11/06/2025
This!
Taichi :Beyond Health (page)
The Art of Relaxation in Tai Chi
An Explanation and Reflection on “放松 (Fàngsōng)” — The Soul of Tai Chi Chuan
Among all the skills in Tai Chi Chuan, the most essential and profound one is relaxation — “放松” (Fàngsōng).
Without mastering “松” (Sōng), no true Tai Chi can exist; for “Sōng” is not mere softness, but the gateway to inner strength, freedom, and longevity.
1. What is “Sōng”?
The character “松” literally means to loosen, to let go, to release tension.
But in the philosophy of Tai Chi, its meaning transcends the physical act of loosening the muscles.
It is a state of being — where body, breath, and mind become harmoniously unified,
where force gives way to flow, and effort transforms into ease.
To achieve this, one must begin not with the body, but with the mind (意念, Yìniàn).
When the spirit is calm, the intention is clear, and the heart is peaceful,
then naturally the body can follow and release its tension.
The ancients said:
“意松则形松，形松则气顺。”
When the mind relaxes, the body relaxes; when the body relaxes, energy flows smoothly.
This unity of internal relaxation (mind) and external relaxation (body)
forms the complete state of “Sōng” — the living pulse of Tai Chi itself.
2. The Principle of Relaxation
There is a classic Tai Chi saying:
“一处松，一处通；处处松，百络通。”
Where one part relaxes, that part opens; when all parts relax, the hundred meridians flow free.
This principle is not poetry — it is physiology.
When every muscle, joint, and tendon is released from unnecessary tension,
the body’s network of meridians (百络, Bǎi luò) opens like a clear river system,
allowing Qi (气) and blood (血) to circulate freely throughout the organism.
This is what nourishes life, strengthens vitality, and refines martial skill (功夫, Gōngfū).
3. How to Relax — Step by Step
Relaxation in Tai Chi is comprehensive — from head to toe, from surface to core.
(1) Upper Body
The head should be upright yet light;
The neck, chest, back, waist, and spine must all relax in unison —
as if suspended by a thread from above, floating yet grounded.
(2) Arms and Shoulders
The shoulders sink naturally;
Elbows drop, wrists soften, palms open, fingers extend with awareness.
The arms should feel like silk threads — soft, continuous, and unbroken.
(3) Lower Body
The hips loosen;
The thighs and knees stay flexible;
The ankles and toes remain rooted yet free.
When the lower body is relaxed, the stance becomes stable as a mountain,
yet alive as water flowing beneath the surface.
(4) Internal Relaxation
From the skin and muscles down to the tendons and bones,
every layer must soften progressively — like removing the armor of tension,
until even the marrow and breath are at peace.
When the abdomen is relaxed, Qi and blood flow unimpeded (气血流通, Qìxuè liútōng),
creating an internal warmth that sustains health, focus, and inner power.
4. The Ideal Degree — “Relaxed but Not Limp”
To what extent should we relax?
Tai Chi classics answer with precision:
“松而不懈。” — Relaxed, but not slack.
True relaxation does not mean collapse, weakness, or laziness.
It is a living relaxation —
like the supple willow bending in the wind without breaking,
or the calm ocean that yields to every wave yet remains whole.
This balance of softness with alertness,
of yielding without losing structure,
is the hallmark of authentic Tai Chi mastery.
5. The Spirit of Continuous Relaxation
Relaxation in Tai Chi is not a momentary act — it is a continuous awareness.
From the start of every movement until its end,
from daily practice into daily life,
the principle of “松” should permeate every breath, every gesture.
“时时松，刻刻松，松到脚下最成功。”
At every moment, relax. When the relaxation reaches your feet, that is true success.
When the feet are soft and rooted, the entire body stabilizes.
When the mind is still, the body becomes transparent.
When both are relaxed, movement arises naturally, power flows effortlessly, and spirit shines.
6. The Outcome — Longevity and Lightness
“Sōng” is not just a method; it is a way of living.
Through sustained practice of release and awareness,
one gradually transforms tension into vitality,
rigidity into resilience,
and effort into grace.
Let “relaxation” run through the entire journey (始终贯穿, Shǐzhōng guànchuān),
and you will surely attain health, longevity, and youthful vigor,
standing firm like the evergreen pine — unaging, unshaken, and serene.
🪶 Poetic Reflection: Relax, Relax, Relax!
The Tai Chi art, the foremost rule — relax.
Relax, relax, relax — again and again, no need to ask.
To learn Tai Chi, first learn to let go;
Without release, its true power you’ll never know.
The mind must be soft, the body set free,
A tranquil heart holds the master key.
Where you are soft, your energy will flow,
Where all is soft, the meridians will glow.
Head light as mist, neck loose and long,
Chest and spine aligned, steady and strong.
Shoulders sink, elbows drop, wrists breathe ease,
Fingers extend — the motion of peace.
Hips open, knees bend, feet kiss the ground,
Qi flows within, harmony found.
Skin and muscle, tendon and bone,
Layer by layer, relax to the zone.
Relaxed yet alert, never limp or slack,
Balanced like a willow that bends but comes back.
From start to the end, keep the soft tone,
Relax through your feet — and strength becomes your own.
Relax, relax, relax! Through every breath and song,
For health and long life — relax, and you’ll be strong.
🌿 In Essence
Relaxation (放松) is not just a method of movement — it is the inner philosophy of Tai Chi itself.
It teaches us that only by letting go can we truly connect,
only by yielding can we truly stand firm,
and only by relaxing can we truly live fully and freely.
