expressive mobility and beauty of the countenance.
It is worth ten times all the cosmetics as a beautifier. It would banish
"Beauty Parlors." It is not, however, for the restoration of beauty of
the countenance, but to bring blood into parts that are not used. It has
good effect upon catarrh, headaches and neuralgia.
While resting the larger muscles of the body these two important
exercises may be introduced, or they may be introduced as the last of
the first series, while lying on the back.