13/02/2024
We have received inquiries from a musician regarding breathing techniques that can improve performance skills. The lung vitality and respiratory muscle performance that musicians possess significantly influence the quality of wind instrument performance and vocal improvement.
Let me explain the difference between lung capacity and lung vitality. Lung capacity refers to the volume of air the lungs can hold, while lung vitality refers to the strength and performance of lung function. Lung capacity remains relatively constant in adulthood and cannot be significantly increased. However, even individuals with low lung capacity can increase lung vitality through appropriate breathing technique training, thereby maximizing lung function.
The breathing exercises we are about to introduce are techniques aimed at enhancing lung function, strength, and ultimately lung vitality. By efficiently training the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, intercostal muscles, and other respiratory accessory muscles, respiratory strength increases.
Breath Dojo has witnessed cases of improved performance skills in wind instrument players and enhancements in vocal volume and quality in singers through the practice of such breathing techniques aimed at strengthening respiratory power.
Of course, such breathing techniques also yield significant positive effects on health and disease prevention. The benefits of having good breathing patterns and strong respiratory muscles include enhanced immune function, improved blood circulation, and improved functions related to digestion, metabolism, and detoxification. Furthermore, strengthening the respiratory muscle group contributes to overall physical strength and stamina.
Furthermore, while we focus on the physical benefits here, it goes without saying that the effects of unseen life force energy, such as its wavelength, enrich both the mind and body.
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝟓: 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐃𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠
Please practice this technique while sitting on a chair on an empty stomach.
The continuous breath-holding method at 20%, 50%, and 100% of lung capacity is a training method aimed at controlling breathing and improving lung vitality and functionality. It is conducted according to the following steps:
𝟏. 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐞𝐱𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: First, as a preparatory stage, perform several deep breaths starting from exhalation. This is very simple: simply take a deep breath from the exhale. However, try to make the exhalation as long as possible and the inhalation swift.
𝟐. 𝟐𝟎% 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡-𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝: After the final deep breath of preparation, exhale completely and then inhale and hold about 20% of the lung's air. When you start to feel slightly uncomfortable, exhale. While exhaling, be sure to keep your mouth narrow like a straw, apply pressure to release the air, and engage your abdominal muscles, tightening them as you exhale fully.
𝟑. 𝟓𝟎% 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡-𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝: After exhaling completely, inhale and hold about 50% of the lung's air. Hold until you feel sufficiently uncomfortable, then exhale. While exhaling, be sure to keep your mouth narrow like a straw, apply pressure to release the air, and engage your abdominal muscles, tightening them as you exhale fully.
𝟒. 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡-𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝: After exhaling completely, inhale to completely fill the lungs with air and hold your breath. Hold until you reach the limit of discomfort, then exhale. While exhaling, be sure to keep your mouth narrow like a straw, apply pressure to release the air, and engage your abdominal muscles, tightening them as you exhale fully.
It is effective to repeat this technique after a 5-minute break. Alternatively, you may practice twice a day with at least a 6-hour interval between sessions. However, always practice on an empty stomach in both cases. Do not practice when feeling unwell or feverish. When practicing this technique, adjust the intensity and frequency of training according to your physical condition and health status.
This method improves lung vitality and strengthens respiratory muscles such as the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, intercostal muscles, and other accessory respiratory muscles. 𝐀𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭, 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.
In this technique, perform breath-holding three times in a row for each breath. Try to make the breath-holding time longer for the second attempt than the first, and longer for the third attempt than the second. It is convenient to use a stopwatch or a clock with a second hand.
For example, start with 20 seconds for the first attempt, 35 seconds for the second, and 50 seconds for the third. As you become accustomed, challenge yourself to hold your breath for 30 seconds for the first attempt, 45 seconds for the second, and 1 minute for the third.
By gradually increasing the breath-holding time while training daily, you can develop excellent lung vitality and strong respiratory muscles. By practicing this technique for about a month, you will feel positive changes in your instrument playing technique or vocal quality. Commit to it as a long-term daily routine.
𝕭𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖙𝖍𝕯𝖔𝖏𝖔
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