Raising a Leg the Perineum (會陰) Tailbone (尾閭) and Hip Joints
In Tai Chi, when raising a leg or moving forward, the perineum (會陰) and tailbone (尾閭) ideally maintain a stable and aligned position, but they do experience subtle movements — primarily up and down, rather than forward and backward.
Let’s break it down:
🔹 1. Raising a Leg (e.g., in Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg)
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The perineum (會陰) gently lifts upward — this is part of what’s called "lifting the Huiyin" (提會陰). It engages the pelvic floor and helps maintain central stability and balance.
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The tailbone (尾閭) may slightly sink or drop, but it should not tilt backward. Ideally, it stays naturally tucked (not overly tucked), aligning the spine vertically.
→ Main movement direction: slight upward activation (perineum), with vertical spine alignment.
🔹 2. Moving Forward (e.g., in a Bow Step)
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The perineum should stay lifted slightly to maintain internal connection and central alignment.
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The tailbone stays suspended downward (尾閭中正下垂) and aligns with the spine. As the weight shifts forward, the tailbone does not push backward — instead, the entire spine “rides” forward in alignment.
→ Movement is mostly in the whole body forward, while the Huiyin and tailbone stay aligned vertically.
🧘♂️ Why This Matters in Tai Chi:
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The Huiyin and tailbone are part of the central axis — you want to keep this axis upright and relaxed but stable.
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Too much forward/backward movement can disturb rooting, balance, and energy flow (氣).
Summary:
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When raising a leg:👉 The perineum lifts slightly, the tailbone sinks but stays aligned.
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When moving forward:👉 The perineum remains lightly lifted, tailbone stays downward and centered, without tipping back.
In Taichi (Tai Chi Chuan), the movement of the perineum (會陰, Huiyin) and the tailbone (coccyx) is subtle but crucial for maintaining proper alignment, balance, and internal energy (Qi) flow.
When you raise a leg or move forward in Taichi, the general principles are:
Perineum (Huiyin) – Should remain lightly lifted (as if gently tucked upward) but relaxed, not forcefully contracted. This helps maintain Peng Jin (an expansive, supportive force) and keeps the lower dantian stable.
When stepping or shifting weight, the Huiyin does not significantly move up or down but stays stable and suspended.
It should not collapse downward, as this disrupts Qi flow and weakens the structure.
Tailbone (Coccyx) – Should be slightly tucked under (not sticking out) to maintain proper pelvic alignment (i.e., "sitting into the hips").
When moving forward or raising a leg, the tailbone does not swing backward or forward excessively. Instead, it remains aligned with the spine in a natural, relaxed curve.
Excessive forward/backward movement of the tailbone disrupts the central equilibrium (Zhong Ding) and weakens the connection between the legs and the torso.
Key Points:
No up-down or forward-backward swinging of the perineum or tailbone. They should stay stable and integrated with the spine and dantian.
The movement comes from the kua (hip joints) opening and closing, not from tilting the pelvis.
The lower abdomen (dantian) leads the movement, keeping the body unified.
Practical Example:
When raising a leg (e.g., in "Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg"), the standing leg remains rooted, the perineum stays lightly lifted, and the tailbone remains slightly tucked—not moving up/down or forward/backward.
When stepping forward (e.g., in "Bow Stance"), the pelvis stays level, and the tailbone does not jut out. The movement comes from the kua folding, not the spine tilting.
Common Mistakes:
Tailbone sticking out → Disrupts alignment, strains lower back.
Perineum collapsing → Loses Peng Jin, weakens structure.
Over-tucking the pelvis → Creates tension, restricts Qi flow.
In summary, the perineum and tailbone should remain stable and aligned, neither bouncing up/down nor swinging forward/backward. The movement comes from the hips and dantian, not from the pelvic tilt.
🔹 When you raise one leg in Tai Chi:
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Ideally, the hip joints stay as level as possible.
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But some very slight tilt is natural — the standing-side hip may be just a bit higher to support balance.
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The key is to avoid excessive lifting or collapsing of the hips.
✅ What to aim for:
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Lift the leg from the kua (胯) — not by hiking the hip.
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The pelvis stays centered and gently supported by the lower abdominal muscles and perineum (會陰).
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Imagine your hips are like a bowl of water — you don’t want the water to spill.
❌ What to avoid:
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Tilting or hiking the hip to lift the leg (like stepping over a high object).
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Letting the standing-side hip sink or collapse.
Visual Tip:
Think of suspending the body from the crown of the head (頂頭懸) while lifting the leg gently from below, keeping the pelvis stable and the tailbone softly sinking.
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