The Bubbling Well (also known as the Bubbling Springs) is a point on the sole of the foot, just in front of the arch and centered side to side. It is lateral to the back of the ball of the foot. The Bubbling Well is also known as Yong Quan. In Chinese “Yong” translates to gush, surge, or well up and “Quan” translates to spring. The Bubbling Well is where we establish our root (or earth connection). Through the Bubbling Well, we connect with the earth’s energy which stablizes and energizes us. Qi bubbles upward from the bottom of our feet, through the legs, and into the lower Dantian. According to Grandmaster William C. C. Chen, it is a single point, which is great for energy circulation, and “the beginning of an important meridian”, namely the kidney meridian. The Bubbling Well is a water element and where the kidney meridian emerges on the sole of the foot.
The Bubbling Well is a physical concept based on the biomechanics of the human foot, which has 52 bones and various types of connective tissue. It is a balance, weight and energetic point or gate and an essential part of our foundation. . Grandmaster Cheng, Man-ching called the Bubbling Well (plus the Dantian and the crown of the head) the Three Treasures. Even though it is extremely important in Tai Chi and Qigong, the Bubbling Well does not control or produce physical actions nor movements.
“Place your weight into the Bubbling Well.”
Early in their training, most new students are often instructed to place their weight into the “Bubbling Well”. This is the foundation of the principle of working with energy in Tai Chi and Qigong. When you place your weight into the Bubbling Well, the foot structure expands and stores energy. When you remove your weight the Bubbling Well rebounds which sends energy up into your legs. This is why the root is considered to be in the feet. The more frequently you place your weight in the “Bubbling Well”, the more you condition your feet to store energy because the movement shapes the structure. In addition, your overall health will benefit as well.
In Tai Chi and Qigong in order for the weight of the upper body to be aligned correctly, the weight must be aligned on the Bubbling Well. The foot, however, must feel soft and relaxed which indicates correct upper and lower body alignment and balance. This awareness is an extremely important indicator of the correct body relationship. This alignment is what allows “Earth Qi” to rise up and enter the body. Poor balance and/or tense feet block the flow of energy. Balance is important because poor balance is the cause of about 80% of our muscular usage. This can result in strains, sprains, and other issues of the musculoskeletal system.
This is also why I (and other instructors) strongly recommend proper, flat soled shoes. Shoes with a raised heel, heavily cushioned sole, or those that are narrow and short in the toes prevent the internal structure of your feet from moving when you put our weight into the Bubbling Well. Not having your weight placed properly will also interfere with the natural balance of the energy store and release structure of the feet. While cushioning in footwear will absorb energy, it will not return it effectively. The best shoes are those that protect the surface of your feet but allows room for your foot to expand in the weight-bearing phase.
In Tai Chi and Qigong, we absorb, store and send out energy. The Bubbling Well helps us do that efficiently.
So how do you know when your weight is in the “Bubbling Well”? When your weight is on your entire foot and you cannot pick up your toes or heels without shifting your weight, you are in the Bubbling Well!
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