Breathing is a key element of tai chi, which regards breath as the drawing in and release of energy. This process is often described in classical tai chi literature as "opening and closing." Upon the intake of air, or opening, energy is collected and stored internally. With its release, the energy is directed, or closed. The flow of opening and closing with tai chi breathing exercises is harmonized with a series of corresponding movements.
Salute the Sun
According to Walter Jackson of the Walking Tiger Tai Chi Club, there are five primary tai chi breathing exercises, the first of which is Salute the Sun. This exercise is said to revitalize the meridians, or channels of energy, that govern the brain, spine and glands. In terms of therapeutic benefit, the exercise is recommended by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine to enhance memory and lower blood pressure. The movement involves looking overhead through hands clasped in a manner that forms a pyramid, while breathing "from the belly." As with all tai chi breathing exercises, breathing occurs exclusively through the nose and not the mouth. As author Chen Yen Ling notes, breathing directs the movement. When rising or lifting, breath is inhaled; when extending or lowering, breath is exhaled.
Separating the Clouds
This tai chi breathing exercise involves opening and gathering energy by inhaling while crossing the wrists in front of the body in a position known as the Eagle's Wings, and then gently pulling the hands apart. The energy is released, or closed, by exhaling as the hands are brought forward to the original position. This exercise concentrates on the meridians of the heart and lungs.
Opening the Tiger's Mouth
This exercise emulates the stance taken when tossing a ball skyward with the right hand. The weight of the body then shifts to the left foot while rotating the body to the right and the right wrist out so the palm is facing out. The movement is repeated but angled toward the opposite side of the body. Again, the breath is drawn and energy opened while rotating outward, and the energy closed and released by exhaling while returning to the center position. This breathing exercise is intended to benefit the stomach and liver.
Scooping Needles from the Sea
This exercise incorporates a series of motions that involve shifting the weight and pivoting in the opposite direction, which are performed in 10 or more repetitions. Breath is inhaled during rotation and moving forward, and is exhaled while the weight is shifted. This exercise is reputed to boost the immune system and enhance the functioning of the kidneys and spleen. It is also recommended to improve depression, insomnia and sexual dysfunction.
Casting Out Chi
Also known as Holding the Moon, this exercise begins with the body relaxed and knees slightly bent while the arms are brought out in front of the chest as though holding a sphere, or the moon. The sphere is "dropped" and rotated downward so that the right wrist faces upward. The position is reversed when the sphere is "bounced" and rotated upward. During this closing exercise, the breath is kept at a steady, relaxed pace throughout.
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