"To prop up the head is to raise the crown of the head properly. In Taiji Quan, make sure that the head is upright, the crown flat, the neck straight and the chin drawn in. It is required that the baihui acupuncture point at the crown of the head is propped up gently as if lifted up by a robe. At the same time, the crown of the head must be kept so flat that a bowl of water placed on it would not spill. To keep the head upright and the crown flat, the neck most be straight and the chin drawn in. But if overdone, this position will make the neck stiff and the movements unnatural. Therefore, in propping up the head, excess effort should be avoided. It must be natural. Once the crown of the head is raised properly, the energy will be summoned and the movements will become steady and sturdy."
- Li Xingdong, Basics of Taiji Quan (Beijing, Foreign Language Press, 2000)
There is one thing you can do from time to time, while doing this exercise:
ReplyDeletelower your shoulders consciously.
I learned that in Japanese Archery, Kyuudoo.
Lift your arms high, but NOT the shoulders ... diverts the stress from your muscles...
Gabi
. DARUMA Museum, Japan .
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Raise your head spiritly high" is very important in practicing tai chi forms. Good point.
ReplyDelete