What Is Taoist Reverse Breathing?

Taoist Reverse Breathing is one of many Taoist breathing techniques, and is notably used by Qigong and Tai Chi practitioners, Traditional Chinese Medicine healers, and Chinese martial art fighters.

It’s a breathing technique that deliberately reverses the natural movements of the abdomen while inhaling and exhaling.

That is, in Taoist Reverse Breathing the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles contract (inwards) during inhalation through the nose (the abdominal area would normally expand), and the abdominal region expands during exhalation through the mouth (the abdominal area would normally compress and move inwards).

It’s believed that this Taoist breathing technique has several benefits, such as strengthening of the abdominal muscles, protecting the internal organs during martial arts practices, boosting the respiratory functions, stimulation of the immune system, effective distribution of Oxygen (O2) and Qi Life Force through the body, and improvement of one’s meditation practice.

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