Page 15 - Illustrated Chen Taijiquan Routine Ⅱ (Cannon Fist)

II. Terms of Chen Taijiquan Routine II (Cannon Fist)

12. Qi
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, qi is an energy inherent within
the human body that keep it alive. It is formed in kidney, stored in and driven from
dantian. It goes along meridians, and gradually builds up as people practice over a
long time. In the early stage of Taijiquan practice, the external movements are used
to induce qi; and inch by inch, qi becomes the driving force for the external move-
ments.

13. Dantian
Dantian is located in the lower abdomen, so sometimes “abdomen” is used
when dantian is referred to in this book. It is the weight and the center of energy.
Dantian stores qi in stillness, and drives it throughout the body in action.

14. Baihui (GV20)
Baihui (GV20) is an acupuncture point in the Governor Vessel. It is the cross-
ing point of Governor Vessel with all yang meridians, situated at the crown of the
head. This point should be lightly lifted in Taijiquan practice as if it is suspended
by a string attached to it.

15. Jianjing (GB21)
Jianjing (GB21) is an acupuncture point in the Shaoyang Gall Bladder Me-
ridian of Foot. It is situated in the depression on the top of each shoulder, forming
a vertical line with the nipple. Relax jianjing (GB21) in Taijiquan practice, then qi
sinks down to yongquan (KI1) in the feet.

16. Mingmen (GV4)
Mingmen (GV4) is an acupuncture point in the Governor Vessel. It’s located
on the midline of the lower back, in the depression below the 2nd lumbar vertebra.
When qi is sunk down to dantian, mingmen (GV4) will naturally protrude slightly.

17. Huiyin (CV1)
Huiyin (CV1) is an acupuncture point in the Conception Vessel. It is located
between the genitalia and the anus. This point should be lifted in Taijiquan practice
to deliver the internal energy to where it should be.

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