energetic capacity and loading

[goretex]

In physical training and conditioning, there's established idea about loading and recovery and much of modern training revolves around these ideas.

Intensity, repetitions, sets, weight, %, perceived effort, etc. These concepts can then be sequenced into periodization of different cycles of training (e.g. building endurance and work capacity -> strength -> power). 

 

In qigong, neidan, neigong discussion, there's a lot of focus on the periodization of phases of training and attainments, but I do not see much discussion about load and recovery.  

How should one think about the subtle body and its energetic capacity? 

Further, what defines one person's capacity for qigong training?

 

There can be signs of "overtraining" or "overload" and also specific symptoms like various qi deviation, but how might we better tell well before that occurs through understanding loading and capacity better, understanding straining of one's energy centers or channels?  

 

As a starting point, my assumption is that energetic capacity can be first assessed based on one's overall system's health from a TCM perspective: organs and channels. 

[Krenx]

General rule of thumb is, if the practitioner is not able to discern/listen what they are training, and forgotten or cannot recall the goal of a specific practice, the practitioner should stop and train another time. 

 

Because the mind/yi is very important in these arts to make any progress. It needs to be able to observe things happening to maintain conditions.

 

When the mind cannot do that, it is usually because it lacks energy. And rest, along with gradual changes in habits is needed to support future practices. 

 

The mind can actually go pretty far past the failure of the body and continue to train important attributes for internal arts.

 

But if the body is able, and the mind is not present, it would be a waste of time, and also derail your practice and create bad habits.  

 

What supports the mind? Basic things like good health, enough rest, and decent life habits that don't get you involved in nonsonse and danger, and guilt. 

[ChiDragon]

4 hours ago, goretex said:

In qigong, neidan, neigong discussion, there's a lot of focus on the periodization of phases of training and attainments, but I do not see much discussion about load and recovery. 

In regard to qigong and neigong, there were no external means was used in the training. It is because these methods are internal development. In addition, there was no energy lost during training, hence nothing needs to be recovered. The energy was built up by the diligent practice. The more practice the more energy will be acquired from the practice. If the practice was discontinued, then the built energy will be lost. However, the loss of energy will be recovered again, after the continuous practice was resumed.