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The Art of Breathing Tadao Ogura, M.D.
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2. Notes on Total Breathing If you have truly mastered both
Abdominal and Reverse Breathing, the Total Breathing technique should not be
difficult. If you have problems with this exercise, you may want to go back
and practice both Abdominal and Reverse Breathing separately for a few weeks
more until you feel ready to try Total Breathing again. The actual process for Total
Breathing is not very complicated, again, assuming you have mastered the
techniques that form the basis for the movements. You are actually just
filling your abdomen with air (so your lower abdomen extends out), then
continuing to inhale more air into your body by filling up your chest (so
your chest extends out). When you exhale, you exhale the contents of your
chest first (so your chest deflates), and then the contents of the rest of
the abdominal cavity (so your abdomen pushes in). Pour air in, pour air out. It is recommended that you
practice a few cycles each of Abdominal Breathing and Reverse Breathing
during each practice session before moving on to Total Breathing. Remember: 1) As before, don't mix up the
exercises. Concentrate on the technique. Don't get distracted. Always make
sure you are maintaining the proper standing position. 2) Also, maintain your
breathing rhythm. Try to take at least four counts to breathe in, hold your
breath for at least four counts or longer, and eight to sixteen counts to
breathe out. If you have been practicing the exercises consistently, this
should not be difficult. If it is difficult, again, try practicing the
first two exercises only for a few weeks more until your technique and your
muscles are more developed. Don't worry about taking longer to advance to
this level — it's better not to rush into an exercise you are not fully ready
for. When you feel comfortable with
Total Breathing to a point where you can perform the exercise without having
to concentrate extremely hard on what you are doing, and can do the exercise
consistently without any mistakes, you will be ready for the next level.
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