Tai Chi Breathing

I found this article very beneficial from TaichiHome:

Your nose is intended for breathing - your mouth is intended for eating. Your nose acts as an important filter for the breath that is entering the body.

All basic breathing practice should be done with your mouth closed unless otherwise instructed. Keep your teeth un-clenched, your lips un-pursed, and your jaw relaxed.

As you practice, you may discover that you become dry in the throat or that your face is getting tired. Relax your jaw and allow the mouth to open a bit.

Continue practicing - inhale always through your nose, and exhale through your mouth until you feel less tired. Then close your mouth and continue.

1. Sit in a chair with your feet on the floor or lie on your back on the floor (not in bed)
2. Place one hand on your abdomen
3. As you inhale, gently push outward with your abdomen so that your hand moves away from you
4. As you exhale, contract your abdomen inward, pushing the exhale out from deep within your body
5. As you get used to the body's motion working with the breath, release your hand from your abdomen and continue