Chi Breathing

Chi Breathing

What is Chi Breathing?

Chi breathing is based upon the Taoist concept of Chi Gong, or Qigong, which represents energy as flowing according to certain routes in your body. Positive release is accessible through refining the breath. The calming, stress-relieving effects of this exercise are remarkable. It can be performed by anyone, regardless of age, fitness, or medical condition.

How to Chi Breathe

1. Stand comfortably, feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, arms at your side. If you cannot stand comfortably for a span of ten minutes, find a comfortable position sitting. Chi breathing is about calming and centering oneself. Relax your neck and shoulder muscles and focus in on your solar plexus (the center of your body). It is ok to sway a bit – that’s normal.

2. Start to rock back and forth gently. Inhale as you rock forward onto the balls of your feet and exhale as you rock back onto your heels.

3. As you inhale, lift your relaxed arms up and forward, keeping them relaxed and slightly bent. As you exhale, let your arms float down. Imagine that your hands are pulsing around an imaginary ball of energy.

4. Repeat, gradually refining the rhythm and developing the ability to “drop” your breath from the lungs to the solar plexus.

5. Repeat four to five times, then relax, letting your hands drop to your sides and closing your eyes. Concentrate on feeling relaxed and centered.

Repeat daily or almost daily to achieve the beneficial long lasting effects of Chi Breathing.

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Want some more guidance?

If you feel more comfortable starting out with a guided breathing meditation, there are many free videos online, like this one, which is just audio, or this one, which also includes video of the movements.