What Should Qigong Beginners Know? Quick Ways To Start

Table of Contents

For Qigong beginners

Misconceptions about Qigong:
- Perception of Complexity: Many beginners view Qigong as mysterious and complex, fearing negative effects without proper guidance.
- Simplicity in Practice: Contrary to popular belief, Qigong is straightforward and can be learned without a master’s guidance.
Personal Experience:
- Self-Taught Approach: The speaker learned Qigong independently through online resources, challenging the notion of needing a master’s guidance.
- Universality of Principles: Regardless of the specific Qigong method, fundamental practice principles remain consistent.
Introduction to Practical Method:
- Choosing a Suitable Environment: Opt for a quiet place conducive to entering a state of tranquility, known as “entering into stillness” in Buddhism.
- Minimizing External Distractions: Beginners are easily influenced by external stimuli, so practicing in a secluded area without distractions is recommended.
- Progression in Practice: As skills develop, practitioners become adept at maintaining calmness even in more complex environments, although this may be challenging initially.

Three Adjustments in Qigong:
- Qigong practice revolves around three key adjustments: body, breath, and mind, aimed at achieving balance and harmony.
Adjusting the Body:
- Relaxation and Tension Relief: Focus on relaxing the body and relieving any tension, ensuring smooth breathing.
- Posture Flexibility: Practice Qigong in various positions such as sitting, standing, walking, or lying down, prioritizing comfort and naturalness to avoid discomfort.
- Stillness Over Movement: Beginners are advised to prioritize stillness, as it promotes better focus and results, aligning with the Qigong principle that “stillness is better than movement.”
Adjusting the Breath:
- Regulation of Breathing Pace: Slow down breathing to about 6 times per minute or even slower, with advanced practitioners achieving rates as low as 1-2 breaths per minute.
- Breathing Techniques: Common methods include natural breathing, akin to daily respiration, and abdominal breathing, which involves focusing on the belly and controlling inhalation and exhalation to engage the abdomen.

What does it mean to adjust your mind?

Adjusting the Mind:
- Controlling Inner Thoughts: Guide the flow of energy within your body through focused intention, integral to effective Qigong practice.
- Clarification on “Deep Breathing”: While Qigong does involve deep breathing, it requires the guidance of thoughts, distinguishing it from simple deep breathing exercises.
Focusing on the Dantian:
- Significance: Concentrate thoughts on the dantian, below the navel, to gather internal energy and facilitate its circulation.
- Achieving the Small Heavenly Circuit: With focused intention, guide energy along specific meridians, promoting vitality and well-being.
- Adaptations for Health Conditions: Adjust focus and energy flow based on specific conditions, such as directing energy towards areas of discomfort for pain relief.
Common Reactions and Practices:
- Normal Phenomena: Unusual reactions like warmth, sweating, tingling, or temporary breathing difficulties are normal and subside with continued practice.
- Gradual Progression: Start with short sessions and gradually extend duration as proficiency increases.
Practices to Avoid:
- Emotional Stability: Avoid practicing during emotionally turbulent times to maintain focus.
- Alcohol Consumption: Refrain from practice after alcohol consumption, as it interferes with achieving a calm state of mind.
- Sexual Activity: Excessive sexual activity can deplete inner energy, hindering Qigong healing.
- Startling Experiences: Minimize disturbances during practice by informing family members and reducing external disruptions.

Challenges in Qigong Practice:
- Consistency: Qigong requires several months of consistent practice before yielding noticeable results, leading some to doubt its effectiveness due to the lack of immediate improvements.
- Modern Lifestyle: The preference for socializing and lively environments makes it challenging to find the solitude necessary for deep Qigong practice.
Case Study: Contrasting Approaches:
- Personal Experience: The author recounts encountering a patient with a similar leg condition who chose an active lifestyle over focused healing through Qigong practice.
- Outcome: Despite initial mobility, the patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly, highlighting the consequences of neglecting healing practices.
Encouragement for Others:
- Call to Action: Encourage readers to share the article with family and friends experiencing health issues, suggesting they give Qigong a try.
- Benefits: Qigong offers a non-invasive, cost-free, and lifelong approach to healing without interfering with daily commitments.