"If you do not breathe correctly; you will not move correctly"
That's ancient history!
In ancient China, long before Taoists considered “ch’i” (qi) internal energy as a life energy source, ancient Taoists believed “breathing arts” held the secret to immortality as well as the gateway to advanced knowledge and special powers.
Click here to read John Blofeld’s notes on Taoist yogic & Breathing practices from The Secret and Sublime: Taoist Mysteries & Magic
The basis of the “breathing arts” taught by Chi-Arts instructors is conscious control over the diaphragm, rather than mere “breathing” techniques. First, the student learns to control the shape and tension
of the diaphragm. In turn, the practitioner learns to use that position control and tension to willfully direct specific results. Second, the practice of “breathing arts” allows pressure to be directed to specific areas of the body for a variety of purposes. An example is directing
the pressure from the diaphragm to the organs of the lower torso, or to the lower back. In other examples, pressure from the diaphragm is directed, through a bio-mechanical links/ connection to other areas such
as the hips and, with sufficient training and safety protocols, to the shoulders, knees and other parts of the body such as the fingertips.