Basic principles for moving Qi
Although qigong maneuvers are many and diverse, qigong practices should obey the following principles.
Natural Relaxation and Tranquilization
By “relaxation”, we mean that during qigong practice there should be no mental tension, the limbs and body should remain completely relaxed so that the mind is properly regulated, tranquillity is maintained and the qi can circulate.
“Tranquilization” means that during training practice, it is necessary to maintain peace and a stable mood, get rid of scattered thoughts and tranquilize the mind so that it is appropriate to train “willpower” and the power of focus.
Tranquillity is a specific state of tranquillity under a state of wakefulness.
We call this vigilant tranquillity the qigong state of mind.
“‘Relaxation’ and ‘tranquilization’ are interlinked and influence each other.
If relaxation is successful, it is very easy to generate tranquillity, which in turn enables even deeper relaxation.
Activity and Tranquillity Association
Qigong is divided into two broad categories: dynamic qigong and static qigong.
Generally speaking, dynamic qigong tends to make use of the movements of the limbs and body to lead the internal qi to flow and circulate; while static qigong tends to make use of the function of “mind force” to make the qi gather in the Dantian (Elixir Field).
However, when qigong practice reaches a certain level, it is necessary to achieve activity in tranquillity and tranquillity in activity, in other words, when practicing static qigong there must be activity of the internal qi, as well as tranquillity of the body; while when practicing dynamic qigong there must be relative tranquillity of the internal qi.
The practitioner must choose the practice methods according to their own conditions.
Upper emptiness, lower fullness
Upper emptiness means that in the process of directing the qigong, the qi in the upper part of the body, especially in the chest and head, should be empty and acutely sensitive, free and smooth, all the qi and breath should be directed towards the root: sinking down to the Dantian (Elixir Field).
Lower fullness means that in the process of directing qigong, the qi in the lower Dantian must be abundant and substantial, and stored in the lower part of the body.
Upper emptiness and lower fullness are interrelated.
Only by sending qi and breathing to its root from the upper body can the qi in the Lower Dantian be full and substantial.
Upper emptiness and lower fullness are realized following the transfer of mental will.
The qi reaches wherever the mind reaches.
Therefore, during qigong guidance, the mind cannot remain in the upper part of the body, but must be emphatically stabilized in the lower part.
Even when exercising qigong maneuvers to conduct qi and circular breathing, the qi must not leave its root (Lower Elixir Field).
Interconnection: will of the mind and qi
Will of the mind refers to the mental activities of the practitioner; “qi” refers to the genuine qi of the body, including the air breathed in, and “internal qi” referred to by qigong practitioners.
Internal movement of qi, combined with the activities of the will of the mind, with the movements of qi and breathing.
It is thus referred to as the “unification of will, mind and qi”.
During the breathing exercise, the breath should follow the activities of the mind’s will to be slow and smooth, in a natural state, gradually training the breath to be smooth, even and deep.
When the practitioner’s internal qi energy reaches a certain degree and the internal qi can circulate in the body, the will of the mind should naturally follow the internal qi to circulate through the channels, but not driven by the qi with any internal effort.
Moderation, duration and training levels
Moderate lengths and degrees of training (“fire control”) refer to the lengths and degrees of training of the practitioner’s qigong direction.
Each stage has its own duration and degree, which vary according to the practitioner’s evolution.
Thus, moderate training durations and degrees of qigong practice refer to the training limitations and points of achievement at the different levels of practice.
Generally, the following aspects must be guaranteed: the “force of mind” must be free of exertion, without forgetting and without aiding/adding to thought; breathing must be natural, slow, constant and even, allowing qi and breath to be formed in a natural state without being driven by the effort of the mind’s will; postures must be natural and relaxed, soft and light, suitable and comfortable.
practice must be adequate and never exaggerated to ensure that achievements grow day by day.
Nourishing yourself during “training”
“Training” refers to the manifested forms of qi and force in movement under the guidance of consciousness in the process of directing qi; while “nourishing” refers to the replenishment of vigor and energy after practice.
Qigong masters observe that “vigorous breathing is training, gentle breathing is nourishing”, which clearly shows: qigong guidance is not practiced to the end with one form of awareness, but with the collaboration of training and nourishment.
For example, if someone feels tired during practice, they can emphasize the Dantian area (Elixir Field), place their mind on the Dantian and regulate their breathing to silently nourish.
Only by alternating training and nutrition, with nutrition in training and training in nutrition, can the quality of qigong cultivation be complemented.
Progress gradually
The practitioner should practice in the light of the guiding principles of qigong and the requirements of the movements without any rush.
Rushing ruins relaxation and tranquillity.
Qigong is a method of exercise with self-introspection and perception to develop energetic sensitivity.
You can’t expect this to happen in just one day.
Although some beginners feel the energy in the first or second class.
Only when training is practiced according to certain procedures can success be guaranteed through perseverance.