Reverse breathing (also reverse abdominal breathing or Taoist breathing) is a breathing technique associated with qigong and martial arts.^[1] It consists of compressing the abdomen while inhaling through the mouth, and expanding it while exhaling through the nose.^[1] Practitioners believe that consciously controlling this movement in a way opposite to normal breathing can build up qi for various applications.^[1]

This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (April 2024)

The technique is practiced in martial arts including baguazhang, tai chi and other styles of kung fu. Expanding the abdomen while delivering a technique (e.g. punch) can also protect the inner organs from a received counterattack.^{[citation needed]}