Vertical Breathing

Vertical breathing or reverse breathing uses the abdomen with a focus on breath going up and down to the abdomen. In vertical or reverse breathing the abdomen goes in and out. This prevents the breath from getting stuck in the upper chest.

When inhaling the belly button squashes in, presses in and connects with the Min Meng at the location of the kidneys at the back of the body. The front of the body and back of the body connect (energetically) at the abdomen or dantien level. When inhaling and contracting the bottom or perineum raises up, very slightly, This inhaling is the same as when we smell something good such as a flower, or delicious food.

Upon exhale the breath is released and the belly button/dantien expands out as does the Min Meng. The expansion of front and back upon exhale happens at the same time. With the exhale the bottom or perineum releases and pushes down, again gently and slightly.

Using abdominal, vertical breathing is good for the health and trains the body to be more open. In this breath the practitioner can find a quiet place.

Expand and release with exhalation and the body becomes long and vertical at the same time.

Breathing

At first it is important to breathe naturally. Too much focus on breathing can bring the mind away from the body movements. It is important not to think too much (even about breathing) or one will loose the form.

When hands go up breathe in, and when hands go down breath out. When closing the body inhale, and when opening the body exhale. When moving up or out breath in. Breathing is a bit like being a bellows.

When breathing the abdomen moves in and out with the breath so that breathing is vertical.; the breath moves vertically. If only the chest goes up and down the breath is horizontal and is not deep enough.