Fangsong 放松 (releasing tension) is at the core of Taijiquan practice. It is both a method and a goal by which one can develop acute sensitivity to accurately perceive the ground’s gravitational and reactive force, enabling fluid movements and transitions.
Fangsong must be both orderly and effective:
1. Orderly relaxation: Relax gradually in an orderly manner following the sequence of points, lines, surfaces, and the entire body. A correct starting point is like an electrical switch or a water valve, determining the overall movement. When the starting point relaxes, related areas naturally follow.
The line refers to the direction in which the intent of relaxation flows and the path it takes. The intent of relaxation starts from a point, moves along the line, spreads across the surface, and reaches the entire body.
2. Effective Relaxation: Effective means achieving a clear distinction between insubstantial 虚 and substantial 实 (between emptiness and solidity), creating a sense of flow between internal intention and external form. In Taijiquan, the feature of distinguishing between emptiness and solidity is lightness and heaviness. The basic method to achieve this is to relax downward (partial sinking) in one area to create a sense of weight. The corresponding area naturally becomes light . The shifting of heaviness and lightness within the body generates the continuous feeling of flow.
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