When you are an embryo, you do not breath with the same process you are breathing now. The nutrients and oxygen (qi) comes from your mother through the umbilical chord. When you are an adult similar process can happen. This time you will be receiving pure qi from the Universe. This nutrition may come from the pores of you body, and also from deep within you DanTian. In order to understand this (deep within your DanTian) you have to think, feel or imagine space. The space between the molecules that constitute the tissues of you body. That space between the atoms is filled with qi.
First thing you want to do will be to reach a silent breathing pattern. Sit with spine erect and confortable on a chair with your buttocks on the edge of the chair, or even better be seated on lotus or semi-lotus position. Put your tongue on your upper palate and breath in and out from the nose. Focus on silence. No sounds from your nostrils and lungs. This will in turn silence the mind and relax the heart. If you a special meditation to calm you heart and mind you can also do that. As your silent breathing naturally becomes profound and deep go on to the next stage, which is to forget about your breathing. Now as the breathing is already silent, long and profound you do not need to worry about it. You trust your body is already doing it and your consciousness forgets about it. From here you will go into a stage where you feel like you are breathing from the Universe. Here you use the contemplation mentioned before. Think of space within your body. The space between the molecules of your tissues. Next contemplation you can use is to think about an embryo. How does it breath, how does it move? Just like an embryo, no memories, just bliss. Afterwards go even before embryo, just before your conception. What were you? What did you feel? What occupied your mind? You can stay in this blissed state as long as you want.
Once at this stage you can start more advanced Qi Gong meditations, or gently return your attention to the physical world and finish the meditation.
In the beginning you can try to meditate for longer time. Once you are comfortable with the practice time will not be important, as the practice itself takes place in the timeless quantic space.
I have read differing ideas about how to learn embryonic breathing. Some teachers tend to be more methodical and guide the students to study a series of breathing methods to reach embryonic breathing. On the other hand, some others dig into practice right away.
In my opinion a mix of the two approaches is the optimal way. We should learn at least the basic breathing techniques. In the meanwhile you can also take a glimpse at trying to enter into embryonic breathing. If you do basic breathing exercises, it will most probably come naturally to you to enter into embryonic breathing.
I have mentioned in the blog post about Microcosmic Orbit Meditation, that if you are a beginner in Qi-Gong it is better to have an actual teacher to take off. However if you at least intermediate level of meditation or Qi Gong experience you can try the meditation. All in all the meditation should always feel right and comfortable. Anything on the contrary means that you need a correction.
Disclaimer: These exercises are informative only. If you have lung, cardiovascular, digestive or other health issues consult a health professional, healer or a shaman. If you are pregnant ask your health professional or Qi-Gong teacher for the appropriate use of the exercises.
Once at this stage you can start more advanced Qi Gong meditations, or gently return your attention to the physical world and finish the meditation.
In the beginning you can try to meditate for longer time. Once you are comfortable with the practice time will not be important, as the practice itself takes place in the timeless quantic space.
I have read differing ideas about how to learn embryonic breathing. Some teachers tend to be more methodical and guide the students to study a series of breathing methods to reach embryonic breathing. On the other hand, some others dig into practice right away.
In my opinion a mix of the two approaches is the optimal way. We should learn at least the basic breathing techniques. In the meanwhile you can also take a glimpse at trying to enter into embryonic breathing. If you do basic breathing exercises, it will most probably come naturally to you to enter into embryonic breathing.
I have mentioned in the blog post about Microcosmic Orbit Meditation, that if you are a beginner in Qi-Gong it is better to have an actual teacher to take off. However if you at least intermediate level of meditation or Qi Gong experience you can try the meditation. All in all the meditation should always feel right and comfortable. Anything on the contrary means that you need a correction.
Disclaimer: These exercises are informative only. If you have lung, cardiovascular, digestive or other health issues consult a health professional, healer or a shaman. If you are pregnant ask your health professional or Qi-Gong teacher for the appropriate use of the exercises.