Rooting means connecting to the earth, not only physically but also energetically, mentally, even spiritually. In the West we have the concept of being “grounded”, but Tai Chi goes further. To be rooted means that, while we do not have actual physical roots like trees or other members of the plant kingdom, some essential aspect of ourselves is intertwined with the geography we inhabit, with nature, with the magnetic core of the earth.

This exercise produces an almost-immediate increase in the feeling of being connected to the ground, like a tree with strong roots extending deep into the earth. You do not have to practice for many years to get this effect. Try it right now, and see. From a normal standing position, shift all the weight to one leg, and move the unweighted foot back 2-6 inches. Lift the heel of that foot off the ground, keeping contact through the ball and toes.

In a recent post, we looked at 5 Ways to Build Strong Legs. When I posted the video to Youtube, someone replied: I think nowadays there is a great misunderstanding of internal martial arts goals and methodology. The great issue is not to become strong but to become very weak! Now, I think the commenter is kind of right, but misses a critical point, by simply reducing Tai Chi to the art of getting weaker and weaker.

The movement arts have come a long way since they were first introduced into Western society. The Eastern and Western approaches to health maintenance have traditionally been much different. In Eastern theory our bodies produce and use natural energies to help heal the body, to reduce tensions, and to keep the body healthy. In the West the approach is usually much different. Instead of using the body’s internal force Western doctors have used external influences to change physical conditions.

In this episode of Qigong Radio, Don Miller and I explore the essential elements of Tai Chi Balance Training. As you probably know, Tai Chi is being used more and more for falls prevention programs for the elderly and becoming a mainstream part of the Western medical vocabulary. But what are the actual elements that make up a great Tai Chi balance training program? How can you use them for your own well-being?

We often talk about the way Tai Chi can improve your physical health and mental and emotional well-being from the point of view of the practitioner. But not everyone out there is as familiar with practical ways to use Tai Chi to support their health and wellness goals as you may be. Later this year, I’m thrilled to have the chance to share Tai Chi with physicians in a course at Harvard Medical School.

As Tai Chi Master Cheng Man Ching is famous for saying, “Tai Chi Chuan, the great ultimate, strengthens the weak, raises the sick, invigorates the debilitated, and encourages the timid.” I believe that many of these benefits come from building stronger legs. Not only do these exercises solve the obvious physical problems that come from weak legs, but when you feel more stable, planted, and connected to the earth, you get a major boost of confidence, self-assurance, and drive.

The spine is the frame upon which our body hangs and keeping a healthy spine means paying attention to your posture. The way that our body is constructed is quite strong but if you keep negative pressure on an area, especially a joint, it will begin to adjust itself to the new position, which might or might not be natural. When this position is maintained it can actually reshape the joint, causing pain and lack of circulation.