For those who have been following Tai Chi Breathing exercises- we move on

[Tryfan]

Meditation with breathing.

How many people have heard when someone is ill -”its all in the mind”. Well that may be so, I’m not qualified to answer that- but if the mind can cause disease could it also cure it?

Qigong meditation includes two types of practises. First and most important ru jing (entering tranquillity). Means training the mind to be silently aware without any particular focus. Not thinking directly but just experiencing - ancient Daoist call this “fasting of the mind”.

Second kind of meditation is cun si healing, visualisation and concentration techniques. By visualisation, conscious production of positive mental images, rather than spontaneous or visionary states. Healing visualisation is therapeutic. It is claimed with every inhalation streams of healing energy flow to the affected parts.

Training in visualisation and volition- a sharpening awareness towards correcting of health problems by using the power of the mind.

According to Master Dr Liu Gui zhen .

1. Let go of troubles. 2. Have a relaxed spirit. 3. Prepare a tranquil quiet room, made simple for practise. 4. Make sure no illness can prevent good breathing. 5. Go to the loo. 6. Loosen clothes , don’t force breath; relax body and lightly close the eyes. 7. Sitting or lying posture

it is the minds intent which directs qi.

Inner nourishing Gong

Healing mind and body (seated or lying on back head propped, or lying on your side).

This is the most widely practised method in China. Because it is gentle, it can compliment all other Qigong therapies. It is said to strengthen all internal organs, reduce stress, and improve sleep and digestion. Used in China for a wide range of problems, indigestion, ulcers, constipation, asthma, rheumatism, heart disease, fatigue and other problems.

It was developed in Hebei Province at about the time of the Ming Dynasty 1360 -1644. At first a secret handed down from Master to Disciple, began to be openly taught about 1947.

Variation A. All of the breathing, both inhalation and exhalation, is through the nose. First spend a few minutes breathing in a relaxed natural fashion. Next, as you inhale, let the tip of the tongue touch the upper palate. At the same time, think, “I am” Then for a moment , gently hold breath, while thinking “calm and”, Now let the tongue rest in the lower jaw while exhaling and thinking, “relaxed” .

Continue to inhale, tongue up, “I am” Hold breath, “calm and ..” exhale, tongue down “relaxed.” You co-ordinate the phrase “I am calm and relaxed” with your breathing. Don’t force breathing or try to overinflate lungs.

As you improve over time, you can increase number of syllables (add your own) during the breath holding phrase. “I am”- breath in, hold breath -”sitting calm and”, Exhale tongue down “relaxed”. Or “I am” Hold breath “sitting calmly, body strong and” .. exhale “healthy”.

Variation B. If weak or breathing too difficult, breath only with nose or mouth slightly opened. This time breath held momentarily after exhalation, rather than after inhalation.

Try it.

Best wishes David

[fronkleblanc]

The Tongue on the roof of the mouth or just behind the top teeth really makes a difference. Since doing this while practising and in class, I am much more relaxed. Also, my chi seems stronger and lasts longer when in warm up and during the form.

[Tryfan in reply to fronkleblanc]

I'm pleased that you feel Tai Chi is making a difference. The tongue touching connects the Yin conception channel and the Yang Governing Channel. Otherwise it is said - Chi could stagnate in the mouth area and make the body too Yang.

Good luck.

[fronkleblanc in reply to Tryfan]

Yes, it does and after my recent check up the nurse said whatever you're doing keep at it, as had made an improvement. I always do other exercise but do more regular Tai Chi than before.

[knitter]

Thanks, I will try these. I do a breath meditation and a loving kindness one already. They help calm and slow breath and heart rate

[Dedalus]

Thank you David

[Hidden]

I'm starting tai chi classes Monday...iv been playing around on you tube with some of the videos and found it very relaxing breathing techniques...though I don't feel much out of breath (copd stage 3) ..we will see how it goes Monday and I start PR may 9th xxx

[Tryfan]

It might be worth mentioning your condition to the Instructor. If aware they should include exercises that would help. Good luck.