Chen introduced three methods of breath practices. 1) Inhale while raising your both hands, as they move to the top of your head, exhale and put them down. Your breath should be in sync with your hand motions. Normal people would inhale/exhale 12 times/min on average. The goal of this practice is to reduce it to 7-8 time/min, or even better 4-5 times/min (master can do it at 2-3 times/min). The bottom line is the breath should be deep, slow and steady.
3) Breath in Dantian. Tai'chi believes in the flow of chi(breath) in human body. Dantian is the lower abdomen part that is below navel, which is said to be the center to originate a person's chi. This practice aims to enhance the flow of chi in your body. To start, put your left hand at navel, and right hand above it (reverse for female). Relax your body, bent knees, loosen waist. Turn your body to right, up, and down, left (reverse directions for female). Hands move along as the body moves.
2) Breath in motion. Literally, this practice means "grab breath". It is practiced in accordance with a basic attack position in Tai'chi. One leg in front, the other at the back. Inhale while your hands are pulling in, as if you are taking the breath away from your target. Exhale while pushing out, usually this is also the moment of attack. (Think of it as you release your breath the same time when you release your energy to attack your opponent.)
(cont'd) In this direction, move 36 times, each time draw a bigger circle with your hands. Then turn into the opposite direction, move 24 times, each time draw a smaller circle with your hands. After this practice, rub your hands to warm them. Then rub your face, ears. Put your hands on ears and tap your rear head. [End]
