To practice qigong well, appropriate training duration and degrees are important. According to some qigong classics, qigong training is kind of similar to the forming of fire. Scattered and evaporated “fire” can become air. The accumulation of air or qi can turn into “fire.” Therefore a good practice of qigong is to “concentrate and accumulate the single qi to prevent the loss of the genuine and primary energy.”
When practicing qigong, every step has its own duration and can be changed according to the training condition. Moderate duration and degrees should be taken during different levels, stages, and turning points of practice.
To practice qigong well, the mind should be in a natural state without any forceful control. That is, do not try to remember anything or forget anything, and do not try to think of anything or not think of anything. The breath should be natural, slow, steady, slender, peaceful, and deep, allowing qi to be formed in a natural state without any forceful activities.
In addition, the posture should be natural and relaxed, gentle and soft, comfortable and appropriate. While practicing qigong, do not overdo, strain, or try too hard. These principles are important for making progress in qigong training.
To practice qigong well, it is also important to combine training and cultivation. Here “training” means using the mind to guide qi. “Cultivation” means the nourishment of the vigor and energy during and after the training. When practicing qigong, different kinds of mind-guiding methods can be used to achieve certain goals. This is what the qigong classics called “using vigorous breathing for training, using gentle breathing for cultivating and nourishing.”
For example, when one feels tired during active or dynamic qigong training, one can stop the movement and concentrate on the Dantian (Elixir Field) area instead. At the same time, one can adjust breathing to enrich qi quietly. Such alteration of training and cultivation, dynamically and statically, can improve the training quality.
To practice qigong well, the training should be done step-by-step with persistence. Qigong practitioners should follow the instructions carefully without any eagerness. Eagerness will make one impossible to relax or to enter the tranquilization state. Qigong is a process of self-inspection and self-perception. In qigong practice, it is impossible for one to reach a very high level in one night. High levels of qigong practice can be achieved only through following the instructions and the principles, and through consistent practice.
