Time and Direction for Training of Qi for Qi Gong Practice

Qi Gong training should be in line with the needs of nature, both your own and that
of the universe in which we live, for example it is said that one �should nourish
Yang in the Spring and Summer and Yin in Autumn and Winter.
The 24 hour clock

Six Yang Periods

ZI 11pm - 1am

Chou 1 � 3am

Yin 3 � 5am

Mao 5 � 7am

Chen 7- 9am

Si 9 � 11am

Six Yin Periods

Wu 11am � 1pm

Wei 1 � 3pm

Shen 3 � 5pm

You 5 � 7pm

Xu 7 � 9pm

Hai 9 � 11pm

The beginner should practice in the Yang periods in the morning and evening, but
once you become more accomplished one should begin to practice in the Zi (11pm �
1am); Wu (11am � 1pm); Mao ( 5 �7am) and You ( 5 � 7pm) periods. These periods
represent the fluctuation of Yin and Yang in terms of its advance and retreat in
Winter, Summer, Spring and Autumn and can therefore keep the practitioners Yin and
Yang in equilibrium and is helpful to the training of Qi.

Due to the difference in people�s physique and constitution, practice should also
be determined by one�s own condition and to the fluctuation of Yin and Yang
throughout the day. Those with Yang deficiency should do the practice during the
six Yang periods to replenish Yang Qi, whilst those with deficiency should practice
more in the six Yin periods to get the kidney Yin sufficient, which in turn may
facilitate the preservation of Yang Qi.

A further understanding should take in the concepts of Yin and Yang, the five
elements the times of circulation of Qi and blood along the course of the channels
as well as our own constitution at any particular period. For example:

Hai (9 � 11pm) and Zi (11pm � 1am) periods are good for regulating the function of
the kidneys;

Yin (3 � 5am) and Mao (5 � 7am) periods for the liver;

Si (9 � 11am) and Wu (11am � 1pm) periods for the heart;

Shen (3- 5pm) and You (5 � 7pm) periods for the lung;

Zi (11pm � 1am) period for the Gallbladder Channel;

Chou (1 � 3am) period for the Liver Channel;

Yin (3 � 5am) period for the Lung channel;

Mao (5 �7am) period for the Large intestine Channel;

Chen (7 � 9am), Xu (7 � 9pm), Chou (1 � 3am) and Wei (1 � 3pm) periods for the
Spleen Channel.
Directions for training Qi

It is generally accepted that practising Qigong facing South and East is helpful to
Yang, whilst practising North and West is helpful to Yin. Generally speaking
beginners should practice Qigong facing East or Southwest, or in the daytime facing
the Sun and in the evening facing the Moon. As the purpose of Qigong practice is to
develop pure Yang Qi inside the body; one should begin their practice by linking up
with the Qi of the Universe, the direction of Yang positive aspect should be taken
as the main directions for qigong practice so as to take Qi from Heaven and Earth
to nourish the human body. However once one becomes more experienced you should
practice in the direction and environment in which you feel most beneficial, go
with the flow of your own energy.

Points one should consider when practising Qigong

1. Try to gain a thorough understanding of your practice, through a teacher or

study. Carry out your practice confidently and step by step;

2. Once you have determined a method of practice which suits you then your practice
should be constant, this could take some time or you may hit upon it right away;

3. The frequency and duration of training should be in line with your physique and
constitution and your level of skill. It is better to increase the frequency of
practice rather than duration;

4. You should practice in a quiet environment with fresh air; better results will
come if you practice in the open air surrounded by nature. Practice in the hot sun
or against cold, strong wind and rain or thunder and lightening, or in places near
old withered trees is to be avoided. Practice whilst tired, hungry or too full
should be avoided;

5. Training of Qigong should be combined with the cultivation of one�s own

character, one should also have an understanding of the twelve classic lesses 1)
Less Thinking 2) Longing 3) Desire 4) Meddling 5) Talking 6) Laughing 7) Anxiety 8)
Amusement 9) Joy 10) Anger 11) Readiness 12) Wickedness. The practitioner should
keep a light heart and lead a regular life;

6. Before practice, go defecate, wear loose clothes and soft comfortable flat
shoes;

7. Adhere to the principle of the three steadiness � Steady Starting, Steady

Performance and Steady Closing of the exercise;

8. Do not premeditate the effect of your practice, if Qi effects occur during your
practice, do not attach to it, just let it take its own course;
9. Attention should be paid to avoid any sudden disturbance during practice, or
sudden panic, if disturbed or panicked just bring your mind and qi to the lower
dantien, then continue or stop the practice quietly.

Wu Nan � 5 things that shorten life:

1. Excess drive towards fame & fortune.

2. Too much anger & or joy.

3. Anything related to excess.

4. Poor diet.

5. Over-thinking, pensiveness, not taking time to shut your mind off, takebreaks.

Further Development of one�s practice should mean:

1. Living in accordance with the seasons

2. Not eating too early (before 8am)

3. Practice Qi (energy) exercises in the morning, i.e. Qigong, Tai Chi Chuan,

face/gum massage, click teeth for kidneys.

4. Keep mouth closed when having a bowel movement.

5. Keep teeth together during urination (helps keep Essence from escapingwhen
orifice is open, i.e. �pee shivers� which are more common in males).

6. Massage ears when stressed.

7. Eat more soup made with bone broth & a little vinegar for strong bones.

8. Breathing exercises should be a daily occurrence to help detoxify

replenish energy.

9. Physical exercises should be performed in the afternoon or evening.

10.The best time for bowel movements is early in the morning (between 5-

9am).

11. Spend more time combing hair to prevent headache & insomnia.

12. Do large circles with your eyeballs to keep vision.

13. Swallow saliva, do not spit it out, this can tonify digestion.

14. Always keep back warm to protect Yang Qi.

15. Rub abdomen habitually in order to regulate stomach Qi (digestion).

16. When meditating, keep mouth & anal sphincter lightly contracted.

17. Move & stretch joints regularly to keep mobility.

18. Use warm hands or dry brush to rub the entire body to keep circulation healthy.