An exercise of particular importance for the development of Ki/Qi is the practice of deep abdominal breathing.
Sit in seiza (or cross-legged with a cushion underneath you in order to keep your spine straight). Adaptation to sitting in seiza should
be built up gradually, increasing the time spent in this position by a
few minutes every session. Sit lightly, with your back straight and
shoulders relaxed so that the weight of your body falls naturally to
your one point.
Inhalation should be prolonged, as a thin
stream of air is drawn in through the nostrils at a regular, controlled
rate. The sound of such a prolonged inhalation should be close to the
letter `u'. And this inhalation should be done relaxedly with no
straining. Moreover, even though the air is drawn in through the nose,
the glottis at the back of the throat should be used to control the
stream. By drawing the air in through contraction of the glottis,
instead of `sniffing' the air, you will achieve a slow, steady stream.
The
air you inhale should fill not only the chest cavity, but also the
lower abdomen. Inhale deeply into the lower abdomen such that it expands
normally, without undue strain or tensing of your stomach muscles. The
idea is to breathe as fully and naturally as a child.
Keep
your shoulders down and relaxed during the inhalation. When you have
inhaled all that you comfortably can, rest quietly for a moment or so
before beginning to exhale.
Exhale through the mouth in a
steady, concentrated, powerful (but relaxed) stream the sound of the
exhalation resembles a `haa'. Again, there should be no strain. Don't
attempt to exhale suddenly with great force.
Breathing
exercises should be practiced daily. When combined with regular practice
of the arts of Aikido this results in coordinated development.
