White-Collar Workers: Beauty Shouldn’t Hinder Abdominal Breathing
Traditional qigong health preservation emphasizes the “Three Regulations,” one of which is regulating breath. Breath regulation primarily involves diaphragmatic deep breathing. Whether in forward abdominal breathing (abdomen relaxes during inhalation, contracts during exhalation) or reverse abdominal breathing (abdomen contracts during inhalation, relaxes during exhalation), the key is consciously engaging abdominal muscles—relaxing or contracting the rectus abdominis—during deep inhalation.
Humans typically rely on thoracic breathing, leaving about 2/5 of lung alveoli unused long-term. This predisposes them to respiratory diseases like bronchitis, emphysema, and cardiopulmonary disease in old age. Diaphragmatic deep breathing activates lower alveoli and promotes movement of the abdominal wall and diaphragm, thereby stimulating internal organs—including the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and kidneys—enhancing their blood circulation and normal function.
Before beginning deep breathing, perform several rapid, shallow breaths to expel stale air from the lungs. Then proceed with deep breathing. After fully inhaling, hold your breath briefly before exhaling—this allows oxygen to dissolve into the bloodstream. However, do not hold breath longer than two seconds. Repeat this process 10 times or more to maximize health benefits, longevity, and vitality.