Tai Chi

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The Breathing Method of Tai Chi Chuan

It is common known that Tai Chi Chuan is based on Chinese philosophy –Taoism, which attaches much attention on the method of breathing. The Taoists prefer deep and harmonious breathing. The founder of Tai Chi Chuan adopted this breathing method.

We all know that our heart and lungs must keep working incessantly to keep us alive and in good health. Once there is something wrong with these two organs, your health will in bad condition. Therefore, we need to protect them from too much stress and strain when we engage in exercise. When we are in some exercise, our lungs are expanded to increase the chest’s capacity to take in air. However, this is not good for us because this puts a great deal of pressure on our lungs. This breathing method is not suitable for the sick and the old people.

However, Tai Chi Chuan practices do not adopt this breathing method. Tai Chi Chuan movements are relaxed, natural and harmonious, so does the breathing.

If you practice Tai Chi Chuan regularly and constantly, you will keep a slow and deep breathing.

When you adopt this breathing method, inhaling makes your diaphragm expand outward as well as downwards to the abdomen, which can give you lung more space. When you exhale, your diaphragm will contract both inwards and upwards. The rising and falling motions of the diaphragm help our lungs to function properly.

When we practice Tai Chi Chuan, we should keep out mouth close and inhale and exhale at all times through the nose. We can avoid a dry throat by resting our tongue against the roof of the mouth.

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Ten Principles of Yang Style Tai Chi

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1. Head Straightening

Do this by holding the neck and head at an erect position, naturally, together with the mind while concentrating on top. Brush away the feeling of being tensed or else the needed vital energy and blood will not circulate properly.

2. Back and Chest Position

To correctly position the back and chest, you must feel that air properly “coming in”. The chest must be inward, slightly, so that you are can sink to the lower belly through breathing. Avoid chest protrusion for it will make you feel uneasy and breathing will be heavy. Vital energy that is derived from your lower belly can launch massive force.

3. Waist Relaxation

The most dominant part of the body is the waist part. The moment you relax your waist, your stance will be strong, forming a base that is firm. All movements that are made depend on the reaction of the person’s waist.

4. Stances: Empty and Solid

Primarily, it is quite important to distinguish the difference between empty and solid. It all depends on the shifting of energy in both feet. The moment you put the weight of your body on your left leg, it will become solid and the right leg will become empty. On the other hand, if you shift your weight on the right leg, it will be the one that becomes solid and the left leg being empty. Recognizing these tactics will enable the person to move and turn the body without any stress and additional effort. Otherwise clumsiness and slow movements will arise thus making you unstable to stand firm.

5. Elbows and Shoulders Sinking

Always keep your shoulders in a relaxed, natural position because the moment you lift it, the energy (Qi) will go up with it thus leaving the whole body in a strength-less state. Maintain your elbows down so as to keep your shoulders at a relaxed state and make your body move with ease.

6. Use the Mind and Not the Force

Upon practicing Tai Chi Chuan, it is expected that the body be relaxed. And it is also expected that the mind is the one that tackles all aspects of the human being. There are no presence of any clumsiness or stiffness in the joints and veins that will hinder the body’s movement.

7. Coordination

There is but one theory that supports the elements of Tai Chi. It will start at the roots which is the feet, launching the force to the legs, controlling the waist and elevates through the arms that is expressed by the hands and fingers. Therefore, the feet, legs and the waist must communicate well to pass the energy in a harmonious manner.

8. Internal and External Harmony

Tai Chi Chuan lets the mind be the commander of the entire body. Let it be the one to direct orders and let the body to follow. If the mind is in a tranquil state, the body observes it by producing graceful and soft movements.

9. Continuity

Practicing Tai Chi Chuan requires an upbeat continuity. It must never be lost. The mind must always assert the attention and movements from beginning till the very end.

10. Tranquility

Tai Chi Chuan is always based on peacefulness. In every performance, there must be strict tranquility in order for the mind to interact effectively with the entire system of the body. Tranquility can make the movements slower and precise and make the body move smoother without stiffness and pain.