Reverse breathing

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Reverse breathing (also reverse abdominal breathing or Taoist breathing) is a breathing technique associated with qigong and martial arts.^[1] It consists of compressing the abdomen while inhaling through the mouth, and expanding it while exhaling through the nose.^[1] Practitioners believe that consciously controlling this movement in a way opposite to normal breathing can build up qi for various applications.^[1]

The technique is practiced in martial arts including baguazhang, tai chi and other styles of kung fu. Expanding the abdomen while delivering a technique (e.g. punch) can also protect the inner organs from a received counterattack.^{[citation needed]}

• Blazek, D.; et al. (2021). "The effect of breathing technique on sticking region during maximal bench press". Biology of Sport. 38 (3): 445–450. doi:10.5114/biolsport.2021.100362. PMC 8329978. PMID 34475625.
• Chia, Mantak (2006). Iron Shirt Chi Kung. Inner Traditions/Bear. ISBN 978-1594771040.
• Farhi, Donna (1996). The Breathing Book: Good Health and Vitality Through Essential Breath Work. Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 978-0805042979.
• Frantzis, Bruce Kumar (2006). Opening the Energy Gates of Your Body: Qigong for Lifelong Health. North Atlantic Books. ISBN 978-1583941461.
• Horwood, Graham (2008). Tai Chi Chuan and the Code of Life: Revealing the Deeper Mysteries of China's Ancient Art for Health and Harmony. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. ISBN 978-1848190016.

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