Any stationary or bodily activity in qigong involves directing qi while breathing. It helps us restore the patterns of deep, calm breathing that we naturally engaged in as babies. Most of us have drifted away from this kind of natural condition of breathing over the years, breathing primarily through our mouths and chests, even though we may not be aware of it. The goal of qigong breathing is to bring our attention to our breathing so that we can feel more balanced and connected to the rest of the world.

How Does Breathing Relate to Qi? 

It is believed that in Qigong and traditional Chinese medicine, Qi travels throughout the body on the breath. Fresh Qi is drawn in from the surrounding air during inhalation, and sluggish or polluted Qi is expelled from your body during exhalation. The flow and regulation of Qi in your body can be impacted by the type and pattern of your breathing. It is believed that mindful, steady, deep breathing facilitates the effective and fluid flow of Qi.

For instance, in Qigong, various breathing exercises are intended to focus Qi on particular body parts to boost energy or aid in healing. In Qigong, deep abdominal inhalation is said to activate the Low Dan Tien, a vital force center in the body, which in turn encourages the flow of Energy throughout the body.

Let's Explore Some Qigong Breathing Techniques 

You can include these techniques in your daily life to improve physical as well as mental well-being. This article will guide you through all the techniques that are employed in qigong practice : 

  • Microcosmic Meditation: Start with taking a deep inhalation via your nose, moving down the middle of your body to the bottom of your spine.Exhale from your belly up to the top of your crown. It allows the body's energy to be balanced and circulated. Sit in a calm, relaxing position. You can either cross your legs on the floor or sit in a chair. Maintain a straight back and place your hands on your lap with the palms facing up.

Inhale and exhale in time with the visual. Breathe in as the light comes up and out as it goes down. Without straining, breathing should be steady, continuous, and smooth. Keep the microcosmic breathing for however long you like, usually 15 to 20 minutes, or even longer if you choose. Take a couple of inhalations and then gradually open your eyes to finish. 

  • Daoist Abdominal Breathing: Start by unwinding and establishing a comfortable position while sitting and standing. Deeply inhale with your nose, letting your lower abdomen enlarge. Imagine expanding your abdomen like a balloon.

Exhale through your lips fully and slowly while tightening your abdominal muscles.

  • Reverse Abdominal Breathing: In disciplines like Qigong, the practice of Tai Chi, and martial arts, a particular breathing method known as reverse abdominal breathing is employed. Reverse abdominal breathing concentrates on the stomach enlarging on the exhale rather than the inhale, in contrast to the more typical diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing. 
  • Primordial Breathing: It is a foundational breathing technique in traditional medicine and Qigong. It focuses on getting back to a condition of breathing that is simple and natural, similar to how a newborn breathes. You can call it an embryonic breathing. The state of primordial nothingness or the highest state of existence is referred to as "Wuji" in Chinese philosophy. The goal of primordial breathing is to re-establish this unaltered, original breathing pattern.
  • Golden Elixir Breathing: The idea of the "Golden Elixir" in Chinese philosophy, which stands for the pinnacle of spiritual achievement and enlightenment, served as the inspiration for this procedure. The objective is to gradually develop a profound sense of silence and peace inside yourself. In this technique, growth and circulation of the inner elixir are encouraged rather than forced.
  • Five-Element Breathing: Through imagination and controlling one's breathing, the Five-Element Breathing Qigong Meditation and Taoist practice seeks to balance the body's energies. The five elements of traditional Chinese philosophy are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. The harmony of these elements is thought to be crucial for optimum health and well-being because each one is connected to particular organs, feelings, and attributes. 
  • Suction Breathing Method: It is a unique breathing method to improve power, internal energy, and martial arts performance. This technique is usually taught by a martial artist master teaching students the right breathing technique which may necessitate considerable supervision for correct application. 

Conclusion 

These Qigong breathing techniques will help you cultivate calmness, balance, and vigor while enhancing your overall health. To ensure correct technique and security, it is advantageous to acquire these techniques from a certified Qigong instructor. If you want to learn these techniques online, then White Tiger Qigong can be your best choice.