Qigong practice is an integrative healing process for the mind and body. It is more than a simple exercise and is quite different from other exercises such as aerobics or jogging. For the harmony between yin and yang, and between the human body and nature, when to practice qigong is important. Practicing qigong at the right time can help improve the training quality.
For beginners, the time of qigong practice may be not that important as for those who have already reached certain levels. A practitioner can choose when to practice qigong according to living habits and during convenient time, such as in the morning after getting up, and at night before going to bed. Qigong training before sleep is especially helpful for reducing stress and improving sleep quality. However, do not practice qigong with an empty stomach or right after a full meal, otherwise the circulation of qi may be disturbed.
For those who have reached certain levels of practice, such as those who already have smooth circulation of qi, and those who are sensitive to qigong, choosing the right time is important for preventing the disturbance of qi. Time is also important to keep the balance between yin and yang, and to make advancement when qigong practice is in slow progress.
Some people can practice qigong during “six-yang-times.” During the six two-hour periods in a day from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m., yang increases and yang-qi rises in the body, while yin decreases. Practicing qigong during this time is helpful for improving yang-qi. For those suffering from the deficiency of yang, this time is appropriate to practice qigong.
Some people can practice qigong during “six-yin-times.” During the six two-hour periods in a day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., yin increases and yin-qi is getting rich in the body, while yang decreases. Training during this period is helpful for improving yin-qi. For those suffering from the deficiency of yin, this time is appropriate to practice qigong.
The time periods of sunrise and sunset during a day, i.e., the hours between 5 and 7 A.M. in the morning and between 5 and 7 P.M. in the evening, are also good for qigong practice. During these two periods of time, nature has great influence on the human body. Practicing qigong during these periods can help keep the balance between yin and yang.
However, when the weather is really bad, it is not appropriate to practice qigong. Here inappropriate weather includes storm or hail, thunderstorms, great heat, and solar and lunar eclipses.
