by Hephaestus » Sun Dec 11, 2005 2:10 pm
While the white-outs are somewhat worrying, the other phenomenon you experienced is known generally as spontaneous movement, and is simply a by-product of the Qi circulation. To some, this happens often. To others, not at all. Try not to dwell on it too much, see it simply as a sign that you're doing something right, even if it doesn't happen again.
As for when qigong becomes dangerous, maybe I can put this issue to bed once and for all, so it doesn't come up <I>quite</I> so often. There is a roughly cut line where qigong practice becomes dangerous, and it is fairly simple.
Basic medical qigong was designed for the layperson, and thus is not dangerous.
Advanced qigong methods, such as Small Circulation (and all levels beyond it) are where a qualified instructor is really needed, because these involve using the Yi (intent) to lead the Qi from the Dan Tian to areas along the channels to open them for stronger circulation.
Medical qigong does not use Yi to lead the Qi from the Dan Tian. Medical qigong focuses on posture, movement, and breathing.
Some exercises, such as the Yi Jin Jing (Da Mo's Wai Dan) involve condensing the local Qi into the limbs through tensing of muscles. While this requires concentration, you are only condensing the Qi already located in those areas, not leading it from the Dan Tian (although this can change in the advanced practice of this exercise, which is not performed until Small and/or Grand Circulation are achieved).
The dangers involved in advanced Qigong are due in part to the fact that in leading the Qi from the Dan Tian to other major fields (huiyin, mingmen, baihui, etc. for small circulation) one runs the risk of the Qi flow getting "stuck", i.e., one cannot lead the Qi further along the channels. In this case an instructor is needed to help either to complete the circuit, or to return the Qi to the Dan Tian, or simply disperse it within or out of the body.
This is why it is important to learn basic qigong from reliable sources if you don't have a teacher. I once saw a Qigong "Workout" video made by an instructor with over 30 years of qigong experience. The video was catered to the layperson, and yet in several exercises, he mentioned leading the Qi up along the spine and toward the brain!
So, as a general rule, the line is drawn thusly: if you're actively leading the Qi through the channels, you're in a danger zone without a qualified teacher.
~H