How to Perform Condensing Breathing in Tai Chi
Meditation is the vehicle tai chi practitioners use to harness "chi," internal life energy. Condensing breathing is a higher form of meditation used to convert internal energy (chi) into focused power (jing).
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Things You'll Need
- Tai Chi Medidation Music
- Martial Arts Supplies
- Martial Arts Uniforms
- Tai Chi Videos
Instructions
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Prepare with regular meditation first. Stand with your feet parallel about a shoulders' width apart. Relax your entire body and calm your mind.
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Inhale and exhale deeply, breathing from your diaphragm. Imagine fatigue and tension escaping as you exhale. Imagine fresh air and energy entering your body as you inhale.
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Bring up your spirit or awareness to your head by imagining a string pulling you up.
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Push your breathing lower until you reach an area about three inches below the navel and two inches inward (the tan tien, known as the center of your chi).
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Pay extra attention to both of your arms. Try to sense and locate bone structure while ignoring the surrounding muscles. As you inhale imagine your breath forces the bone to condense inward toward the bone marrow.
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Repeat the breathing with the focus on your arms many times until you begin to experience unusual feelings around your arms, such as tingling, trembling or other sensations.
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Expand your focus. After condensing breathing in both arms, apply the same technique to other areas of the body: head, legs and so on.
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Tips & Warnings
Stop immediately if your concentration weakens or fatigue occurs. If you practice over time, you will begin to harness internal power you can focus into any area of the body.
If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
