The Ten Key Points of Chen-style Tai Chi ---- Virtual Ling Top Force

by langrentoh1 on 2012-03-08 16:40:27

The Ten Key Points of Chen Style Tai Chi - Virtual Spirit and Top Energy

Virtual Spirit and Top Energy refers to maintaining a proper posture with the head upright and the Baihui acupoint gently lifted upward as if pulled by a rope while practicing Tai Chi. This is one of the most fundamental key points in practicing Tai Chi.

To achieve Virtual Spirit and Top Energy, one must first accurately locate the position of the Baihui acupoint. The Baihui acupoint is located at the central hair whorl on the top of the human head, or about seven inches above the back hairline. It is also known as Sanyang, Wuhui, Dianshang, Tianman, Weihui, Niwan Palace, Ling Shang, etc., representing the highest point of the human body. The "Boxing Theory" says: "The Baihui acupoint leads the entire body." Virtual Spirit and Top Energy means that clear energy rises and reaches the Baihui acupoint.

How does the clear energy rise? The "Boxing Theory" says: "It cannot be achieved without a calm mind and steady breath; turbid energy must descend to the feet. After completing a movement, all the clear energy in the upper body should return to the Dantian. When the heart energy descends, the whole body's energy will follow suit." The energy rises from the Huiyin, travels along the abdomen through the Tian Tu and廉泉 (Lianquan), then ascends along the Du Meridian, also starting from the Huiyin, passing through Changqiang, ascending against the spine to reach the Baihui.

What is "Top Energy"? The "Boxing Theory" says: "Top Energy refers to the middle energy rising to the top of the head." If the middle energy does not rise, the righteous energy collapses, the limbs become limp, unsupported, like a pile of mud, making it impossible to practice boxing.

However, Top Energy must not be forcefully pushed upwards; forced pushing results in stiff energy, which is not true Top Energy. "When leading the Top Energy upward, imagine breaking through the sky, but do not overuse force." Overusing force causes the righteous energy to rush violently to the head, which goes against the healing principles of Tai Chi, causing heaviness in the head, lightness in the feet, instability, inflexible twisting, blocked energy flow during Tai Chi sparring, chest congestion, and harm to health.

On the other hand, Top Energy must not be insufficient; insufficiency leads to a lack of spirit. Therefore, the "Boxing Theory" says: "Middle energy rises, as if intentional, yet unintentional, neither too light nor too heavy, seemingly present yet absent, avoiding excess or deficiency, balancing the center." "Practicing Tai Chi relies entirely on Top Energy; when the Top Energy is well led, the entire body's spirit is invigorated."

Virtual Spirit and Top Energy are not only basic key points that must be strictly followed when practicing Tai Chi, but also a martial arts realm. In the early stages of practice, it is difficult to truly understand its meaning and accurately grasp the key points. Only when progressing from familiarizing with techniques to understanding energy, where internal energy begins to fluctuate, clear energy is generated and abundant, the bladder heats up, and the righteous energy in the Dantian becomes vast, can one truly experience the miraculous realm of sudden inspiration, clear energy floating upward, and the entire body feeling ethereal. Nevertheless, practitioners must strictly adhere to the key point of Virtual Spirit and Top Energy from the very beginning. Otherwise, it is difficult to practice Tai Chi well, no clear energy will be produced, and there will be no subsequent rise of clear energy, descent of turbid energy, or the freedom and ease of following one's heart's desire.