The Art of Breath

Breath control and development is the cornerstone of all internal arts. Pranayama, Qi-gong, Meditation of all kinds... Even psychic work and athletics have at thier core some form of breathwork. When I was in my 20's, I took private lessons in Qi-gong from a kung-fu master, Akira (Master Ming). He was very clear on the point that the form of the art is far less important than the control of breath and the focussed intention. Whatever the practitioner wants to accomplish, whether it be enhanced health, psychic awareness, or some form of athletic prowess, focussed and intentional breathwork is key.