Enhancing auricular muscle flexibility with five exercises
What's the story
Strengthening and increasing the flexibility of the auricular muscles, the small muscles surrounding the ears, can lead to improved ear movement and control for some individuals. This article provides a list of five simple exercises aimed at enhancing auricular muscle flexibility. These exercises are straightforward, require no special equipment, and can be performed by anyone interested in cultivating strength and control in these often-neglected muscles.
Warm-up
Ear palming for warm-up
Before beginning any muscle flexibility routine, it's important to warm up the muscles to avoid strain. An easy way to warm up your auricular muscles is through ear palming. Rub your hands together until they feel warm, then gently cup them over your ears without applying pressure. The heat from your hands helps stimulate blood flow to the area, priming the muscles for exercise.
Movement
Manual ear movements
Manual ear movements entail actively utilizing your hands to delicately adjust the ears, enhancing their flexibility. With sanitized hands, softly hold the top of one ear and cautiously tug it upwards, sustain this for five seconds, and then let go. Do the same with tugging it backwards, forwards, and downwards. Conduct 10 repetitions for each direction on both ears.
Expressions
Facial expressions integration
Making facial expressions works the auricular muscles indirectly because they're tied to facial movement. Do big facial expressions: smile wide, frown deep, raise your eyebrows super high, and pucker your lips forward. Hold each expression for 10 seconds, and do five rounds. Not only will this work your auricular muscles, but it'll also tone your whole face!
Resistance
Resistance training with fingers
Adding resistance is a key way to build strength and flexibility in any muscle. Apply gentle pressure with your fingers behind your ears while attempting to move your ears back against this resistance. Hold for 10 seconds then release. Do three sets of 10 reps daily to gradually build strength in these small but crucial muscles.
Relaxation
Relaxation techniques post-exercise
After performing these exercises, it's important to relax the auricular muscles. A gentle ear massage can help. Use a few drops of lavender or chamomile oil mixed with a carrier oil, if you like. Massage around each ear in circles, focusing on areas you pressed during the exercises. This step ensures proper muscle relaxation post-workout.