Chi Dynamics Breathing

In Chi Dynamics, the most important element of the exercise is the deep diaphragmatic breathing technique. The inhalation and exhalation are as follows:

All inhalation is through the nose.
All types of exhalation are through deep diaphragmatic breathing.
The duration of holding of the breath after inhalation can vary, but is generally about 4 to 6 seconds.
The duration of exhalation can vary significantly, depending on the exercise.

Different Types of Exhalation

Fu: Inhale. Hold 4 seconds. Place tip of the tongue just behind the upper teeth all the time. Exhale through the nose for 6 seconds. Pause for 4 seconds before inhaling. This activates the central nervous system up the spine (Yang), bringing the energy (heat) up the Tu channel. The tongue acts as the bridge for the energy, to bring it down the front Ren channel (Yin), activating the autonomous nervous system and all the endocrine glands. This is used when doing the Metal element. It is absorbing and contracting energy.

Chui: Soft blowing for the heart (no audible sound). Strong blowing for the lungs.

Soft Chui: Inhale. Hold 4 seconds. Exhale by softly blowing the air out through slightly pursed lips (as if you are going to whistle) for a minimum of 9 seconds. The longer the exhalation, the more relaxed and calm the body will be. This is used when under stress, feeling anxious, for the heart and emotional problems.

Strong Chui: Inhale. Hold for 4 seconds. Exhale through pursed lips. Blow strongly and evenly for a count of 6 seconds. Pause and hold for 4 seconds before inhaling again. If you have respiratory problems such as asthma or emphysema, the length of the pause after the exhalation will be increased considerably. This is used when doing the Water element. It is cascading, descending, cooling and calming energy.

Pi: Use sharp, rhythmic exhalation through the nostrils (as if you are blowing your nose, but without using a tissue or handkerchief). The pumping action for the exhalation must come from the Lower Dan Tian, located 2 inches below the navel, which is kept firm. The tip of the tongue is curled up behind the front teeth all the time. The mouth stays closed and relaxed. The inhalation is barely noticeable. (It will be in response to how well you have exhaled.) Saliva will build up. Try not to swallow until the end of the particular exercise you are doing. (It will disrupt the rhythm of the breathing). The saliva is alkaline and magnetised. This type of breathing will lower cholesterol naturally and burn off toxins from the blood, along with excess sodium and sugar. It will raise energy and body heat when doing the Fire element. It is rising and heating energy.

Tu: Inhale. Hold (the time will vary with some movements). Exhale, controlling it from the throat, with the mouth open, sounding like 'haaa'. (This is used for organs and functions below the diaphragm). This is used for nourishing the bone marrow, strengthening bones, muscles, sinews and tendons when doing the Wood element. It is an expanding energy.

Xi: Inhale. Hold for 4 seconds. Put the molar teeth together and gently hiss the air out slowly. Pause for 4 seconds then repeat. This is for the glands in the throat area, example, thyroid, parathyroid. This is used when doing the Earth element. It is for balancing and stabilising energy. The rhythm of the breathing is determined by your requirement, such as, health, energy or power.

Chi Dynamics Breathing for Health

Inhale (no need to count - once the breath is taken down to the abdomen and the tummy gently rises, your lungs are full).

Hold for 4 to 6 seconds to allow for the interchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This is the 'art of controlled exhalation'.

Exhale evenly through either the nose or mouth. (This will vary, depending on what you are trying to achieve in the body). The time can vary from 6 to 12 seconds. The longer you take to exhale with control, the more alkaline the system will become, and the more relaxed and calm the body will be. It is important to fully exhale, squeezing out all the stale air.

The deep diaphragmatic breathing used in Chi Dynamics, combined with the gentle movements massage the internal organs, stimulating the digestive juices, enabling better digestion and absorption of nutrients, thereby providing energy for the body and more efficient waste disposal. There is an increase of good bacteria in the gut, where previously there has been imbalance. The rhythmic breathing and movements help move the waste from the body preventing constipation, flatulence and bloating.

It is important not to overeat at any one time. An indication you have not overeaten is when you can squeeze the tummy right back toward the spine on the exhalation, with no discomfort.

A lesser-known fact is that Chi Dynamics breathing greatly improves the ability of the body to extract nutrients, assimilate and transform it to energise Chi flow. That is the reason why Qigong Masters do not need to consume large quantities of food to get the same energy as others.

Another important fact is that the deep diaphragmatic breathing helps burn away the toxins, excess blood sugars (as in diabetes) and unwanted cholesterol (LDL) giving rise to more High Density Lipids (HDL).

The result is evident when people with a high LDL reading, regularly practise the 'Mao Swing', using 'Pi' breathing, a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes per day, over a 2 to 3 months period, then check the count again. This is done naturally, without the need for medication.

Specific Chi exercises with particular breathing will show benefits for different organs of the body.

Among the most important preventive health care benefits of Chi Dynamics system is the way it immediately balances the pH level of the blood, digestive juices and other bodily fluids. Chronic excess acidity gives rise to a condition of pH imbalance known as 'acidosis', which has become a primary causal factor in many common degenerative conditions today. This is due to the extremely acid-forming properties of modern diet, particularly meat, dairy products and refined starches and sugars. Stress and physical exhaustion also produce a lot of excess acid in the blood and muscles.

Chi Dynamics deep diaphragmatic breathing restores normal pH balance to the blood with each practice. This effect is related to oxygen; proper pH-balance can only be maintained when sufficient oxygen is present in the blood. As we are aware excess acidity and insufficient oxygen are the two primary conditions of imbalance, causing cells to mutate. Thus, this breathing technique helps prevent cancer by correcting the two main imbalances.