BLOG 178: THE MAGIC BREATHING TECHNIQUE TO REDUCE NUMBER 11 LINES AND RELAX YOUR MIND

Number 11 lines are those vertical lines that appear between our eyebrows. The ones that look a bit like the number 11 (which is where they get their name). 

These lines are usually caused by us pulling our eyebrows in together – something we’re more likely to do when we’re stressed or tense. 

There are several Face Yoga techniques we can use to release tension from the muscles in this area and reduce or prevent number 11 lines. This video on my YouTube channel is a great place to start 

But I want to take a step back in this blog post and teach you an amazing breathing technique that you can use when you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. 

It’s called alternative nostril breathing or Nadi Shodhana as it is known in Yoga and it is a great exercise for calming your mind. In turn, feeling calmer means you’re less likely to create number 11 lines by frowning or pulling your eyebrows together. So, this breathing technique is wonderful for your skin as well as your mind. 

SETTING UP 

There are two options here for how you position your hands. As the name suggests, when we practice alternative nostril breathing, we breathe through one nostril at a time. So, we need to use our fingers to block the nostril we’re not using. 

One option is to place your index and middle fingers between your eyebrows, then use your ring finger and thumb to block your nostrils. 

The advantage of this option is that pressing gently with the fingers between your eyebrows will stimulate the third eye point – an acupressure point that is amazing for relaxing the mind and helping us feel calm. 

It also helps relax the muscle between your eyebrows, reducing lines and wrinkles. 

However, it can feel a bit awkward or uncomfortable. So, if you prefer, you can also just use your index finger to block one nostril and your thumb for the other. 

If you opt for the second option, you can always follow up with some facial acupressure afterwards – this guide will take you through five of my favourite acupressure points for stress. 

HOW TO DO ALTERNATIVE NOSTRIL BREATHING 

Start by taking a few deep, long inhales and exhales through your nose, just breathing normally through both nostrils. 

You can close your eyes if that feels right. 

When you’re ready, block your right nostril as you inhale through the left. Pause, blocking both nostrils, then switch to block just your left nostril. 

Exhale through your right nostril. Continue to block your left nostril as you inhale through the right. Pause again, blocking both nostrils, then switch to block your right nostril as you exhale and inhale through the left. 

Continue with this pattern for up to five minutes. Make sure you finish on an exhale. 

Take a few breaths through both nostrils before you open your eyes and go about your day. You may find you want to give your nose a blow afterwards. 

DONE! 

Once you’ve got the hang of the sequence of blocking one nostril after the other, this is a simple technique that can really help to lower your stress levels and calm your mind and body. And it also helps to prevent number 11 lines, so it’s great for your skin too. 

The Danielle Collins Face Yoga Method is all about these deeper wellness benefits. Yes, we do plenty of techniques that help to lift, tone, and brighten the face. But this is also a practice that helps to nourish and uplift you on a soul level. 

If you’d like to learn more about Face Yoga and how you can make this form of self-care a daily habit, a great place to start is my 10-day course.  It takes just 10 minutes a day, and you’ll learn all sorts of facial exercises, massage techniques, and acupressure points you can use at home. 

Plus, the course comes with a free PDF copy of my first book, Danielle Collins’ Face Yoga. 

You can find out more about the course here.