Body & Mind

An easy breath exercise from Annee de Mamiel

Annee de Mamiel

Annee de Mamiel’s multi-dimensional treatments combine TCM, facial massage, and breathwork in a way that is uniquely, wholly grounding, with a beautiful effect on the skin — which may be why she has such a devoted celebrity following. (She took a side trip to LA to take care of some luminaries before she came to our holiday party in SF.)

When we asked Annee at our party what we could do to get some of that magic at home, she didn’t say, “Well, you can use this product," in her usual low-key, not-at-all-sales-y way. Instead, she said, “It all starts with the breath.”

And she led us through this diaphragmatic breathing exercise, which reminded us all that, yes, in fact, we could breathe a bit more deeply in our everyday lives.

To try the exercise pictured above during our party:

1. Sit solidly in a chair, with your feet rooted on the ground.
2. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
3. Take a deep inhale through the nose, focusing on inhaling into your belly first, then into your chest.
4. Exhale fully through the nose. 
5. Repeat three times.

It’s a calming exercise you can do anytime, including those moments when you wake up in the middle of the night and can’t fall back asleep. (We also love to use her Anchor balm then, too.)

Another beautiful thing that encourages deep breaths? Annee’s Winter Oil, whose scent is designed specifically to bring you a sense of calm and stillness.

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