Transmission of Jing (勁) from 湧泉 (Yongquan) to 勞宮 (Laogong)

Transmission of Jing (勁) from 湧泉 (Yongquan) to 勞宮 (Laogong)

湧泉貼勞宮練習 focuses on the transmission of Jing (勁) between two key energy points in the body, 湧泉 (Yongquan) on the foot and 勞宮 (Laogong) on the hand. This practice is rooted in the theory of energy transmission in Tai Chi, Qigong, and other internal martial arts. Here's a detailed explanation of the drill, its key points, and the underlying theories.

Key Points of the Drill:

1. Hand贴 (貼) on the Wall:

   • The Laogong point (勞宮), located in the center of the palm, is placed against the wall, acting as the receiving end of the energy flow.
   • This hand should maintain a soft but firm connection to the wall, not pushing forcefully but also not passive, keeping a balance between relaxation and tension.

2. Body Weight on the Opposite Foot:

   • The opposite leg bears the body’s weight, with the Yongquan point (湧泉), located in the sole of the foot, firmly rooted into the ground.
   • The weight shifts entirely onto this foot, making it the origin point for transmitting Jing (勁).
   • The body must lean slightly toward the hand that's connected to the wall, but in a controlled and structured manner.

3. 斜中正 (Slanted Upright Posture):

   • The body should be 斜中正, meaning slanted but upright in a balanced way. This is crucial for ensuring that the energy flow is straight and smooth, with no unnecessary bending or twisting that could disrupt the transmission of Jing.
   • The body forms a line from the foot to the hand, with the spine and torso aligned in a way that supports the Jing flow from Yongquan to Laogong.
   • The slight leaning ensures the weight is gradually transferred while keeping the structure intact.

4. 感覺勁的傳遞 (Feeling the Jing Transmission):

   • The practitioner should focus on the internal connection between the Yongquan and Laogong, sensing how the Jing travels upward through the leg, into the torso, and then into the arm and hand.
   • The movement is subtle and controlled, allowing you to feel the energy flow without using muscular force.

Theory of Jing Transmission (勁的傳遞):

The goal of this drill is to cultivate an understanding of how energy (Qi and Jing) can be transmitted through the body in a unified way. The transmission of Jing from Yongquan to Laogong involves several key theoretical principles:

1. Yongquan (湧泉) – The Root of Grounding:

• The Yongquan point, located on the sole of the foot, is the starting point for grounding energy. In Tai Chi and Qigong, this point is considered the gateway for energy exchange between the body and the earth.
• By rooting into the ground through this point, you draw the ground energy upward, which is essential for stabilizing the body and initiating Jing transmission.
• This rooting allows the foot to act as the origin of power and energy flow, transferring it upward through the leg.

2. Laogong (勞宮) – Energy Emission Point:

• The Laogong point in the hand is where energy is emitted or received. It serves as a terminal for energy transmission, where the Qi and Jing can either exit the body (as in martial applications) or receive and circulate energy (as in Qigong).
• In this drill, Laogong functions as the endpoint of the transmitted energy, and you are learning how to smoothly channel the energy from the lower body into the upper body and hand.

3. Jing (勁) Flow:

• Jing refers to a type of refined, internal power that is cultivated through practice. Unlike muscular force, Jing is a subtle, relaxed, and coordinated form of power that moves through the body's structure.
• The practice of transmitting Jing from Yongquan to Laogong teaches you how to align your body’s structure to guide the flow of energy without blocking or dispersing it.
• The connection between these two points requires that the practitioner remain relaxed and aligned, ensuring that the energy flow is smooth and uninterrupted by tension or improper alignment.

4. 斜中正 – Balanced Leaning Posture:

• The concept of 斜中正 (Slanted Upright) emphasizes the idea of keeping the body in proper structural alignment, even when leaning or tilting slightly. This posture ensures that the energy flow is centered and the transmission remains efficient.
• If the body bends too much or twists out of alignment, the energy transmission becomes obstructed, causing a leakage of Jing or a blockage of energy flow.
• By maintaining this posture, the practitioner cultivates the ability to direct energy with precision and stability.

5. Qi Pathways and Meridian Theory:

• According to traditional Chinese medicine and Qigong theory, the Kidney meridian passes through the Yongquan point, while the Pericardium meridian passes through the Laogong point. These points are key for circulating Qi throughout the body.
• When practicing this drill, you are training yourself to connect these two meridians through the body’s core, linking the lower and upper body through a fluid energy pathway.
• The body’s Qi pathways must remain open and unobstructed to allow this transfer of energy, so relaxation, structure, and correct alignment are essential.

6. Whole-Body Connection:

• A fundamental principle of Tai Chi is that power must be generated and transmitted through the entire body, not just localized in individual parts. This is the essence of whole-body unity (整體勁).
• The connection from Yongquan to Laogong teaches you how to link the foot, leg, torso, and arm into one cohesive unit. The energy begins in the foot, travels through the body’s core, and is delivered to the hand.
• The entire body works as an integrated system to generate and deliver this internal power.

Conclusion:

The 湧泉貼勞宮 drill is an advanced exercise that teaches practitioners how to channel Jing (internal power) from the Yongquan point on the foot to the Laogong point on the hand. By maintaining a 斜中正 (slanted upright) posture, the body is aligned for efficient energy flow, allowing the Jing to move smoothly through the structure. This practice strengthens the internal connections between the lower and upper body, improving both the transmission of power and the cultivation of internal energy.

Mastering this drill enhances your ability to use refined internal power rather than muscular strength, and it deepens your understanding of how Qi and Jing move through the body in Tai Chi and Qigong practice.

To practice the transmission of energy from Yongquan (K1) to Laogong (P8), a key aspect of Tai Chi and internal martial arts, you need to focus on proper alignment, relaxation, and energy flow. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Body Alignment and Grounding

• Yongquan (K1), located on the soles of the feet, is crucial for grounding. Begin by standing in a relaxed posture, ensuring that your weight is distributed evenly across the feet, with a focus on grounding through the Yongquan point.
• Feel as if the energy from the earth rises through your Yongquan points, moving up your legs and into your dantian (energy center in the abdomen). This grounding will serve as the source of energy for transmission.

2. Relax and Sink the Qi

• Relax your body, especially the lower back, hips, and knees, allowing your body weight to "sink" into the ground through the Yongquan points. This sinking feeling helps establish a strong connection to the earth.
• Breathe deeply and naturally, allowing the breath to guide the energy flow. Visualize your breath sinking down to your dantian and through the Yongquan points into the ground.

3. Engage the Dantian (Energy Center)

• As you breathe in, imagine the energy rising from the Yongquan points up into the dantian. The dantian acts as the reservoir and generator of energy.
• From the dantian, guide the energy upward through your body along the spine, out toward your shoulders, arms, and into your hands.

4. Focus on Laogong (P8)

• Laogong (P8), located in the center of your palms, is the point where energy is released. Focus on the feeling in your palms, ensuring they remain relaxed, open, and slightly curved as if holding a ball.
• Visualize the energy flowing from your feet (Yongquan), passing through your dantian, and traveling to your hands, concentrating in the Laogong points.

5. Circular Energy Flow

• Practice slow, circular movements with your arms, as in Tai Chi forms or push-hands practice. These movements should be gentle and coordinated with the breath. As you move, imagine the energy flowing continuously from the Yongquan points to the Laogong points in a smooth, uninterrupted cycle.
• As your body moves, the energy should spiral upward from your feet to your hands. Focus on maintaining the flow of energy from the ground, through your body, and out through your hands.

6. Relaxation and Sensitivity

• Stay relaxed throughout the process. Tension will block the flow of energy, so focus on maintaining a calm and centered mind. Pay attention to the sensations in your feet and hands.
• With consistent practice, you will develop sensitivity to the transmission of energy from the Yongquan points to the Laogong points, enhancing your ability to issue force (Fa Jin) and receive incoming energy.

7. Partner Practice (Push Hands)

• In partner training, such as push hands, you can practice transmitting energy from the ground through your body into your hands. When issuing energy to a partner, ensure that it comes from your Yongquan, passes through your dantian, and is expressed through the Laogong points.
• The energy should feel connected and unified from your feet to your hands, rather than isolated in any one part of the body.

Summary:

To practice the transmission of energy from Yongquan to Laogong, focus on grounding through your feet, aligning your body, relaxing your muscles, and visualizing the energy flowing smoothly from the soles of your feet through your dantian and out through your hands. With practice, you will be able to generate and transmit power in a connected, efficient way, improving your internal strength and sensitivity.