If you are someone who practices (or has practiced) Tai Chi Sword, you are probably familiar with the term and hand gesture commonly called Sword Fingers! Sword Fingers hand shape is known as Yin Shou. If you haven’t practiced Tai Chi Sword, you may have seen a Tai Chi practitioner holding the second and third (index and middle) fingers upright with the thumb and last two fingers bent (folded). You probably thought that while it looks pretty cool, what is the purpose?
For this reason, I decided to look into Sword Fingers [Chin.: Jiàn zhǐ 剑指] . I was not surprised (after blogging weekly for almost 5 years), to find that there were numerous ideas, interpretations, uses, and so on. Do remember that this is not a scientific paper or a thesis. It’s a blog and was never meant to be all inclusive nor all-knowing!
Sword Fingers, is not only unique, it is also symbolic in Tai Chi philosophy, and rooted in the principles of Yin and Yang (symbol of duality). This gesture has many names, such as the secret sword, “sword amulet, sword hand, sword fingers or sword-charm position”. Of course, there is an expected debate as to whether or not you should hold your Sword Fingers horizontal or vertical?The fingers pointing up represent active and expansive force (Yang). The fingers pointing down represent receptive and yielding force (Yin). As with the Yin Yang symbol, the fingers represent opposing yet complementary forces. Together, this “dynamic equilibrium” embodies the essence of Tai Chi - balance and harmony in all aspects of life.
As one would expect by now, not everyone agrees on the use of Sword Fingers nor how the thumb touches the ring and little finger. The first two fingers (index and middle) are extended and relaxed, while the other (ring and little) fingers curl into a flexed/open half-fist. The tip of the thumb rests on the outside of the ring finger’s second knuckle (and little finger, depending on the size of your hand and thumb). Some practitioners believe the thumb should be over the ring finger's second knuckle.
According to Dr. Andrew Von Plitt, using Sword Fingers as a placeholder is the most practical usage. When actually sword fighting (fairly unusual these days), the Sword Fingers were used to hold the sword sheath to keep it from being damaged. The sheath could also be used as a weapon to defend yourself.
Usually, upon contact (real or imagined), the side of the straight but relaxed middle finger could function to ward off an incoming attack, or to guide the opponent’s Qi in the desired direction. Some instructors teach their students that Sword Fingers are used to strike specific pressure points or weak spots, as well as a means to balance the energy of the sword. It can be used to jab at the eyes, carotid sinus, or throat, or even to distract or startle your opponent.
Sword Fingers can contact your opponent’s hand, pommel, guard, or help knock his sword out of his hand. Sword Fingers can strike vital points, or to trap and/or immobilize your opponent. This, of course, would depend on your experience, skills, and the particular situation.
Tai Chi Sword is considered an extension of the practitioner’s body for “expressing Yin and Yang in motion”. In addition to numerous Qigong styles, Sword Fingers is also used in the entire “Traditional Chinese health, healing, meditative and martial arts like tui na bodywork massage, taijiquan, taiji sword”.
Some other uses for Sword Fingers:
To develop concentration and Qi cultivation when used in the seated and/or moving meditation.
As a visual cue which emphasizes and maintains a continuous, smooth, connect flow.
As a guide for maintaining balance of a posture and proper alignment while working with a Sword. Sword Fingers (see video) are used as a balance to the sword hand and to round out the posture, as in “Raise Hands”.
To help align the Sword with the body’s “central axis” which improves stability and precision. Some practitioners feel that the Sword Fingers should move near and follow the movements of the sword.
To control your tassel or grasp it while performing “Flying Phoenix”.
To add depth to Tai Chi Sword, while representing the “philosophy of balance, harmony, and the interplay of opposing forces”.
To help direct focus and energy by pointing the attention toward the opponent or target, which decreases inefficient or unnecessary movement.
To help focus or fine tune the body by keeping in contact with the wrist to complete the circuit. Sword Fingers could also be used to support the arm holding the sword at either the wrist or close to the elbow.
To promote Qi circulation through the body and sword, making the integration of mind, body, and sword harmonious.
To connect and extend force or power! The hand with its “Sword Fingers” guides and leads the Qi.
As an energy backup, such as the left hand in a “Ward Off Right”.
To send your internal Qi down your arm into your opponent. Note: Possible? Yes! However, very few high-level practitioners (including some Grand Masters) are able to do this.
What about in Daoist Qigong?
Sword Fingers is used in Daoist kunlun qigong to draw energy from the surrounding environment in order to store internal Qi. Sword Fingers is also used to remove “sickly” or stagnant Qi from the body.
According to the Kung Fu Magazine Forum:
Sword Fingers is effectively used for a healing Qigong using mind-intent directly into the target.
Sword Fingers can be used to move your Qi beyond your point of attack. You can then lead and/or direct your opponent’s Qi, allowing you to “blend in with your opponent and seize control”.
The last two “bent fingers” can deliver one “hell” of a strike.
What about Wushu?
The fingers point up with the rear hand when using a sword for several reasons. First, to help maintain balance and stability, thereby, allowing for better control and precision in movements. Second, to improve strikes by generating power and speed. Third, to protect the wrist and maintain proper alignment during complex sword techniques. In Wushu, the position of the fingers with the rear hand is integral to the “effectiveness and grace of the martial art”.
You can practice Sword Fingers with or without a sword: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK-n9_aT1Bw
Short Wu Style Sword Fingers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pByy5KP_6Co
Sword Fingers Qigong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Nmwz5aoFEY
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