Tai chi and qigong movement, while slow and flowing, is anything but random. Proper structure and technique are the framework free-flowing movement and qi are built upon. Indeed, deeper levels of practice require correct structure.
We often hear about moving from the Dan Tian in tai chi and qigong but doing so involves the whole pelvic structure. This includes awareness of position of the sacrum and allowing movement of both the kua and dan tian.
Kua refers to the area that extends from the inguinal folds (front of the hip where the leg and body meet) to the crest of the pelvis. It includes the hip joints, the iliopsoas, and adductor muscles as well as the sacrum and the perineum.
In the western world, the focus is often on the outside of the hips. When moving from the Kua, the focus is on the inside of the hip joint. The kua will open and close as weight is transferred. When the kua is well integrated into movements, it directs the smooth transfer of power through the legs to the upper body.
Tai Chi movement is rooted in the feet, launched through the legs, governed by the “waist” (think pelvis) and expressed through the hands. So, a proper frame allows the ability to flow and move softly. The upper body movement is a result of what we have established in the lower body and powered through the connecting bridge of the pelvis. Connecting with the pelvis connects us to our center, and our center of gravity as well.
Moving the kua allows for rotation when the feet are in a fixed position. The Kua guides and adjusts the upper body in a kinetic chain of movement. The dan tian and waist move as a result of kua movement.