 Tai Chi Classroom Breathing Natural breathing and its coordination with movements Breathing should be deep and even. A beginner should breathe in a natural way, and only when he is skilful enough in performing the movements should he try to coordinate his breathing with the movements in a way that suits him best. This way of breathing may be called "regulated breathing." Tai Chi movements are extremely varied. Generally speaking, when a movement turns from "solid" to "empty," it is performed with light, well-contained strength and air, should be inhaled in coordination with the expansion of the chest. On the other hand, when a movement turns from "empty" to "solid," it is performed with firm and substantial effort and air should be exhaled in coordination with the contraction of the chest. Thus when a movement is winding up to final position, which means a change from an "empty" to a "solid" state, you should relax your chest, contract your rib cage and sink your breath down to the abdomen so as to make your exertion more steady and solid. Such coordination between breathing and exertion of strength conforms to the physiological needs of the performer, and meets the requirements in Wu-Shu exercises (martial art). "Qi" (breathing) should be guided by "Yi" (consciousness) while "Shen" (body) should be guided by "Qi," and that "Qi" and "Li" (strength) should be integrated. However, the method of regulated breathing should not be used unconditionally because Tai Chi exercises are not arranged according to the rhythm of breathing. In fact, the ways of breathing vary not only from routine to routine but also from person to person. Regulated breathing can be used only with certain key movements which clearly involve the expansion and contraction of the chest, whereas in the case of some transitional movements or where regulated breathing is difficult to apply. One should use natural breathing or, as a subsidiary measure, shorten one's breath for a while before adjusting them to the movements. Do not try to enforce a rigidly set pattern of breathing for everyone. Those who are sick or have weak constitutions, in particular, should keep their breathing natural when practicing Tai Chi since any attempt at forced breathing is liable to bring harm to their health. |
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