Jung is a Korean word meaning vital energy, while Choong refers to fulfillment. Ideally, the process of breathing creates life energy, which is then accumulated in the Dahn-jon. However, this doesn’t happen all the time. Why? Because the body is not properly positioned to gather the energy.
To gather energy, the outflow valve of the energy has to be closed. The hip joint, in conjunction with the tailbone, works as the valve for energy flow in the human body. Curling up the tailbone is very important because it helps to form a proper angle for gathering energy while causing a light tension in the Dahn-jon. Once the appropriate body position is taken, Ki generated by breathing is naturally gathered at the Dahn-jon. This gathered energy creates natural pressure around the abdomen, allowing proper energy circulation to happen naturally.
For deep and natural breathing, the blockage around the chest caused by stress has to be opened. Breathe naturally, focusing on the exhalation. Relaxing your chest and upper body will help you. To open up the blockages, exhale with the mouth open slightly at the beginning stage, making a “ha-ah” sound through the throat to deeply release stagnant energy from the inside of the chest. After a certain time of exhaling this way, you may breathe with the mouth closed. As for the principles, Jung-Choong Breathing is not very different from the traditional breathing techniques. The distinction of Jung-Choong Breathing lies in its focus on natural breathing in a proper position instead of concentration on and intentional control of breathing.
