Understanding Silk Reeling: Beyond Waving Hands in Tai Chi
Unveiling Silk Reeling
Silk reeling in Tai Chi is not just a set of exercises where one waves their hands about; it embodies the profound essence of the Chen Tai Chi body method (shenfa). It is the principle method of movement in Chen Tai Chi and understanding the significance of silk reeling or chansujin in Tai Chi practice unveils its role as a fundamental element that goes beyond mere physical movements.
The Essence of Silk Reeling
In Chen Tai Chi, silk Reeling is a method of how to coordinate your body to develop whole body integrated power and to move parts of the body in isolation to dissipate incoming force. This involves building a body structure/frame to coordinate parts of the body to move in unison and in isolation.
What You are Trying to Do
By delving into the essence of silk reeling, practitioners can gain a comprehensive understanding of its pivotal role in Tai Chi practice.
Body Method
The Torso: the practice of silk Reeling involves being able to open and close the chest and back and to move and rotate from the waist. The abdomen area has to be able to rotate vertically and horizontally and for the torso/spine to have the flexibility to move in a vertical wave-like motion. The movements of the torso drive the movements of the arms and legs, and have to be coordinated with one another.
The Arms: when moving the arms, the shoulders are required to stay relaxed, meaning; using the right amount of strength (not too much and not too little) whilst moving the arms in the different planes of motion. Big circular movements of the arms originate from the shoulder, medium movements are made by the elbow and small movements from the wrist. The forearms rotate, twine and Spiral in accordance with the requirements of the move. The movements of the arms have to be connected to the movements of the torso and the lower body.
Foot to Hand Connection: silk reeling involves rooting or connecting to the ground and building what we call foot to hand connection. This means the movement of your arm begins from the foot and its connection to the floor. The foot pushes in a drill-like motion into the floor creating the kinetic force to move through the ankle, knee, hip, chest, shoulder, elbow and finally the hand. Another way to look at foot to hand connections is to imagine your joints as mechanical gears as one moves it transmits rotation and power to the next. Sounds easy but difficult to do!
The Legs: silk reeling requires the ability to keep the correct structure and alignment of the legs when shifting weight and stepping. To do this correctly the legs have to spiral or drill into the floor to shift and keep the structure of the legs. The kua (hip crease) has to have the ability to open, close, fold, relax and sink to keep the correct stance/structure and to load the opposite leg when stepping and shifting weight.
Mind-Body Connection
Through the correct practice of silk reeling a connection between the mind and body is made. By focusing on and trying to cultivate the attributes and body methods discussed above, this will cultivate a heightened awareness of physical movements. Through practice this will deepen the mind - body connection enhancing physical prowess but also fostering mental clarity and concentration.
Where it can go wrong!
Thinking silk reeling is a set of exercises done in a stationary position shifting side to side and waving your hands in the air is wrong. Learning lots of different silk reeling exercises and sets from famous teachers will not make you good at silk reeling or Chen Tai Chi unless the focus is on correct practice. The concept behind the modern sets of silk reeling practice is to make the body method easier to digest and to apply into the form.
In my opinion teachers that have created these Silk Reeling sets have done so to make the body method easier to understand. The constant repetition of the 'Silk Reeling' exercises is meant to simplify the movements and allow the focus on certain aspects of Silk Reeling body method such as turning from the waist or drilling through the legs and so on. However, overtime the focus on the Silk Reeling body method has been lost and it has become somewhat of a pseudo spiritual qogong practice within Chen Tai Chi.
Silk Reeling Unveiled
When Practicing the Tai Chi Form you are Silk Reeling!
The silk reeling body method as discussed is to be integrated into the form otherwise it's not Chen Tai Chi. The correct practice of silk reeling involves a lot and takes time to understand and has to be layered in to your practice with guidance of a good teacher!
Tai Chi Essence: Silk reeling techniques are not just waving hands; they encapsulate the essence of Tai Chi, connecting the body, mind, and spirit in harmonious motion.
Incorporating silk reeling into Tai Chi practice allows individuals to cultivate internal strength, mental focus, and holistic well-being, transcending the boundaries of conventional exercise routines.
