How to Breathe During Qigong Exercises

Created and refined in China centuries ago, Qigong (pronounced "chee-gong") is a holistic practice intended to better the health and extend the longevity of its practitioner. Qigong focuses and directs the body's natural energy flow, called Qi, to heal injury, fight common ailments, prevent disease and increase vitality. It's often used to treat poor circulation, arthritis and stress. The materials needed to start practicing Qigong, like instructional books, are relatively inexpensive. Follow these steps to understand how important it is to breathe during Qigong exercises.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Comfortable, loose clothing
• Regular time and place where you can remove yourself from all outside distractions
• Instructional books, videos or classes

1. Don't underestimate the importance of breathing during Qigong exercises. Proper breath techniques are the core of Qigong.

2. Practice abdominal breathing. This concept has been in use for centuries in Qigong. It's now seen in modern exercise practices from Pilates to spinning to yoga.

3. Breathe in through your nose. Your breath should be long, slow and deep.

4. Sit or stand up straight and relaxed so you can expand your chest.

5. Use your abdominal muscles to pull in more air. Feel the abs pull at the bottom of your lungs to fill in the lower lungs with air. This is what personal trainers call "filling your belly with air."

6. Contract your abs to completely deflate the lungs, pushing out all the air. Pull up and in with the abs to accomplish this.

7. Try reinforcing your breaths. Take a deep breath and hold it for a second. Breathe in again to fill the lower lungs; then exhale completely. Remember to contract the abdominal muscles.

8. Focus on your breathing. Don't carry any tension in your jaw. Your jaw should be relaxed--always. The most common mistake people make during most Qigong exercises is not breathing consistently and fully.

9. Get started learning Qigong from the pros by reading "Eight Simple Qigong Exercises: The Eight Pieces of the Brocade" by renowned expert Yang Jwing-Ming (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• If you experience any shortness of breath or pain during Qigong exercises, stop immediately. Seek professional medical attention.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.

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