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Four-Part Taoist Breath

This breathing technique symbolises the energy flow of Yin and Yang by Stefanie Arend

Excerpt from Be Healthy with Yin Yoga: The Gentle Way to Free Your Body of Everyday Ailments and Emotional Stress by Stefanie Arend (She Writes Press, August 2019).

Photos: Forster & Martin Fotografie, Munich
Photos: Forster & Martin Fotografie, Munich

1.

You can try the Four- Part Taoist Breath all by itself, before or after practicing Yin Yoga. This breathing technique symbolises the energy flow of Y in and Yang. It brings peace and relaxation and clears the mind. Practice it until you feel inner peace

Photos: Forster & Martin Fotografie, Munich
Photos: Forster & Martin Fotografie, Munich

3 & 4

With your arms long, turn the palms upwards and start to roll up one finger after the other, from the little finger to the thumb. Then, in a flowing movement, bend the wrists and elbows, too.

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4

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5.

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5, 6 & 7

Now push the arms gently to the sides to shoulder height, open the palms upwards, and roll the hands up once again.

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7.

Photos: Forster & Martin Fotografie, Munich

8.

Take the hands forward again and allow a very flowing and soft movement to occur. When breathing in, imagine gathering fresh energy via your hands and taking it all in. When breathing out, visualise that you are bringing used Chi out into your energy field where it can get neutralised. Then take the hands onto your legs and feel the effect of the breath.

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