Excerpts from                    DRAGON'S BREATH

Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Newsletter

October 1981

  by Michael Alan Brown            President -  CYKFA

Edited by W Kraig Stephens CYKFA Black Belt #68

PUBLISHED WITH PERMISSION OF THE CHING YI KUNG FU ASSOCIATION

Training: Subject: Reverse Breathing-- I have had several recent inquiries from students requesting information about how to use Reverse Breathing and asking how important I feel it is.  I was taught this technique very early on by Dr.  Wong and I know that he still emphasizes it to all his students.  Also, in a recent conversation with Bill Funchion of Tai Ji fame, Bill indicated that he had experienced tremendous increases in his Qi power since employing Reverse Breathing.   I too have found Reverse Breathing to produce sure and rapid changes in the circulation of the Qi, especially along the "Heavenly Cycle" up the Governing Vessel (back) and down the Conception Vessel (front) returning to Dan Tian.

It is my opinion that it should be employed only after one is able to utilize "Natural Breathing" (inhale, Dan Tian expands; exhale, Dan Tian withdraws) easily and without movement of the chest or diaphragm.  For some this is a few days or weeks; for others months or years.

As for the technique, when you inhale draw the Dan Tian region (lower abdomen) in toward the spine and simultaneously be aware of the Qi rising up the spine to the top of the head.  While exhaling, the Dan Tian region relaxes and falls back out to its natural position.  Concurrently, be aware of the Qi continuing down from the top of the head, through the face, neck, and chest to the lower Dan Tian, thus completing a full circle.

I recommend that you first start with your seated and/or standing Qi Gong practice then gradually add the technique to every form where you previously used Natural Breathing (i.e., Tai Ji, Xing Yi, Ba Gua).  It is a transition that should be made slowly with careful attention paid to not forcing the breath and the same evenness (equal time on inhale and exhale) as you have always used.

Finally, it is not for everyone. Some prefer it more than others.  I believe that the highest levels can be attained with Natural Breathing just as well.  Reverse Breathing should not be considered as advanced or basic, superior or inferior to Natural Breathing--just different.  Try it out when you feel comfortable with your Natural Breathing, give it a fair trial period, and weigh the results for yourself.

* Item Three:  New Members -- We have seven additions to the Ching Yi Kung Fu Association!  Instructor Michael Olson sent me the names and membership recommendations for Kraig Stephens and Kim Bowen of Sidney, Montana.  Kraig and Kim have traveled to Seattle for training with Michael and continue to show a strong interest and devotion to Kung Fu practice.

*FOOTNOTE:  I INCLUDED THIS ITEM AS A BENCH MARK FOR WHEN I WAS MADE A MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION.  WKS