Vol 23, Issue 1/2006
The breath nourishes the Qi
Comments on normal and reversed abdominal breathing
By Oswald Elleberger
Natural abdominal breathing and »reversed abdominal breathing« are the most importantforms of breathing in Qigong and Taijiquan. However, one seldom finds detailed descriptions of the physiological processes involved. Oswald Elleberger first describes »normal« abdominal breathing and on this basis then clarifies the special aspects of reversed abdominal breathing. Both forms represent basic patterns of natural abdominal breathing which support the physiological processes of the body. Reversed abdominal breathing, which is always combined with thoracic breathing, is the more active variant and has a stronger energizing effect. It can also be used in the Qitong method to strengthen the Yuanqi.
