There
are many breath methods of qigong practice. We choose some most common-used
styles for beginners, which are enough for most patients and practitioners to
self-heal and practice.
1.
Orthodromic Breathing: The characteristic of Orthodromic Breathing is lowering
diaphragm and bulging lower abdomen (dantian area) in inhalation, and drawing in
lower abdomen in exhalation. It has the function of channeling qi downward and assisting
drainaging Ren Channel.
2.
Reverse Breathing: Or Reverse Abdominal Breathing. It refers to the
process of lowering diaphragm, drawing in lower abdomen, contracting anus and
lifting perineum simultaneously in inhalation, and relaxing above parts in
exhalation. It has the function of channeling qi upward, leading qi running
along Du Channel, addressing sinking of middle qi.
3.
Natural Breathing: It is one kind of orthodromic abdominal breath with slow and
even pace, which is of less or no mind action, or a state of mind following
slow, smooth abdominal movements. Natural Breathing is used for cultivating qi
in lower dantian and arresting of running mind.
...
Above
breath methods can be used alternatively during static practicing.
