Qigong: The Breath of Life - Part 1
A little while ago I was asked to write an article for EDGE LIFE (maga / webzine). They were interested in the health benifits derived from martial arts practice. We practice a form of qigong (chi gong) we call the ‘Daoist 5.4′. The health benefits of qigong touch us in spirit, mind and body (a phrase any martial artist should recognize). Part 1 of the article follows with advice on deep breathing from the Mayo Clinic.
Qigong: The Breath of Life
by Scot Combs
from the July 2006 issue
According to an article in one of the Mayo Clinic’s publications, as little as five minutes of deep breathing a day can help you feel more calm, refreshed and alert.
The article offers advice on how to achieve relaxation through breathing:
• Sit in a comfortable chair and place your feet flat on the floor.
• Either close your eyes or focus them on something in front of you.
• Pay close attention to your breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose. Visualize your diaphragm moving up and down to provide more room for your lungs to expand.
• Allow your lower abdomen to relax and expand as you take your breaths.
• When your lungs are full, slowly let the air out through your mouth and allow your diaphragm to collapse.
• Repeat the process. If your mind starts to drift, return its attention to your breathing.
• When you’ve done your deep breathing exercises, don’t just leap out of your chair. Take time to regain a sense of your surroundings.
Deep breathing can help reduce anxiety, conserve energy, relieve muscle tension, improve sleep and offer better management of stress and anger. There are also benefits for your immune system.