Understanding Wing Chun Posture

I’ve noticed some precise changes in both the physical body and some aspects of the vital body from training in the Wing Chun posture. Even though I’m still working on perfecting and understanding it, I’ll share some of my findings so far.

From D.1 below, We can see that our objective is to pull the body downwards towards the ground and pull the head up as if held by a string though the top of the head.

One significant factor of this is in the intentional downward movement of energy, opposed to it moving up the body, across the body, or just stagnant. As far as the head is concerned, the “string theory” (lol) is a way of elongating the spine and bringing more energy in through the top of the head so a large quantity of it can be gathered and distributed down. The tailbone forward means “sitting in horse” which is also encouraging downward movement.

Downward flow is paramount in a healthy body. All meditations and activities should encourage this flow through and towards the center of the earth (grounding). Any upwards or sideways movement is ungrounding and unhealthy for the body.

Diagram 1

Below explains another important detail of sitting in horse and putting the head on a string, which is to promote relaxation.

We have two nervous systems that directly influence our adaptive energy . The parasympathetic is related to resting, digestion, and sex. When activated we have the ability to think our clearest and to act in a logical and calm manner. Our hormones and cells can function optimally here as well.

In contrast, the sympathetic nervous system is our fight or flight response. It raises adrenaline to peak levels and cuts off the parasympathetic state and all its advantages.

As you can see the parasympathetic nerve connections are at the very base of the spine and the very top of the spine. Both of which seem to be activated when sitting in horse and raising the head as if on a string.

Diagram 2

The next diagram is an acupuncture meridian chart.

Lets locate the GV, governing vessel. It can be found at the top of the head on the front. It is the thickest black line running directly vertical through the center. The back looks identical, but it’s suppose to be called the CV, Conception Vessel. They are like male and female counterparts or yin and yang complementary opposite forces of nature.

I wanted to make a note that the GV is considered the most vital and foundational vessel to develop in acupuncture and meditative arts… And if you see this as the “center line” as in Wing Chun, then it is there as well.

Some things the GV is known for is its ability to direct energy to different channels in the body and to nourish the organs. Interestingly, it is also know as defensive energy used to strengthen, shield, and cover the body.

On lieske.com/channels/5e-gc.htm They suggest a position of “Holding the tongue against the roof of the mouth connects the Governing and Conception vessels, and forms what is known as the Small Heavenly Circle, or the Microcosmic Orbit. When the tip of the tongue touches the upper palate in the mouth and the anal sphincter is squeezed. Not only does this action complete the balance of Fire (Heart) and Water (Kidneys) energy, it also increases the body’s protective Wei Qi.”

As far I know, this is not a technique in Wing Chun, but I wonder if it ever was? I am definitely going to start incorporating this into my practice and see what I can get out of it.

Diagram 3

Lastly there is turning on the heels while in proper posture, where there is yet even more emphasis on activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

Using a foot reflexology chart, we can see that the base of the spine, the sex organs , and the top of the head are super imposed on the heel.

In reflexology, which ever part of the foot is having pressure put on it is going to move energy to that correlated structure in the body. So, turning on your heels in Wing Chun largely activates a phenomenon of downward relaxing energy, especially when paired with the other techniques.

Diagram 4