The body and breath (aka: chi) have a symbiotic relationship. This has been understood for thousands of years. For example, a 700 AD Chinese Taoist Canon taught, “What the bodily form depends on [is] breath (chi) and what breath relies on is form.” They cannot exist independently.
The form (body) dies when breath (chi) is exhausted. The quality of one will naturally impact the status of the other. This is a fundamental human understanding.
The Han Dynasty, known as the era of the Yellow Emperor, existed between, 206 BC – AD 220.1 Within this time period, a variety of ancient health techniques called “nurturing life” techniques were developed – among them specific breathing exercises.
Health secrets of breathing techniques have been realized, taught, and forgotten with the ebb and flow of societies throughout time. Peter Kelder, an American author from the 1930s, had the good fortune of learning some ancient Tibetan health secrets. American artist, researcher and author Peter Catlin explored many aboriginal cultures across the globe, including Native American tribes. Caitlin found aboriginal peoples around the world maintain the nostril breathing technique within their cultures, regardless of the wilderness they come from; their ancient wisdoms know nostril breathing reduces disease.2
In modern times, researchers with the famous, 70-year longitudinal Framingham research study on heart disease examined data from two decades and 5,200 subjects to determine if lung size correlates to longevity. Their work revealed the greatest indicator of lifespan was lung capacity.3 Pulmonary function is a long-term predictor for overall survival rates in both genders and could be used as a tool in general health assessment.4
Working to increase lung capacity, as well as training to nasal breathe, then brings a foundational opportunity to build transformative, healthy lifestyles by applying this information to patient care. There is apparent wisdom in directing our patients/clients to increase their lung capacities.
It is estimated that between the ages of 30 and 50, 12% of lung capacity is lost.5 Lungs, like the other organs, are malleable. Walking or bicycling can increase lung size by up to 15%. Lifeguards and free divers train to increase their lung capacity; allowing them more time under water for water rescue or to harvest shellfish on the ocean floor.
Acupuncture facilitates chi circulation, strives to eliminate stagnation and bolsters defense against pathogens. Acupuncturists are uniquely positioned to take advantage of this knowledge. Acupuncture facilitates chi circulation, strives to eliminate stagnation and bolsters defense against pathogens. Since breath is chi, it follows that directing our patients/clients’ breathing techniques and develop skills to increase lung capacity gives our acupuncture techniques greater impact and wider appeal. We become more complete and true stewards and masters of chi for our clientele.
References
- Hsu E (editor). Innovation in Chinese Medicine. Cambridge University Press, 2001.
- Nestor J. Breath, The New Science of a Lost Art. Riverhead Books, 2020: pp. 53-58.
- Nestor J, Op Cit, pp. 45-49.
- Schünemann HJ, Dorn J, Grant BJ, et al. Pulmonary function is a long-term predictor of mortality in the general population: 29-year follow-up of the Buffalo Health Study. Chest, 2000 Sep;118(3):656-64.
- Nestor J, Op Cit, pp. 55-56.
