Breathing is an essential part of Tai Chi. During Tai Chi practice, students are reminded to apply mindful natural breathing and to maintain it all the time if possible.
Many people are shallow breathers and tend to hold their breaths when stressed (anxious, angry, fearful, upset, etc). Babies are wonderful natural breathers. Just watch how their little abdomens rise and fall effortlessly as they take deep, relaxed breaths.
As we grow older, stress changes the way we breathe. We are perpetually in a “flight or fight” mode which forces us to take short, shallow breaths. Prolonged periods of stress makes us use only one-thirds of our lung’s capacity so we are permanently hyperventilating.
By paying attention to the breath, we can all improve our health by reducing stress levels, boosting immunity and increasing the oxygen levels in our body.
Our Tai Chi students will notice that Master David Bao doesn’t spend a lot of time explaining the breathing techniques in class. If you are a beginner to Tai Chi, simply practice mindful breathing based on the 4 tips below. Trying to synchronise your breathing and movements too early in the practice is counter-productive leading to confusion.
With the correct Tai Chi practice, you will be able to breathe deeper and slower over time. This change in breathing pattern will make you more relaxed and brings about harmony within the body.
We offer Tai Chi and Wushu classes in Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Contact us at 012-2211430 or email us at huayingwushu@gmail.com for more details.
How to breathe correctly?
– Relax.
Be aware of the body. Keep every part of your body relaxed. Release all tension in your face, neck, shoulders, chest, etc.
– Use the nose.
Inhale and exhale only through the nose. Only breathe through the mouth when suffering from nasal congestion.
– Continuous breathing.
Maintain a steady rhythm throughout. Don’t hold your breath. If you catch yourself holding your breath, simply take a deep breath and resume breathing naturally.
– Belly/abdominal breathing.
Place one hand on your navel while you breathe. As you inhale, feel your lower abdomen expand and your hand rise. As you exhale, feel your lower abdomen contract and your hand fall. Do this for ten breaths. Observe how relaxed and alert your mind is after this simple exercise.
We offer Tai Chi and Wushu classes in Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Contact us at 012-2211430 or email us at huayingwushu@gmail.com for more details.
