The basic breathing of Tai Chi is done through the nose, not the mouth. However, this is different from the nose breathing of ordinary people.
After taking Tai Chi to a higher level, the Qi inside the chest splits into two levels.
A- Breathing "prenatal Qi"
B- "Postnatal Qi" while Exhaling
When exhaling, the upper level Qi (postnatal Qi) is inhaled through the nose and at the same time the lower level Qi (prenatal Qi) falls into the dantien.
During inhalation (prenatal Qi), the upper level Qi is again exhaled through the nose, and at the same time the lower level Qi rises from the tien along the spinal cord to the area between the shoulder blades.
When a person achieves this technique, Qi begins to circulate freely in the body, which is called "unobstructed Qi."
Anyone who practices the correct form of Tai Chi for a certain period of time and to a certain level can achieve this "unobstructed Qi." However, beginners should focus on the forms for correct movements and postures, moving slowly, breathing naturally, and focusing on the whole body being relaxed, rather than concentrating on this breathing technique.
"A real man breathes through his heels, whereas men usually only breathe through their throats."
Zhuangzi 300BC, Taoist Philosopher
When you reach a certain level of Tai Chi, breathing and movements should be coordinated. When this happens, the body will be more agile and more lively.
Breathing Techniques Depending on Application:
When practicing the forms, exhale when extending the arm and inhale when retracting the arm;
Breathe in as you go up and breathe out as you go down;
To lift is to breathe in, to lower is to breathe out.
Breathe in when opening, breathe out when closing;
There should be "a little breathing" when turning the body and between movements. ("A little breathing" means taking short breaths in quick succession and has the nature of relaxation and stopping.
Exhale as you push the hands;
Breathe in as you come back;
Exhale as you parry;
Breathe in as you neutralize.
Circulating Inner Qi through Breathing:
Circulating internal Qi is divided into two types:
From prenatal to postnatal;
It is from front to back, that is, the dantien Qi goes to the hai ti and returns to the tailbone, along the spine to the yu zhen, from there to the tian ling, through the forehead and nose to the ren zhong, to the throat, chest, navel, and finally back to the dan tien.
From postnatal to prenatal;
It is from back to front, meaning the dan ten chi reaches from the navel to the chest, throat, ren zhong, forehead, tian ling, yu zhen, and continues along the spine to the tailbone, finally reaching the hai ti and returning to the dan tien.
Note that the latter is the exact opposite of the former. This type of "Qi movement method" may seem very vague at first, but after a long time, one will be able to fully understand and master it. These two types of internal Qi circulation should be used in solo training as well as in sparring practice with an opponent and in striking practice.
Tai Chi masters not only use the internal Qi circulation method, but can even listen to and recognize the opponent's internal Qi: when it rises or falls, when it moves forward or backward, when it moves left, right, up and down. This kind of superior technique can never be achieved before a few decades of good training. Of course, it is difficult for beginners to understand it.
The two sounds that are made when inhaling and exhaling are " Heng " and " Haah " (grandmasters may also use their mouths to produce their breathing). Whether practicing solo or with an opponent, masters' mouths naturally produce these two sounds for three reasons.
First, it makes the internal chi smooth and comfortable; the internal organs will not be hurt by the pressure.
Second, the internal power can be completely released; none of it remains inside.
Thirdly, it scares the opponent (if an opponent experiences fear, his movements become loose or scattered, his mind is lost, his feet become undisciplined and therefore he cannot defend himself and has a chance to win).
Therefore, the two sounds of "Heng and Haah" are very beneficial and the student should pay close attention to them. When one is neutralizing and inhaling the inner Qi, one will produce the sound "Heng". The "Haah" sound is usually produced when one is holding or striking and the inner Qi is exhaled. Breathing is an integral part of Tai Chi. Tai Chi practice without proper breathing is incomplete.