Forums IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ Spring Forest Qigong problems with "reverse breathing"

good morning sfq people,
I've been practicing sfq for about 4 months now and feel that I've yet to develop consistency in the "reverse breathing". Master Lin speaks about drawing the stomack in a little on the inhale and letting it out on the exhale. The awareness of my inconsistency with this method has led to somewhat of an obsessive pattern of thought and inquiry into the nature of reverse breathing with other Qi gong teachers. Some have told me that if done incorrectly or if unconciously carried out into daily life that it can have a damaging effect on the system. I'm looking for some insights based on personal experience from those of you who have been practicing this form. How essential do you think it is to have this part of the practice "wired" and if it's not being done correctly on every breath through every movement is this lowering the effectiveness of the practice. Also has anybody experienced any symptoms related to not being able to perfrom this breathing technique correctly and what were your experiences with that. I'd like to move passed this blockage and continue advancing through the levels.
thanks, [pRoVs]

I think this question can best be answered by some quotes from Master Lin's book:

"SFQ reveals the truth - there is no right or wrong in Qigong movements, only good, better and best." - Born a Healer, Page 139

"Many Qigong masters and teachers tell their students that they have to follow their instruction exactly. If not, it could cause harm in the body. So in order to learn Qigong well, you have to go to a master to learn it directly from him. Many students in my classes have asked me about this. I always smile and tell them this is not so.

You do not need "perfect" technique to benefit from Qigong. If you are practicing Qigong to help yourself there is no right or wrong only good, better and best"
- Born a Healer, Page 140

I hope this helps answer your question!

Thanks,
- Dan

I would also recommend what Master Lin normally says to do before starting any of the practice or meditations, which is to call on The Master's energy.

I am a massage and bodywork therapist and I have found that calling on a higher source to help guide myself and others works tremendously, it allows you to get out of your own way so that the process can take place with ease.

I hope this information can be of some assistance.

Have a great day!!!!

Aloha provost,

This has been brought up a lot. Check out this past post :
http://www.learningstrategies.com/forum/...=true#Post50394

and you can also look at other "reverse breathing" topics through the "Search the Forum" link above.

Much Love, Shawn

Thank you for your posts.