Having practiced Qi Gong 18 Style for many years, it is obvious to me. When you begin a movement, you begin the breath and the breath lasts for the entire movement.
Simple? Yes, however many beginning practitioners are so focused on the movement they ignore the breath.
Last week I received this email from Richard: “Thank you Tommy for your DVD which I bought in London this summer. I have suffered from asthma since childhood, and am now 62 but since learning 18 Style, have begun to notice subtle improvements in my breathing. I shall continue with this practice daily. It is wonderful. Right now I feel internal warmth radiating outwards following each session. Many thanks for your teaching. I would like to know more. Sincerely, Richard.”
Richard and I corresponded. He asked: “Just one question for now. Could you kindly suggest how I might continue to help my asthma using my Qigong practice?”
My suggestion was: The one thing you can do to help your asthma with Qi Gong is to breath and move at the same rate. When you begin to move, you begin to breathe. Make the breath last through the entire movement, both on the inhale and the exhale. This takes concentration and practice.
Obvious answer? Yes for me, however as a new practitioner the obvious was not obvious.
The result of enlightenment: “To Tommy, Good morning from England! Thank you so much for your advice regarding my qigong practice and asthma. I have just completed my morning ritual,and have experienced a real opening of the lungs. In fact I feel really well, a step up from my current, much improved condition. I will practice this focus on breath and movement and send you an e mail before Christmas to let you know about my progress. Once again, many thanks for your kind interest and I send my regards. Richard”
Need I say more?
Remember: BREATHE FOR THE ENTIRE MOVEMENT — BOTH IN AND OUT!