Taijiquan, as China's intangible cultural heritage, is a unique sport that combines philosophy, martial arts, health preservation and art. In the practice of Tai Chi, the breathing method is crucial, which directly affects the physical and mental health of the practitioner and the improvement of the martial arts realm. This article will detail the correct way to breathe in Tai Chi to help readers better understand and practice this ancient art.
1. The basic principles of Tai Chi breathing
Natural breathing: In the initial stages of Tai Chi practice, practitioners should focus on natural breathing, not deliberately controlling the rhythm and depth of breathing, but allowing the breathing to proceed naturally with the slow and smooth movements. This breathing method helps the practitioner to quickly relax and enter the state of tai chi practice.
Deep and long breathing: With the proficiency of Tai Chi techniques, practitioners can gradually transition to deep and long breathing. This breathing method requires the practitioner to extend the chest cavity and abdomen as much as possible as they inhale, and to fully inhale oxygen into the alveoli; When exhaling, try to expel waste gas from the body to achieve the purpose of cleaning the internal environment.
Breathing evenly: In Tai Chi practice, practitioners should strive to breathe evenly to avoid shortness and instability caused by the ups and downs of the movements. Breathing evenly helps to maintain balance and improve the endurance of the practitioner.
2. The specific method of Tai Chi breathing
Abdominal breathing: This is a common Tai Chi breathing method that requires the practitioner to slightly expand the abdomen as they inhale and contract their abdomen slightly as they exhale. This breathing method helps to increase the ability of the diaphragm to contract and improve the efficiency of breathing.
Reverse abdominal breathing: In contrast to abdominal breathing, reverse abdominal breathing requires the practitioner to slightly contract the abdomen as they inhale and slightly expand their abdomen as they exhale. This breathing method helps to cultivate inner breath and improve the internal strength of Tai Chi.
Vocal breathing: In Tai Chi practice and performance, practitioners often use vocal breathing to help the force of the movement. This breathing method requires the practitioner to make a sound when exhaling, so as to achieve the purpose of strengthening the breath and increasing the explosive power.
3. Practical suggestions for Tai Chi breathing
Coordination of breathing and movement: In Tai Chi practice, breathing should be closely integrated with movements to form a coordinated whole. The beginning and end of the movement is often the turning point of the breath, and the practitioner should adjust the breathing as the movement changes, so that it is naturally connected to the movement.
Mind Guidance: In Tai Chi practice, practitioners should use their minds to guide their breathing to make it deeper and more even. The power of the mind can promote the smooth flow of the breath and achieve the effect of sinking the dantian.
Long-term persistence: The mastery and cultivation of Tai Chi breathing is a long-term process, which requires the practitioner to practice and perceive it consistently. It is only after a long period of accumulation that practitioners can truly appreciate the mystery and charm of Tai Chi breathing.
In conclusion, the correct method of Tai Chi breathing is the key for practitioners to harmonize their inner breath and improve their martial arts realm. By mastering the methods of natural breathing, deep and long breathing, abdominal breathing, reverse abdominal breathing and vocal breathing, and paying attention to the coordination of breathing and movement, mental guidance and long-term perseverance, practitioners will be able to go further and further on the road of Taijiquan and reap the dual improvement of physical and mental health and martial arts cultivation.