How To Learn Qigong? 12 Things Begginers Must Know
Qigong beginner
For beginners, Qigong often begins with curiosity. However, many beginners have unrealistic expectations. When they think about practicing Qigong, they often want to either do the most advanced or the easiest practice to achieve quick results. In reality, Qigong is different from what’s depicted in novels. It’s important to start with the basics when learning Qigong. Here are some key points that beginners should know to gain a better understanding of Qigong, and I believe this will be helpful for begginers to learn Qigong.
Start with cultivating your inner self: Practitioners should learn to manage their emotions and temper. It’s essential to maintain a calm and composed mindset, stay level-headed when facing challenges, think rationally, and avoid impulsive behavior. Practicing Qigong is primarily about improving your inner self, and when your inner self is in a good state, the practice naturally becomes smoother.
Experiencing Qigong phenomena: During Qigong practice, various sensations or “illusions” can occur. For example, you might feel like you’re flying, surrounded by an energy crystal, or as if your body is filled with electricity. These experiences may vary from person to person, but they all share a sense of transcendent joy and spiritual well-being. If you experience such states, it indicates that you’re on the path of practicing Qigong.
The scientific principles of Qigong for health: Qigong for health is a form of physical fitness. It primarily relies on regulating your mind and breath to achieve internal balance, promote digestion, enhance the nervous system, and improve blood circulation. This practice can help you maintain good physical health, and with consistent practice, it can lead to a stronger and healthier body over time.
Duration of Practice: Beginners typically practice for about half an hour a day, depending on their physical stamina. After practicing for a while, most people can maintain a practice session for up to two hours, adjusting the frequency of practice according to their available time.
True Qi: Every person possesses a form of “true Qi” within them, which is usually hard to perceive. This true Qi can be influenced by an individual’s thoughts and feelings. Practicing Qigong is essentially about becoming aware of this true Qi and using your thoughts to strengthen and expand it, promoting overall health. After practicing for some time, you may feel a warm sensation in your lower abdomen, where the “Dan Tian” is located.
Entering the World of Qigong and Opening the Governing and Conception Vessels: “Entering the world of Qigong” is like crossing the threshold into the realm of Qigong exercises. It’s only after crossing this threshold that you truly become a part of the Qigong community. “Opening the Governing and Conception Vessels” means allowing the Qi to flow through the Governing Vessel and Conception Vessel, which, as described in ancient tales and martial arts novels, signifies that Qi is circulating through these channels. It’s only then that one can be considered a practitioner of Qigong. During this process, you will experience a sense of physical and mental well-being.
Microcosmic Orbit: Before opening the Governing and Conception Vessels, when you inhale, the true Qi follows the Conception Vessel to the Dan Tian, and when you exhale, it follows the Governing Vessel up to the chest. After opening these vessels, with each exhale, the Dan Tian becomes full, and with each inhale, the true Qi reaches the top of the head. It then circulates through the face, chest, and back to the Dan Tian, forming the Microcosmic Orbit. To achieve this, the Dan Tian must be filled with abundant true Qi after a period of practice. Beginners should avoid forcibly trying to establish the Microcosmic Orbit, as it won’t benefit the growth of true Qi.
Natural Flow of True Qi: When your internal energy reaches a certain level, true Qi will naturally flow throughout your body. At this stage, simply maintain a state of tranquility and allow yourself to feel the natural flow of true Qi without trying to control it actively. True Qi accumulates over time, and as long as you sense strong internal energy in your Dan Tian, true Qi will naturally open the Governing and Conception Vessels and circulate through the rest of the body’s meridians. Beginners should avoid trying to manipulate the flow of Qi intentionally.
Numbness, Pins and Needles, and Twitching: During or after Qigong practice, experiencing numbness, pins and needles, or muscle twitches in certain body parts is a normal occurrence. This happens because the circulation of true Qi can help restore normal blood flow to areas of the body that may have had blockages or discomfort.
Aching Acupoints: If beginners feel aching sensations at specific acupoints, they should not rush the practice. This may be due to their energy not being at the right level, and trying to forcefully guide Qi through intention. Beginners should be patient and allow their progress to unfold naturally.
Fluctuations in Body Temperature: Sometimes, during Qigong practice, you might feel hot or cold within your body. If this happens a couple of times, it’s considered normal, but it can vary from person to person. If it occurs more than three times, it might indicate unsettled emotions, so it’s best to calm your mind before continuing.
Chest Discomfort: Feeling chest discomfort or tightness often results from beginners overemphasizing their breath control and taking deep breaths. To alleviate this, adjust your breathing by using natural breathing techniques or a more regular breathing pattern during your practice.