dantian breathing
Dantian breathing is a simple Qigong exercise for opening up and breathing into an area two inches below your navel. This is an acupuncture point named Conception Vessel 6 that is treated to promote digestion, elimination, reproductive and sexual vitality. It is the energetic center for physical healing which is related to Jing, vital essence. Through concentrating the mind on this area in conjunction with slow, gentle and rhythmical breathing - energy flows in a way to both restore balance and stimulate kidney energy.
This special area of the body is also known as the lower Dantian. It's one of several energetic centers of highly rotating energy within the body – it is a reservoir of inner strength, stability, energy, power, calm and balance. It is the energetic center for physical healing, promoting physical and energetic grounding to nourish body, mind & spirit.
Physical body healing stems from the Dantian so it is very important to breathe fully into this area. Not just performing this exercise, but also throughout the day. This form of breathing is also known traditionally as “belly breathing” and is similar to how a baby breathes. It’s only after they are taught to hold in their tummies that they resort to unnatural chest breathing. While performing Dantian breathing it may be helpful to think of your lungs to be down in your belly.
with your chest relaxed and spine erect, mouth gently closed.
Feel the tip of the tongue resting on roof of your mouth.
Place your palms on belly two inches below your navel,
fingers towards each other, feet resting fully on the floor.
Visualize the bottoms of your feet rooted into the floor
and down into the earth.
Imagine a golden thread extending from the crown of your head
up to the ceiling and onward to the sky.
Take a slow, rhythmic breath in through your nose with mouth closed.
As you do this, blow your belly up like a big balloon.
Next, exhale slowly and gently through your nose with mouth closed.
As you do this, allow your belly to deflate, just like a balloon.
Perform 3 series of 3 deep breaths with a short rest in between.
An alternative position is to practice this exercise lying down with a tissue box on your belly – follow the above breathing directions as you watch the box rise and fall as you gently breathe in and out. As you become more adept, you can remove the box and replace with your hands, palms gently resting on your belly.
It’s best to practice Dantian breathing every day – eventually becoming second nature. It can also be done as added support when experiencing stressful situations: simply take a moment to breathe, center and invigorate yourself.