Tai Chi Meandering 18

"The ancient Taoist believed that we all had only so much "essence" and breath was considered one of the most vital and precious of these essences. They believed that when one's breath became completely depleted ... one died. Therefore, the breathing techniques used in co-ordination with Tai Chi movement exercises are specifically designed to persevere what breath we do have and continue to further expand the lungs so more breath might be produced, accumulated and stored."