Longwater Tai Chi - Practice Tip
Every month or so we intend to post a little tip that may help you with your Tai Chi or Chi Gung practice.
Introducing the Kwa (Part 2)
The kwa is located inside the pelvis and can be seen as the central hub linking the upper and lower body. Effective use of your kwa has a huge affect on your general health, as many body systems pass through, or are linked to, the pelvic area.
Last month we looked at how to incline your upper body whilst sitted, keeping the spine straight and connected. Try this exercise again but now stand up. You must keep your knees steady and keep the sacrum relaxed and gently tucked as you incline - it's a little bit harder, isn't it? Be especially aware of your neck and middle back bending, causing a compression in your throat or diaphragm. If you like, use your breathing to monitor this by noticing any subtle change of breath when you incline forward, especially if it feels like a restriction of your inhale or exhale.
When you've practised this and are comfortable with the move, try this - as you incline forward, also start to sit down, causing an increased bend between your lower and upper leg at the knee. Make sure the front of knee does not move during this action, the sacrum remains relaxed downwards - and remember the 70% rule!. To come back upright gently push against your fingers as before, and/or feel the soles of your feet push further into the ground. This rising action, or opening of the kwa, must feel very easy and effortless, like a spring that has been compressed being released.
Repeat this kwa squat several times, and try to fit it into your daily practice warms ups.
July 2009
