In ancient China, long before Taoists considered "chi" (qi) internal energy as a life energy source, ancient Taoists believed "breathing arts" held the secret to immortality as well as the gateway to advanced knowledge and special powers.

"Taoist Pushups" from ON-LINE         video lesson No. 5

Originally the objective of all Taoist forms of contemplation and yoga had probably been identical—the union of opposites within oneself in order that the mysterious light of the indwelling Tao might be made manifest. It was held that the indivisibility of the One and the many and the identity of opposites could be experienced by unaided intuition, but that quietistic contemplation, helped by breath control and other physical yogas, was of great assistance. The breathing yogas mentioned by Chuang Tzu, were certainly of very ancient origin and, though virtually identical with those of the Buddhists, they had probably been arrived at independently.

The works of both religions testify to similar results—sensations of pure light shining from within, or experiences of thunder and lightening also coming from within, followed by the direct perception of the hitherto veiled core of consciousness. For highly talented adepts, contemplation alone was held to be means sufficient in itself, the various breathing and alchemical yogas being supplementary aids.

-----From Blofeld, John, The Secret and Sublime: Taoist Mysteries and Magic

From Shrfu Bracy's new book (work in progress, copyright (c) John Bracy 2010

Abdominal breathing - Taoist Breathing arts
Among the oldest of the Taoist health and longevity techniques is abdominal breathing. As found in East Indian and Tibet yogic practice, Chinese Taoists who  in “internal work” also discovered the benefits derived from manipulation of the interior of the body through breath control. the use of the term “breathing techniques” is somewhat of a misnomer, since yogic breathing involves not only the art of breathing more efficiently, but the skill of manipulating the interior of the body through the active pressures brought about by control and sequential movement and willful control of the diaphragm.

In terms of the breath training, although some understanding of the power of specialized breathing exercises is taught by some yoga and meditation instructors, the ability to tap into and interact with these breath “body waves” has the potential to activate and empower in ways that are scarcely understood by the uninitiated.

From the Ko Hung’s Pao P’u Tzu, 320 AD

Man exists in the mist of breath, and breath is within man himself.  From heaven and earth on to all creation there is nothing that does not require breath to stay alive.  The man who knows how to circulate his breath maintains his own person and also banishes evils that would attack him.

Among the people of Wu Yueh there is current a method for casting spells that is very effective; it consists merely of rendering breath more abundant. He who employs it can go even where there is plague and sleep with the sick without becoming infected. … This is an example of the effectiveness of breath against natural disasters

VIDEO Introduction to the advanced Taoist Breathing Arts on-line training. (12 minute, 22 seconds) 30 Day ON-LINE subscription. Includes: *Student and master level demonstration of the practie. *Personal healing stories *Brief demonstrations of key points from each lesson, including use of breathing arts to enhance advanced internal art combat. Whatever your background and exp. with Breathing Arts are, it is unlikely that you've seen anything like this. IMPORTANT OVERVIEW of The Taoist Breathing Arts taught . . . (read more under "product Details" 12 minute, 22 sec. 30 day on-line $5.00 Add to Cart

One reason that more is not known about the power of this type of breath training is that the full potential of what is often described as “breath-work” is limited by those who relegate the training to the regions of the lung and diaphragm. In such cases, the power of the breath to manipulate pressures within the body beyond the normal role of intake and exhalation of air is not well understood. In the system described herein, the intake and exhalation of air is only the beginning of the potential role of the processes of lung and diaphragm. A greater role will be advocated for the movement of the abdomen which involves control and articulation of the diaphragm locally which can be used to direct pressure non locally through the body to targeted areas of the torso and extremities.

Also from Ko Hung’s Pao P’u Tzu, 320 AD

Those who nourish life in the hills and forests, and those who achieve their own purpose by disdaining common custom, they cleanse the dark mirror of the mind . . .. Concentrating upon the breaths to produce softness, they fortify with calm and impartiality.   . . . By eschewing everything shallow, governing thought joy and luck and acting through perfect freedom they maintain their natural order intact