SPHERICAL BREATHING

Critical to Human Survival is an Understanding of
Taoist Teachings in Regard to Health and Well Being.

BREATHING

  • The practice of deep controlled breathing is an essential aspect of the art of internal cultivation.
  • Internal cultivation relates to the balance of chemistries in the body.
  • Becoming aware of our human ability to affect change in the inner body establishes a link to the ancient practice of inner alchemy.

CHEMISTRY

The balance of chemistry in our bodies relates directly to the degree of internal energy in the body. When this energy is vital and strong, we experience good health. Deep breathing oxygenates the body through the pores and replenishes blood which nurtures body chemistries and affects activity within the neural networks of the brain.

DAILY PRACTICE

Taoist methods suggest that time should be set aside each day to focus full attention to breathing. This breathing should cycle from numerous directions which cycle around the body as if the body were within a sphere of breath. See the animation below to clarify this description. Simultaneously one should inhale and exhale from all directions, while visualizing that inhaling collapses the sphere as the breath is directed to the center of the body just below the navel (tantien).


VISUALIZATION

Visualize that the exhale pushes the air outward in all directions while imagining the sphere is expanding to its full form. From the following directions, simultaneously breathe in for seven seconds, hold the breath for four seconds, and breathe out for seven seconds. Repeat several times.

  1. From the left side.
  2. From the front.
  3. From the right side.
  4. From the back.
  5. From the head to the toes.
  6. From every other angle between these five directions.