How can Tai Chi and Qi Gong help with Asthma:
Tai Chi and Qi Gong teach us correct posture and correct breathing. Students learn how to properly use their lungs and diaphragm and how to breathe deep into the abdomen. Superficial breathing is transformed into deep and peaceful breathing, thus allowing us to take in more oxygen. The body finds its balance between breathing in and breathing out. Insufficient or irregular breathing is harmonised.
Correct posture is specifically beneficial in opening up the upper half of the body and allowing the internal organs to occupy their proper positions and thus to function correctly.
Stress is not good for anyone, but it is especially bad for asthmatics. Our breathing is the first to suffer under stress. Deep abdominal breathing and the consequent improved lung activity give rise to increased physical and mental peacefulness. Anxiety is greatly decreased when the body is calmer, and in turn this helps to prevent asthma attacks.