The tongue should lie flat against the upper palate, preventing the mouth from drying and excessive saliva production. Some suggest the tongue tip should touch the upper palate, allowing saliva to flow and be swallowed. However, this might interfere with proper breathing during practice. A flat tongue position is recommended.
Upper Body From the top of the head to the neck area, the upper body includes the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, tongue, teeth, and facial region. The upper body serves as the guiding mechanism for the overall body movement, as explained below: Neck The Baihui acupoint at the center of the head's top is the center of "ding jin" (upward force). It should be slightly raised, as if suspended. Properly managing "ding jin" results in a light and agile body, embodying the concept of "full body lightness."
Shoulders: Should be relaxed, resembling the arms hanging from the shoulders like ropes. This not only keeps the arms and hands flexible but also maintains the body's balance even when the arms are moved or pressed by external forces. Elbows: Elbows should frequently sink with the relaxation of the shoulders. The extension and contraction of the arms should shift direction from the movement of relaxed shoulders and sinking elbows. This ensures that the body's power reaches the hands appropriately and can adapt to changes when facing an opponent.
Quote from Jiang Jiajun's book "Dialogues with Tai Chi Masters." During the conversation, Brother He asked Master Hong, "Does practicing Tai Chi Chuan lead to longevity?" Master Hong looked at Brother He and said, "I know what you want to ask. You want to know why some Tai Chi Chuan predecessors and masters passed away early. What is the reason behind it?" Master Hong continued, "People who practice Tai Chi Chuan should have a long life; their achievements will be greater. 'No longevity' means they do not live to an old age. Master Chen Changxing lived to eighty-two, his disciple Yang Luchan lived to seventy-two, Master Chen Xin lived to eighty, and my teacher Master Chen Fake also lived to over seventy. They can all be considered relatively long-lived. If they had passed away in their forties or fifties,…