Breathing Techniques for COVID-19

Not Medical Advice

This is not medical advice from a doctor. It is not holistic medicine. These are breathing techniques found in Japanese and Chinese martial arts systems that have been developed over centuries to aid in strengthening the lung capacity for combat among other benefits. They could be applied as preventative measures or for recuperation from the current respiratory infection that has been sweeping the world as well as other respiratory ailments.

Goju Ryu & Qi Gong

These techniques are from both the hard and soft styles of Chinese and Japanese martial arts (namely Qi Gong & Goju Ryu Karate). If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, you should utilize the soft styles of Qi Gong breathing techniques in any capacity possible. If, however, you are strong and ready to take on a more robust breathing exercise that you might include in your regular workouts, please look into the harder isometric breathing techniques found in both Goju Ryu and Qi Gong.

Recap of Soft & Hard Breathing Techniques Presented

The first part of the video deals with the breathing and three simple movements that you can practice from soft qi gong. There are many more movements and exercise sets in the Qi Gong (sometimes written Chi Kung) family tree. Pick the one you like the most or enjoy doing the most.

The second part of the video deals with hardstyle breathing patterns that can be found in Qi Gong but are also found in Goju Ryu Karate. There are many videos on the web that showcase San Chin Katas where the breathing techniques of Goju Ryu are prominently displayed. You can take a traditional route to learn these katas or develop your own way of including them into your exercise regimen.

The video shows a standing position from the waist up, but any of these techniques could be done from a seated position. I have a made a video for practicing Tai Chi from a seated position. It can be found by clicking here.