Many know that deep breathing eases tension, boosting lung capacity. Yet deep breaths benefit more than lungs—consciously practicing them increases brain oxygenation and relieves fatigue.
Fatigue has become a global epidemic. Many knowledge workers feel utterly drained after workdays, seeking doctors who offer no solutions.For a time, whenever I felt this way, I'd go to a bathhouse or barbershop and ask someone to tap my back. A few pinches on the shoulders and a few taps on the back would instantly clear my head. But I couldn't ask someone to do this every day! Besides, why did tapping actually loosen my muscles and invigorate my circulation?
Later, I consulted an acupuncturist who explained: "There's an acupoint on the shoulder called Jianyu, and beside it lies Feiyu—the mother point of qi. When Feiyu opens, vitality surges." Guided by this principle, I began practicing deep breathing exercises in bed after work. The fatigue of the day vanished instantly.
The specific method is as follows:
1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, eyes looking straight ahead (as in the preparatory stance of Tai Chi).
2. Mimic the pushing-palm hand movement from Tai Chi, then perform two pulling motions to expand lung capacity. Breathe deeply with each movement. Repeat 100 times.
3. Perform the chest expansion and chest-pressing exercises from radio calisthenics. Repeat fifty times. Breathe deeply during the chest-pressing phase.
4. Complete fifty rounds of the cool-down exercises from radio calisthenics.
Deep breathing enhances lung capacity, but its benefits extend beyond the lungs. Consciously practicing deep breathing regularly also increases cerebral oxygenation and alleviates fatigue.