Just Breathe: The Importance of Breath in Chinese Medicine

"When correct breathing is practiced, the multitude of diseases will not arise. When breathing is depressed or strained, disease will arise. Those who wish to nurture their lives must above all learn the proper methods of controlled breath and balanced Qi. These breathing methods can cure all disease, great and small."

Sunsimiao, Tang Dynasty.

All too often, as daily life passes us by, we forgot to do the most important component of life, we forget to breathe. Obviously I am not talking about ceasing all respiration altogether, no, this is in relation to correct breathing for health and longevity. We all naturally breathe - luckily our body has set rhythms' that allow us to breathe, sleep, pump blood, sweat and so on. Most of us, however, don't have any of these functions working to their fullest extent.

There are a number of hurdles in daily life that can lead to dysfunction of these natural rhythms. Stress, which often leads to anxiety, will cause shallow breathing and chest oppression. Pollution and poor nutrition or excessive medications leads to poor breathing cycles and other illnesses. Posture, which in turn leads to compressed chest (a "closed" chest, rather than an "open" chest) that can cause shallow breathing, wheezing, and other minute respiratory issues. Improper breathing exercises, like chest breathing, poor instruction and other miscellaneous causes. All of these and more can disrupt natural breathing patterns.

In acupuncture and Chinese medicine we obtain and maintain life through three primary natural products: the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. Quality food is paramount to quality health. This includes how our digestion system functions, correct absorption of nutrients, metabolism and so on. It is the same for breathing - quality of air, depth of breath, absorption of that air into our lungs and into our blood and hence organs, skin, and other vital structures. The better we breathe and eat the better we will sleep, the better our heart will beat and the better we will live. Healthier, happier, longer.

Chinese medical theory reached its peak in the early Han dynasty of ancient China. In the classical text known as the Huangdi Neijing (or the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic, written in the Han approximately 2200 years ago) the knowledge of the body was formed. Of particular importance and still in use today was the channel system of acupuncture (Jingluo). When we breathe properly (as described below) it will enhance the amount of clean and pure Qi distributed to the channels. In simple terms the good part of the air we breathe will be distributed to the muscles, tendons, skin, hair, organs etc (these are all the places where channels reach).

Why must we breathe properly? What is a proper breath?

There are many variations to breathing properly. Depending on whether you follow specific traditions (such as yogic exercises or qigong) or perhaps are up to date with modern research and specific trials. All breathing demands a few vital components: mouth, nose, lung, and diaphragm. It is this last structure that is of most importance for this article. When we engage the diaphragm we are enabling a deep stretch to occur in our abdomen. Often called "abdominal breathing" due to the fact that when you engage the diaphragm it naturally means your belly protrudes a little. This lower part of the abdomen is referred to as the Dan Tien in Chinese and is often translated as the "Cinnabar Field". It is an area of concentration so that we make properly direct our breathe downwards, leading to a calming sensation which in turn helps with stress, posture, heart rate, digestion and of course circulation. Breathing deep into the abdomen, engaging our diaphragm allows for more oxygen to fill our Lungs and therefore more nutrients from the oxygen to be distributed around our body. It is important to think of the effect that the diaphragm has on the body as a force pump, compressing and massaging the internal organs, in this way, it acts very similar to that of the heart.

There have been numerous studies performed on the effects of correct abdominal breathing, from engaging the parasympathetic nervous system to the secretion of neurotransmitters to battle disease.

In the Chinese tradition, breathing has always been paramount with health preservation, longevity, and the enjoyment of life. From the early texts of the Guanzi to the descriptive writings of the Wuxuanpian the Chinese have focused on very specific and technical breathing methods. qigong has been around for thousands of years and shares many similar traits to yogic traditions. Breathing "through" and "with" ones body is one of the key methods of many different (of which there are thousands) styles of qigong. Many styles will start with simple posture work, correct sitting, lying or standing to allow for the diaphragm to be relaxed and so that the beginner can engage it correctly (normally under supervision). Once this has been done correctly then solo practice to refine the methods into a natural movement are repeated constantly.

For more information of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine please visit www.clasicalacupuncture.com.au. To find an appropriate qigong or qoga teacher in your area please email and questions to info@classicalacupuncture.com.au.

David White is a classical acupuncture and Chinese medical scholar-physician. Having practiced martial arts, Qigong, and medicine for nearly 20 years David has incorporated the teaching of correct breathing methods into his clinical practice. David White operates a private clinic in Crows Nest in the lower northern suburbs of Sydney, Australia.

David has a strong network around the globe of qualified Qigong and Yoga practitioners who can assist you with correct breathing methods for health, well being, and longevity. Please visit http://www.classicalacupuncture.com.au and contact David if you have any questions.