Jiulong Baguazhang, as part of Daoqiquan, is a complete health system as well as a martial art. In response to a question on the Jiulong yahoo group, this information was posted and we thought Jiulong Journal readers would appreciate reading it.
Time and Place for Qigong Training
Qigong is more than exercise. It is a healing discipline for the body, mind, and spirit. Some of the rules that govern Qigong practice differ significantly from those that apply to calisthenics, aerobics, or working out at a gym. Since one of Qigong’s goals is greater harmony between inside and outside, between yourself and nature, when and where you practice can influence the effectiveness of Qigong techniques.
Even good Qigong exercises are less effective at the wrong time of day or in uncomfortable surroundings. Most people practice Qigong in a daily “wellness workout” designed to prevent disease and improve or maintain health. The workout, lasting from ten minutes to an hour or longer, consists of dynamic exercises, self-massage, and, sometimes, meditation. Additionally, we all experience times when particular parts of the body are calling for attention, whether due to disease or just feelings of therapeutic Qigong techniques, either instead of or in addition to the normal daily practice.
The daily workout should occur at a fixed time each day. Therapeutic Qigong is practiced whenever it is needed or prescribed by a qualified Qigong master or physician.
The general rule is that the period from 12 midnight until 12 noon is called Sheng Qi “the time of the living breath.” It is best to practice your Qigong wellness workout in the middle of this period, at about 6 a.m. known as the early morning is the “spring time” of the day as the living breath peaks at sunrise, the ideal time for Qigong training. The effects of morning practice are long lasting and cumulative. You are likely to still feel pleasantly energized in the afternoon. Many masters say not to practice from 11:00 a.m. to 1: 00 p.m. when the Heart Fire is ruling the body.
The winter portion of the day, from noon until midnight, is called Si Qi “the time of the dead breath.” Seeds planted in the early spring bear the healthiest fruit; those planted during the winter are less hardy so the afternoon is not the best time for Qigong training according to tradition.
As each day passes, your supply of Qi increases. While you are learning new Qigong techniques, it is a good idea to have at least two practice times, one just for yourself, to build the Qi and enjoy, and another “homework” time to review and memorize techniques and details. Do your homework after the morning wellness workout, whenever your schedule allows.
Review instructions and practice the exercises slowly and carefully, over and over again until your body can do them automatically. But remember that the time for your self is the early morning. If you have to get ready for work or prepare the kids for school, try getting up an hour earlier. You can’t take care of others effectively if you are not taking care of yourself. Your family will appreciate that the more Qi-full you are, the more cheerful you are. (And breakfast seems to taste better if the cook is happy.)
If your schedule just doesn’t permit early-morning Qigong, then find whatever time you can. On the other hand, if you have time to spare, there is no prohibition against more than one wellness workout per day. This would be in addition to the important morning practice and your “homework” review session.
If your normal workout is at sunrise, try another one at sunset. Qigong done at sunset although not as powerful as sunrise is a wonderful way to punctuate the daylight hours. The energetic and beautiful exercises feel completely natural at these times of day, probably the human equivalent of bird songs.
No matter what time of day you practice, always wait at least two hours after eating a meal. There is a saying, “If the belly is filled with food, there is no room for Qi.” A full belly interferes with breathing and movement. Digestion uses Qi, making less available for Qigong. It also diverts Qi to the digestive system, away from the areas of the body that are the focus of your exercises. If you eat after practice, wait at least one half-hour after your session to allow time for residual effects of Qigong practice. After the half-hour “cooling down” time, the Qi will be settled and you will be ready for normal activities.
Li Family Daily Practice Times
The Chinese zodiac divides the day into six hours that are in duration the equal to two of our hours. These hours are assigned animal names, elements, and directions. Time is always based on actual sun time not daylight saving time in relation to where you are in the world.
BASIC RULES FOR PRACTICE TIME
MORNING PRACTICE 5:00 – 7:00 a.m.
Face the rising sun in the morning to draw yang energy into the yin (front of the torso). Energy is absorbed by the Renmai meridian directly. Do not of course stare into the Sun.
The hours for this practice are 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. hour of the Rabbit
EVENING PRACTICE 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The setting sun in the evening 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. hour of the Rooster
MIDNIGHT PRACTICE 11: p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
At midnight, the energy is most conducive to creating yin energy in the system for deep and profound rest. This is 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. time symbol of the Rat
FULL MOON PRACTICE
On nights of the Full moon one night before during and one night after full to increase the Yin energy and reduce stress face the moon above with the torso front on. To decrease excess Yang energy face away from the moon so it shines on the back Dumai meridian.
DO NOT PRACTICE
The hours between 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. are considered to be dangerous practice times. This is the Chinese hour of the Horse and in Qigong is known as the “hour of fire” because the heart Qi energy is highly active and should not be disturbed by meditative or Qigong practices.
Meditation and all Qigong practice was forbidden by the Li family at this time unless specifically instructed by an expert in Qigong and meditative practice you should avoid all internal practices during the hour of the Horse.
Now you have the information you requested use it wisely.
John P. Painter
Shifu Daoqiquan
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