Tai Chi Trigrams
Tai Chi Trigrams
How Taoist philosophy & the I Ching relate to Tai Chi Chuan practice.
In Taoist philosophy, the 8 Trigrams are symbols of change found within the Book of Changes, known as the I Ching. Each trigram represents a unique set of characteristics; tai chi application, qi gong movement, natural identity, cardinal directions, organ, illness, season, body part and so on. Find out the meaning of qi gong.
Tai Chi  Application |
Tai Chi Application Chinese Name Yale / Pinyin |
Natural Identity |
Early Heaven Cardinal Direction |
Trigram |
|
Ward Off |
Sway the Head and Shake the Tail |
Heaven |
South |
Chi'en |
|
Roll Back |
Wise Owl Gazes Backward |
Earth |
North |
K’un |
|
Pull Down |
Drawing the Bow |
Wind |
South West |
Sun |
|
Split | Lit / Lieh |
Bouncing on the Toes |
Thunder |
North East |
Chen |
Press Down |
On / An |
Clench the Fist & Glare Fiercely |
Fire |
East |
Li |
Squeeze Press |
Jai / Ji |
Two Hands Hold up to Heavens |
Water |
West |
K’an |
Shoulder Strike |
Kau / Kao |
Separating Heaven & Earth |
Mountain |
North West |
Ken |
Elbow Strike |
Jau / Zhou |
Two Hands Hold the Feet |
Lake |
South East |
Tui |