The 5 Root Powers of Tai Chi

Having self-awareness of where ones center of gravity is located during any activity, is a key component to maintaining physical or vestibular balance. A way to prevent injuries due to losing balance and falling, is to practice exercises which challenge the individual’s ability to adjust the weight distribution and body stability. Exercises from kung fu, and specifically tai chi offer this type of exercises.

The fundamental practices of Tai Chi are based upon 13 postures. These 13 postures consist of 8 forces, or “expressions of energy”, and 5 steps, root powers or “directions of movement” as follows:
Jin – Advance forward
Tui – Retreat back
Gu – Gaze/Step left
Pan – Gaze/Step right
Ding – Center-Fixed

5 Root Powers

Continuous movement of the toes, ankles and calf muscles helps to pump more blood flow to the lower body, Additionally, this deliberate movement stimulates the nerve ending and energy meridians which exist in the tips of the toes and fingers.

Jing Well Points