Qigong deep abdominal, diaphragmatic or bellows breathing

This healthy breathing with intention is your cornerstone of all Qigong practice. Master the breathing and you master Qigong.

Easy steps to Cultivate Qi using Qigong bellows

1. Place your hands on Dan Tien. For men left hand on the lower belly, with right hand covering , women right hand on the lower belly, with left hand covering.
2. Check your stance for universal posture. Standing with feet one-and-a-half shoulder’s width apart, tuck the pelvis in, bend knees slightly, tuck chin ever so slightly in, rest tongue on the roof of your  mouth.
3. Breathe in through your nose as you draw in the universal energy from nature, you expand your lower belly, moving your diaphragm muscle downwards. There is a moment where there is no breath in or out.                                                                                 On inhalation, fresh air is drawn into the lungs and oxygen is carried by the red cells to the tissues.            
4. Breathe out through your nose. As you release any negative thoughts and energy from your body, you contract your abdomen, moving your diaphragm upwards. Once again there is a moment where there is no breath in or out.                                                                                                                                                                 On exhalation, carbon dioxide, a waste product from the blood diffuses into the lung’s air  sacks and is expelled.
5. Keep your attention on the breath. This is your opportunity to take charge of your mind. Keep your mind on the breath and your breath in the belly.
   Awareness of the breath is a constant feature of Qigong.

What’s in it for me?

• Your lymphatic system is activated, increasing lymph flow.
• Respiration becomes slower and relaxed.
• The quality of breath becomes slow, long, deep, fine, even and tranquil.
• Your mood becomes unhurried.
• A feeling that the internal balance is returning.
• Internal organs are massaged, keeping them healthy.

One of the ancient names for Qigong , tu gu na xin, means expelling the old, drawing in the new. This is the foundation of Qigong breathing.

Tips for successful Qigong breathing

• Remain relaxed and do not tense or restrict the chest.
• Do not force the breath.
• Do not push or pull the breath in, just let it go.
• Simply observe your breathing, without prolonging any part of it.

Purchase your own Basic Qigong DVD and practice breathing at home.

“The efficacy of  Qigong is determined by ones depth of quietness (ru jing) : the greater the tranquility the greater the benefits.” 

Hu Bing, chief physician, Qigong department, Beijing Academy of Chinese Medicine