Principle 8

Question 1

State Principle 8

Answer 1

Loosening or elongating the lower spine, while raising the back, creates suction at the bottom of the foot, activating the Yong Quan meridian. This is known as “ rooting,” or keeping the body in balance.

Question 2

(P8) What is the difference between a rooted stance and a centered stance?

Answer 2

In a rooted stance, the weighted foot adheres to the ground like a suction cup or a tree root, while the unweighted foot remains passive. In a Centered stance, , the bodyweight is supported 70% on one leg and 30% on the other, something like a camera tripod.

Question 3

(P8) How do you create suction at the bottom of the foot?

Answer 3

This requires action from the core body, particularly of the psoas muscle. Lifting the Back and Loosening the Waist are key. The weight must be in the foot, on the K1, or Yong Quan, point. The feeling of a properly rooted foot is similar to the feeling of suction in a palm pressed against a window. Do not try to root by grabbing with the foot. That just creates stiffness and poor balance.

Question 4

(P8) How is Qi drawn into the body from the ground?

Answer 4

On a properly rooted foot, each change of the center of gravity, the pressing down into the foot pumps the Yong Quan meridian, drawing the Qi from the ground into the body.