Wu Chi (aka Wuji) is a classic position used in most Tai Chi forms. Pronounced Woo Jee, the loose translation is “emptiness in movement, thought, or activity”. In other words, the quiet time before actual form starts and ends. Relaxation with a meditative state of mind cultivates and increases Qi circulation and opens up the energy channels in the body.
Wu Chi is a very important stance. Although it appears easy, it is more “complicated than it looks”. In fact, when done correctly, it is considered the “quintessential stance”. The Wu Chi pose includes your body position, breath, mental focus and visualization. The goal (which can take years to perfect) is to get beyond thinking about Wu Chi and to simply “exist within the stance.”
This difficult Taoist principle is always demonstrated as an empty circle - with no beginning or end. In other words - infinite. Tai Chi, however, is demonstrated as a broken circle separated into Yin and Yang movements. Taoists had believed the two polarities (Yin and Yang) were equal and “canceled each other out”. They have come to understand that out of the infinite, the complexity and substance of the duality of Yin and Yang were born. Complex?
Perhaps a little more clarity (or not): Tai Chi is NOT Wu Chi! Wu Chi can be considered the “mother of Yin Yang”. The Tai Chi practitioner first stands in Wu Chi, then moves into Tai Chi (the state of Yin and Yang). When Yin Yang rests (after the completion Tai Chi or Qigong practice), it goes back to the state of Wu Chi.
Wu Chi is often used as the first position in many Qigong exercises as you stand with your body and mind relaxed. While beginners often use it as a simple Qigong exercise, experienced Qigong practitioners use it as a starting position to ensure that their posture and alignment is correct. This also ensures that they are relaxed prior to undertaking their Qigong practice. Wu Chi can be used as a cool-down after practice while your Qi is still circulating.
We’ve talked about Zhan Zhuang (“Standing Like a Tree” or “Standing Post”) in a past blog. This posture, although a bit different, is the essence of Wu Chi as a meditative posture. Alignment adheres to Tai Chi Principles while maintaining mindfulness and clearing any outside chatter. Awareness of and eliminating any tension or discomfort is an important goal.
Wu Chi breathing is slow and deep and focused on breathing through the Dantian (lower abdomen). Deep breathing along with concentration will assist in relaxing your mind and body.
Important points in Wu Chi practice:
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Your feet can be either parallel or or with toes slightly pointed out.
The Bai Hui (crown of your head)is lifted towards the sky with your chin slightly down.
Gaze is soft and forward by slightly down. Optional: eyes can be closed.
The tip of your tongue is just behind your teeth on the roof of your mouth. This connects the conception channel in the front and the governing channel in the back, which is known as the Microcosmic Orbit.
Your neck is relaxed and shoulders sinking slightly with both arms and elbows hanging loosely at your sides.
Arms are relaxed and held slightly away from your body like you are holding a tangerine, small ball or balloon in each armpit.
Fingers and relaxed and in “ball hand” position (slight cup with fingers gently apart).
Abdominal breathing.
Hips and pelvis relaxed sinking your tailbone.
Knees relaxed with a slight bend. Weight is directly over them.
Weight is evenly distributed at the center of your relaxed feet and toes.
NOTE: Wu Chi can also be practiced sitting. Instead of letting your arms hang down, rest them on your thighs, while still keeping the small space under your armpits.
I like the phrase Skee Goedhart uses Bones Up Flesh Down! As you would expect, especially early in your practice, holding Wu Chi can be hard work. However, according to Goedhart, with time, you will begin to possess a strong sense of peace, tranquility and relaxation.
I’m sure you’ve noticed the times I’ve mentioned “relax”. Relaxation is vital to this exercise. You cannot force it. This means relaxing both your body and mind (letting go of the chatter or “monkey mind”. The deep relaxation by itself has benefits even if you do nothing else.
Even though we have very busy lives, you will definitely benefit if you practice Wu Chi a few minutes at least twice a day. It will gradually become easier. You can do a brief practice throughout your normal (or hectic) day, even when you are standing in line or just to “reset” your mind and body.
I’m guessing you can find the time for a “few” minutes of practice. If you eventually work up to 10-20 minutes a day, Wu Chi will both increase Qi flow throughout you body and enhance your rooting.
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