“Breath of a Dragon”

For martial arts practices, this breath technique is used to endure difficult training methods contained in many Kung Fu styles. Hung Gar, for example uses isometrics to develop internal and external strength during prolonged posture holding. These methods are among the oldest form of exercise in the world. Using the “Breath of a Dragon” provides the energy needed as well as the focal point for your mind instead of the discomfort experienced due to lactic acid build that occurs in the deeply held postures common to Hung Gar

The process of respiration occurs within each cell where nutrient fuel is burned with oxygen to release energy. The nose, trachea (windpipe), lungs, circulatory system, and attending muscles all act to transport oxygen from the air we breathe to make it readily available to individual cells. Each of these organs plays a crucial role in determining oxygen supply, and therefore the amount of energy available, to cells throughout the body. Energy production within the body could potentially be altered should any of these involved organs not function properly. It stands to reason, that an insufficient supply of oxygen to meet the body’s energy demands would result in a reduction of cellular functioning or even death.

This leads us to a little recognized fact, that the importance of maintaining health is directly related to the quality of our breathing. When we pay attention, we see that breathing is either diaphragmatic or thoracic, continuous or interrupted by pauses, rhythmical or irregular; all affected by either our physical or emotional state. We have all experienced changes in our breathing under varying circumstances such as fear, anger, sorrow and physical exertion, so each event affects the breath. Conversely, this relationship exists too, if we intentionally or unconsciously alter our pattern of inhalation and exhalation, it will affect our physical and emotional state. Some of us have unintentionally set up physical responses to emotional triggers that over time become a habitual pattern of behavior. In other words, we interrupt a natural and healthy process of respiration. To correct the ill effects of this upon our mind and body we need to pay attention to our breath and practice quality breathing.

With repeated efforts, over time, we can re-train our muscles and automatic responses through breathing exercises to have a direct influence on our body’s total health. I encourage each and every one of you to pay more attention to how you breathe. Here is one technique to practice. I call this breath of a dragon. This technique is commonly used in many Asian practices like kung fu, chi kung, tai chi, yoga, and meditation. The purpose of this technique is to obtain the skill of managing your energy as well as other natural resources you have. The metaphor of breath of a dragon is to help us imagine a great dragon breathing in a full breath and breathing out a plume of fire. In the Chinese culture the dragon and fire are thought of as a positive energy.

This technique can be done standing, sitting, lying down, or while practicing almost any kind of art or physical activity. Initially, to gain control and develop the skill, start while sitting in stillness. First, prepare your surroundings by reducing distractions like the phone or any other stimulus. This is your quality time to make healthy deposits in yourself. Next, prepare your body. Generally speaking, it is best to try and relax your whole body so that you are not distracted by discomfort. However, this technique can also be performed while holding difficult postures too, which not only energizes the body but serves as a great form of distraction from the difficulty being experienced providing the ability to do the “work” well.

The path of the breath is in through the nose in a way that resembles a snore which hollows out the throat then out through the mouth with a kind of “H” sound. The breath is intended to be audible. Being able to hear your breath clearly holds your concentration into your breathing. It is very easy for your mind to “take off” and think of other things. You also want to feel the coolness of the air coming in tying more of your observation into your breathing and exercising more control over your mind.  This also helps to develop better concentration skills. When first working on this technique, place your hands one over the other about two or three inches below your naval on your lower abdomen. The reason for this is to direct your breath to the region of your body referred to as the “dan tian” which literally means "cinnabar or red field" and is loosely translated as "elixir field". It is described as an important focal point for internal meditative techniques and refers specifically to the physical center of gravity located in the abdomen (about three finger widths below and two finger widths behind the navel. When breathing in push out the dan tian to direct your breath downward to sink your energy down making you stable. When breathing out, push in the dan tian with a mildly pressurized audible exhale like breathing out fire. Don’t blow air out or sniff air in. Use your dan tian as a focal point. After some practice you will not need to place your hands on your dan tian. While your breath in place the tip of your tongue at the roof of your mouth right behind your teeth. When you exhale drop your tongue and hollow your throat. Strive to breathe slowly and fill your lungs completely and then empty your lungs completely as well. Over time you are trying to increase your lungs capacity as well as gain control of the rate at which you breathe. With this skill your can increase your body’s energy and performance at a moments notice. While sitting in stillness because you are not consuming as much energy the breath should be soft and gentle. This is a great way to calm the mind before bed making it easier to fall asleep. While using this technique for meeting energy needs during a challenging workout, you can increase the intensity of each breath as needed. It is recommended that you practice this skill in stillness to supplement a meditation practice. This way you can focus on making the technique more natural without having to multi-task.

The best time to practice is whenever you think of it. You can practice anytime and anyplace, even better outdoors. No special requirements are necessary. Ideally, you would like to make this technique a habit. However, it is a good idea to start your day with a few minutes of stillness and managed breathing to prepare you for the busy day ahead. About the middle of the day, take a few minutes, preferably in a quiet place, maybe in your car, to re-energize your body again. It’s also a good way to prepare for a brief nap. You’ll find the rest of your day easier and more productive. Finally, at the end of the day, take a few minutes to prepare for sleep, bringing your mind to a state of calmness. You’ll find that you will fall asleep faster and deeper with a little preparation.  I promise you this, you will love the results. If you learn to control your breathing, you will relieve stress, increase energy, reduce illness and overall increase the quality of life. Now you know why I call it the most important thing in the world!