Dan Tian Breathing

Dan Tian Breathing is an extremely beneficial variation of natural breathing. The Dan Tian is the energy center in the abdominal region, about three inches below the navel and midway into the center of the body. The precise location of the DAN Tian can vary slightly from person to person. Some students feel it behind the navel; others locate it closer to the pubic bone. The dan tian will be the point or region from which the expansion of the abdomen seems to originate.

When practicing dan tian breathing, both the lower abdomen and lower back expand with inhalation, and both retract with exhalation. Most of the movement is still felt in the front of the body, but there is definitely a response in the back. IF you were to hold your hands on the abdomen and low back of a Qigong master during inhalation, you would feel as if a small balloon were expanding in the abdomen and pushing both hands away from each other. The lower spine pushes lightly into your palm and the kidneys seem to expand with a gentle outward and lateral movement. During exhalation, air is let out of the balloon and the hands sink toward each other. Taiji master T.T. Liang says that one of the marks of an "old Taiji hand" is the ability to expand and contract the lower back during deep, concentrated breathing or during the practice of Taiji Quan.

Dan Tian Breathing includes all of the benefits of natural respiration. It makes the mind and body relaxed, decreases unhealthy reactions to stress, lessens anxiety, allows more efficient gaseous exchange, and massages internal organs. Additionally, Dan Tian Breathing stimulates the kidneys, the lower spine, and the important acupuncture point ming men "the gate of vitality". Ming men controls the proper functioning of the kidneys and, when stimulated, increases the bodyís overall vitality and energy level. Dan tian Breathing primes the body's major energetic pump so that Qi can spread more efficiently throughout the body.

You may have been familiar with the concept of abdominal respiration, but breathing with the lower back might seem strange and difficult at first. It is important not to force the lower back. NEVER strain the breath or breathing muscles!! If your lower back does not move, then just imagine the movement. Eventually, the back will begin to respond.

It is surprising how few physicians know about this kind of breathing or are even aware that the back is capable of moving significantly with the breath. Medical Doctors are expert in recognizing and treating disease and attempt to return the body to average, normal functioning. They are poorly trained, however, in recognizing symptoms of limited human potential or the procedures necessary to create better than average health. This is the domain of qigong healing.