Why should you stand in Wu Chi before performing your Tai Chi set?
Wu Chi is the first standing posture before you begin the physical movement in most Tai Chi styles and forms. Properly standing in Wu Chi helps to train the basic physical structure and alignments of the body while activating the energy. The Wu Chi alignments are made prior to starting your Tai Chi moves and then the Wu Chi physical and energetic alignments are supposed to be maintained while you practice your Tai Chi set.
Wu Chi translates as No action Energy. The “Wu” No action refers to the fact that there is no external physical movement while you are standing in Wu Chi. The “Chi” or energy refers to the fact that the energy is activated even though there is no physical movement. Together Wu Chi refers to the idea that the energy is activated and moving even though there is no physical motion.
BENEFITS OF WU CHI
- Standing in Wu Chi is designed to build Chi energy and to internally circulate Chi energy.
- Proper Wu Chi Physical Alignment from head to toe specifically benefits you by aligning your spinal column. This Improves Respiratory and Vascular Circulation.
- Wu Chi alignment in the body also Improves Oxygen flow to all of the cells of the body.
- Wu Chi Enhances Proper Nervous System Function and Combats Neuropathy (loss of nerve function and feeling).
- Properly standing in Wu Chi Alleviates Arthritis and Arthritis symptoms due to the the flow of Chi energy heating up the synovial fluid between the joints.
- Wu Chi Enhances Mental Concentration and Focus as you stand there and relax with your mind quiet and calm while the energy flows due to the proper Wu Chi physical and energetic alignments.
- Wu Chi Facilitates Recovery and healing time by helping you to relax the Internal Organs and the External Muscles while building and circulating the energy
To learn the 10 essential steps to proper Wu Chi practice click here or you can check out my book: Chi Energy: Activation, Cultivation and Flow and the accompanying DVD.
About the Author...
Richard Clear is the founder and head of Clear's Tai Chi. He began teaching in 1985 and has over 30 years of continuous study in Tai Chi, Martial Arts, Psychology, Philosophy, Alternative Medicine and Physiology.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I find standing in the wuji posture to be of great importance and practice. While the posture may appear physically simple, the details required to maintain correct structure and alignment are complex.
Yes, exactly.
Check out tomorrows post for more about the importance of correct structure and alignment.