Remember that one of the guiding principles in SFQ is "good, better, best". It's all good, and there is better and best.
If it is more practical for you to break up the sessions into smaller chunks, than that might be better for you so as to keep consistent practice, which is indeed better than just being "good" and practicing now and then.
Do you lose benefits? I would not think of it as "losing benefits". Rather, I would think of it as "good, better best".
There are benefits to doing longer sessions. And there are also benefits doing multiple sessions. Each has their benefits.
You might try to do those shorter sessions during "prime time" of 5-7 (remember this is calculated according to the earth, not the clock, so that means
STANDARD time and not "daylight savings time". I.e. if you live in a place that has daylight savings time, it is actually 6-8 during the season that we are on daylight savings time).
So, if you can do 20 minutes in the morning around 6 AM and then another 20 minutes in the evening sometime around 6 PM, that would be better than doing those same smaller chunks during other times. This way, you get "more bang for your bucks", and the shorter time is "worth more" as it were.
And don't forget about Small Universe! This will give you so many more benefits. Even a few cycles of Small Universe is better than nothing (i.e. just a few minutes with the recording or around the Small Universe by yourself).
As for the itch scratching question: my understanding is that the itch is an EXCELLENT sign that your breaking up blockages! Congratulations! And Master Lin has said that scratching can break up the energy flow and undo the good that you have done. It is probably better to resist as much as possible. Keep saying to yourself things like "healing is happening, this is a good sign! " and "I feel the energy flowing through my body. I feel so good and peaceful". Focus on something else. For example, focus on the lower tantien at that moment. Or on any other part of the body. Watch the breath go in and out. Etc.
Saliva is also a classic qigong reaction and means that the qi is really flowing well. As Master Lin says, a baby, which is so full of life has lots of saliva. This is very very good sign! Again, congratulations!
Celebrate!
It is possible to swallow without moving the tongue. You can try to swallow in three gulps (this is a classic qigong technique) or more. Try to keep the tongue gently touching behind the upper teeth while you swallow. With practice, it should be no problem.
If this proves too difficult, I would just let it go for now and come back to it later. It is still good. And later on, you can do better. Meanwhile, the energy is still flowing.
You are doing outstanding practice and making great progress! Keep up the good work!
Thanks for sharing this with us-- it is inspiring to read!
