Qigong & Taoist Breathing practices:
Updated: May 1, 2020
Qigong breathing is based on Taoist (Daoist) breathing techniques that emphasize on returning the way we breathe to what is in harmony with nature. Taoist breathing techniques are called: Tuna (吐纳).
In Taoism breathing techniques are very important because through breathing we can control the mind and the energies in the body.
Breathing is a gateway to focusing and emptying the mind to get into deep meditative states of being.
When you live, you breathe
When you live you breath. We do it more than 20,000 times a day, yet we don´t seem to put much attention to it. It is the essence of proper functioning of all the systems in the body. Breathing is intimately connected to our state of mind and emotions and through breathing we can influence them.
For example, when a person feels anger or resentment, his breathing is superficial and fast. When the person is peaceful, the breath becomes calmer and more profound. It is very hard to control your mind and emotions, but through breathing practice, we are able to alter and influence them. Through breathing, we can influence our emotions and physiology of the body, and some of its biochemical reactions. It is like a remote control we can learn to use. Breathing is something that happens voluntarily and automatically, we can use this to become able to realize that in life we are both doer (Ego) and observer (Consciousness) , thus we can realize through the breath our true nature; Pure divine consciousness.
Breath is the remote control for the other systems in the body
Our breath is intimately connected with our nervous system and mind. To tame the mind and go into a state of a deep relaxation/ meditation, we need a balanced and relaxed brain and hear. To achieve this we need to practice smooth, calm regular breath. The breathing QiGong breathing practices are a very important aspect in the traditional systems of cultivation which should be not overlooked. through breathing, we receive not only oxygen, but we also breathe in the “external Qi”. Using various breathing exercises, we can strengthen the body in general, and improve the circulation of internal Qi, accumulate vital force in the body, and in its energy centres (Dan-Tiens). That it so important to breathe correctly during the QiGong practices (and in life in general!).
Cultivating body, mind and spirit
Breathing techniques play a crucial role in methods of Qi, Jing, Sheng cultivation (Life energy, essence, spirit). In fact, calm, deep and quiet breathing is the foundation on which the inner balance, harmony and inner peace can be achieved as quickly as possible. If breathing is not regulated, then to achieve these results will be very difficult, and in some cases even impossible. Therefore, the importance of breathing practices should not be overlooked since it is the foundation of going deeper into the practice.
Taoist breathing methods and Yogic breathing techniques (Pranayama).
In this course, we make use of both Yogic breathing and QiGong practices since they compliment each other a lot!
There are breathing techniques for treating diseases, accumulate and control the movement of Qi and controlling the fluctuations of the mind.
Both Pranayama and Taoist breathing share the same goals.
Breathing techniques to make conscious contact with your chi or prana
The aim of lengthening inhales/exhales
Proper body alignments while breathing
Breathing for longevity and to counter ageing
Breathing to create physical, energetic, emotional, mental and psychic power.
Creating a focus of mind and inner stillness for Self-realization.
The difference between Pranayama and QiGong breathing practice can be said that in QiGong the breath is never held for long periods of time and is never done with much force.
One of the most advanced breathing techniques is “embryonic breathing”. It is not advanced because it is technically challenging, but because one has to completely let go. This type of breathing is done in high levels of practice when monks want to stay in a deep state of meditation for many days or weeks.
Try The Belly Breathing Audio. https://www.fountainofzentaichi.com/shop
Enjoy In my opinion proper Breathing is so essential for good health and Vitality
will follow up with some audio breathing meditations that you can download onto your phone or computer I often listen to them in bed as it seems to make your sleep sounder
Namaste
Geoff