We understand that a crucial aspect of qigong practice is entering a state of tranquility—a transition of consciousness from ordinary wakefulness to a state approaching deep sleep. We also recognize that the brain's wakefulness and arousal are sustained by neural impulses generated and transmitted through sensory organs in response to various internal and external stimuli. Therefore, achieving qigong tranquility necessitates measures to reduce or block such stimuli—in other words, minimizing sensory input to the body's organs.Psychology and physiology categorize sensations into two main types: internal and external. Internal sensations involve perceiving stimuli within the body, reflecting bodily position, movement, and the status of internal organs. Examples include kinesthetic sense, vestibular sense, and visceral sensations.In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the diagnostic principle for insomnia states: "When the stomach is not harmonious, sleep is disturbed." This essentially describes excessive visceral (stomach) sensations continuously transmitting neural impulses to the brain, causing cerebral excitation and resulting in insomnia.Furthermore, actively relaxing muscles during qigong practice, as well as the natural relaxation of muscles while lying in bed, reduces the neural impulses sent from muscles (muscle spindles) to the brain. This decrease in muscular activity lowers cerebral excitability, facilitating mental stillness or sleep. External sensations involve responses to external stimuli, reflecting the properties of external objects through vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.To achieve tranquility or sleep, it is essential to reduce both internal and external sensory stimuli. A person with normal visceral functions placed in a dark room devoid of sound, smell, or food stimuli (blocking visceral, motor, and balance sensations) will quickly fall asleep. Conversely, if all other conditions remain unchanged but one sense receives sufficient stimulation—such as skin pricking, various sounds, or visual images—it would be impossible to achieve tranquility or sleep. Understanding this principle provides the answer to whether one should keep eyes open or closed during practice. It is crucial to emphasize that approximately 80% of information received during human interaction with the external world is transmitted to the brain through the visual pathway. Therefore, closing the eyes to block this information is essential for effective tranquility.
Of course, the choice between open or closed eyes during practice is not absolute and can be adjusted based on practical needs. For instance, a beginner learning specific movements from a qigong instructor in person must keep their eyes open, whereas they should close them during independent practice. When practicing alone, beginners often need to keep their eyes open or use a mirror to constantly correct their movements for accuracy.Once movements become precise and proficient, one may practice with eyes closed. After mastering movements with ease, one may then open eyes or partially open them as needed based on sensations during practice. Generally, when practicing alone with an internal focus, one may close eyes and keep the gaze inward; when performing for an audience with an external display, eyes should remain open.For still practices or stationary dynamic exercises, closed eyes are preferred. During walking practices, open eyes are more common. Ultimately, adapt to the situation without rigid adherence. Additionally, when closing eyes, avoid straining; simply gently lower the eyelids.