The breath and qi will come of themselves if you pay attention to the mind-intent of your technique and attempt to keep them internalised.
For example 'hollowing out the chest' is not something you perform physically,
but rather is an internal letting-go of any tension and protrusion there might be.

All the internal principles are like this.

(T T Liang)

Natural

Your body knows how to breathe already.
It is important to remember this before considering any kind of 'breath work'.
Tai chi should avoid interfering with what is natural.


Types of breathing

Methods of breathing used in tai chi:

1. Abdominal

2. Reverse

3. Pre-natal

4. Turtle

Abdominal

Breathe in and the abdomen goes out, breathe out and the abdomen comes in.

Reverse

Breathe in and the abdomen comes in, breathe out and the abdomen goes out.
This is taoist breathing.
It is also essential for energy release.


Pre-natal

The front of the body ripples as you breathe.
This is the advanced version of reverse breathing and incorporates a more powerful action of the diaphragm.


Tortoise/turtle

Pre-natal breath is held on the in-take and then then exhalation continued for as long as possible.
This is specifically used as a qigong breath.


In & out

Inhale when your arms come in, exhale as your arms move out.
Inhale as the arms lift, exhale as they lower.

Inhale as you lift to kick...

This may seem odd until you consider the difference between a hand or leg strike.
With the hands or body, you shift from one leg to another as you strike.
Yet, with a kick the weight is in one leg only - the supporting one.
As you lift the body and kick, you inhale.
If you exhaled as the leg rises, your balance would follow your breath.

We only exhale for kicks that are inclined downward, and are using gravity and weight.


Pot belly

One major mistake with breathing is to move your muscles in an exaggerated manner as you breathe.

The purpose of the various breathing methods is to increase the intake of air by manipulating the diaphragm and creating a vacuum.

Overly physical movement will develop your stomach muscles adversely, giving you a 'pot belly' appearance.

Your intention must guide the breath. Use mind not force.


Feel

Rather than force the breath, feel it instead.

Once you can feel the air going into your body, leave the muscles alone and let your body breathe by itself.

The less you tamper with the breath, the better.

More...

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Breathing 2

Page created 1 June 1998