Tai Chi And Breathing Exercises

 

Tai Chi and Breathing Strategies

"Lung breathing is a valuable tool for keeping the lungs strong and healthy. The average adult has a total lung capacity of approximately 6000 cubic centimeters. But at rest, the average adult uses only 300 to 500 cubic centimeters of that potential. So, if you are not active, over time your lungs can become weak and brittle. Just like your muscles, if you do not use your lungs they will begin to shrink and become weak, and you will be more prone to illness. If you are frequently in an environment that puts you in still positions for long periods of time, it is extremely important for your health to consciously spend time performing lung exercises.

With this exercise you will focus on breathing into every part of the lungs. First, you will focus on breathing into the front side of the lungs. To do this exercise, either sit or stand in a comfortable position, then round the shoulders and the spine slightly forward. You will feel a light stretch across the back. This position will also lightly stretch the back side of the lungs, while simultaneously softening the front side of the lungs. Now that the front side of the lungs is relaxed, breathe deeply at least 6 to 12 times. Notice how the front side of your body expands and contracts. You are exercising the front sides of the lungs.

Next, you will focus on breathing into the back side of the lungs. As before, sit or stand in a comfortable position. Then do a soft backward arch with the spine while rolling the shoulders back. Be sure to not arch so far that you feel tight. This should be a relaxed position. Now breathe deeply, focusing on the back sides of the lungs. Again, take at least 6 to 12 deep, full breaths.

To exercise the sides of the lungs, we will use the same strategy. Softly lean to your left, stretching the right side of your body and lightly softening the left side of your body. Then breathe deeply into the left side, 6 to 12 times, focusing on your lungs expanding and contracting with the breath on the left side. Repeat for the right side.

If you are having difficulty visualizing this breathing strategy, close your eyes and bring your awareness inward. Watch your lungs stretch and relax with every breath."

From Jeff Patterson, 2020