Tai Chi Tuesday: Tai Chi Breathing

Recently, I had a conversation with one of my students on the topic of breathing.  

I normally teach two different breathing styles, depending on application. For form purposes, I teach with an exhale on the end of the movement. There are schools who teach with an inhale on the end of the movement.

Here is my thought on this.

When we absorb energy, as in bone marrow washing or four-corner brreathing, we inhale longer than we exhale.

When we emit energy as in practicing self defense techniques or strikes, we exhale longer than we inhale.

Therefore, when we practice our form for health, with absorption and packing of chi, inhaling on the extension makes sense.

Practicing with an exhalation at the end of the movement is more practical for developing internal power because it pertains to strikes and other self-defense techniques.

What are your thought on this?