Breathing correctly is so important to life but can be easily overlooked because it's always present.

To keep things very simple, I'll use opposites to compare what's best.

Belly vs Chest

Belly breathing is when you use your abdomin with your breath. This naturally incorporates the diaphragm so you fill more of your lungs with oxygen.

In comparison, chest breathing is shallow and fills up a smaller percentage of your lungs. I've also seen a study where chest breathers were more prone to heart attacks.

Slow vs Fast

Slow breathing calms the nerves and relaxes the body normalising blood pressure.

Fast breathing increases the heart rate, and blood pressure.

Results

Slow belly breathing is best.

Practice

This picture explains correct breathing.

1. Inhale expanding the belly.
2. Exhale contracting belly toward the spine.

But there are a few rules.

1. Only ever inhale using the nose.
2. Exhale can be through nose or mouth depending - I tend to only use mouth when cleansing or a specific exercise, otherwise nose.

Add rhythm

There are many counts, but something nice and safe to practice is the following count.

1. Inhale (mentally count to 4)
2. Exhale (mentally count to 6 or 8)

Try these breathing exercises either sitting or standing starting at 5 min and increasing to 30 min if you're already meditating.

NB: And don't forget the 5 Principles.

Up Voting

If you like this post, or this post has helped you in anyway, please up vote so that more people can learn about Wing Chun Qi Gong.

Sincerely,
Sifu Jordan

(Don't Worry, Relax, Be Happy, Concentrate and Do Your Best)