Just Breathe

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 Basic Qi-gong (energy cultivation) is focused on conscious, deep abdominal breathing. The average person unconsciously breathes into their chest in short, shallow, inefficient breaths.  Breathing deep into the abdomen promotes increased oxygen intake that better cultivates Qi. 

Qi-gong (chee-gong) involves deep rhythmic breathing, slow-flowing movement, and a calm state of mind. People from around the world practice Qi-gong for meditation, exercise, to relieve stress, to promote self-healing, and to enhance martial arts training. Ultimately, there are many styles of Qi-gong, some very traditional, some eclectic, but at their core the goals are the same.

 Sit up straight with your neck and spine in alignment. This promotes a healthy flow of Qi throughout your spinal column. Close your eyes and just breathe for a moment. Then consciously take a deep inhalation that fills your abdomen with air.  Then slowly exhale from your mouth, releasing all of the air from your lungs and abdomen. Continue this exercise for 2-3 minutes.

If you breathe properly you will better oxygenate your cells, which in turn produces more energy and leads to an increased metabolism. Although this sounds easy, proper breathing must become a consistent daily activity if you hope to increase your overall lung capacity and acclimate the body to elevated oxygen levels.  As with all things it is a gradual process that will improve over time.

Although proper breathing will greatly affect your overall health, this is only a part of the process. Water is an imperative part of the equation. Your lungs must be hydrated. Drinking 30 to 50 ounces (four to six glasses) of water every day will greatly improve the body's ability to oxygenate and expel carbon dioxide. Water and Air are unified in this