Tuck Tailbone is Obsolete

 

See Beginning Postures Square Form

Outdated Tailbone Saying

See the post preceding this for additional instructions on how to sit back minus “Tuck”.

To demonstrate this obsolescence and to update yourself, stand in front of a mirror with your knees bent so you are reflected in profile. Contract the abdomen and feel how this starts to bend your knees comfortably. An experiment with your pelvic area, by watching your rear end. You will find that you can either tuck it underneath you, push it out behind you, or let it hang directly below you. 

What we aim for is that in this last position, your spine takes its longest and most relaxed curve, adequately supported by the wall of abdominal muscles in front. When you have found that place, slowly stretch one of your legs to the front, landing gently on the heel with the toe up. You may decide to touch a wall with your finger for balance. Keep your eyes on the area of the lower spine - it is easy, as you stretch the knees, then the leg forward, to let the pelvis tip up and protrude in the back, shortening the spine curve and throwing the body out of alignment.

The saying 'tuck the tailbone' in tai chi is considered outdated by some sources, as it can lead to improper alignment and unnecessary tension. This cue, often misunderstood, was initially intended to encourage a slight pelvic tilt that aligns the spine and pelvis. Still, it has been misinterpreted to mean forcefully tucking the tailbone under, which can destabilize the core. Instead of this misinterpretation, focusing on natural alignment and relaxation is suggested. This emphasis on natural alignment and relaxation reassures practitioners that they are on the right path, promoting confidence in their Tai Chi practice.

 

Additionally, some sources indicate that tucking the tailbone is often misunderstood. The goal is to achieve a state of hollowing the front (creating space in the abdominal area) and expanding the back (engaging the back muscles) by sending neural messages to extend the muscles that control the lumbar curve, rather than forcing the lumbar spine into place by contracting muscles in a different part of the body.

 

In some cases, the emphasis on tucking the tailbone is seen as a misinterpretation of the original intention, which was to achieve a natural and relaxed posture rather than a forced one. Therefore, while the saying "tuck the tailbone" may have been used in the past, some now view it as an outdated approach that does not align with the principles of tai chi.

 

Inguinal Fold Crease

An image of clothing creasing across the inguinal fold typically shows a fold or crease where the lower part of the abdomen meets the inner thighs, also known as the groin. I have heard Master Stephen Hwa saying "... sit back, and you should see a crease, a crimp horizontally across the front of the trousers...". This area is often referred to as the inguinal region or inguinal crease. The inguinal fold is a natural anatomical feature that can be affected by clothing, particularly when the clothing is tight or when the individual is in motion. Understanding this anatomical feature is crucial for practitioners to maintain correct alignment and posture in Tai Chi, making them feel more informed and transparent about the biomechanics involved.

 

The concept described can be explained by Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. When a person sits, gravity pulls the tailbone downward, exerting pressure on the surface they are sitting on. In response, the surface applies an equal and opposite upward force, which can create a sensation of the head rising slightly due to the transmission of forces through the body. This understanding of gravity's role in maintaining correct posture enlightens practitioners and deepens their knowledge of Tai Chi principles, making them feel more knowledgeable and confident in their practice.

To reiterate, this phenomenon of while sitting in a chair aligns with Newton's Third Law, as the downward force exerted by the ground or chair is met with an equal and opposite upward force from the chair.

 

Newton's Third Law states: "Whenever one object exerts a force on another object, the second object exerts an equal and opposite force on the first".In this case:

• Action Force: Gravity pulling the tailbone downward.
• Reaction Force: The ground or chair pushes upward with equal magnitude.

This principle applies broadly in mechanics and is foundational to understanding how forces interact in everyday situations, such as walking, lifting objects, or even sitting in a chair.

 

Tailbone in Classical Tai Chi

The effect of gravity on the tailbone, as discussed in various sources, underscores the significance of maintaining proper alignment and posture in classical Tai Chi. The concept of 'tucking the tailbone' is often criticized as it can introduce tension and disrupt natural circulation, leading to various health issues. Instead, classical Tai Chi principles advocate for a relaxed and naturally aligned spine, where the tailbone can drop gently, promoting a balanced and harmonious posture. In several of his classes, Master Stephen Hwa emphasized that visual evidence of the body shows correct tailbone drop and good posture. Once again, the evidence is visible when one looks down and sees a very broad and lengthy crimp, in other words, a crease in the clothing covering the pelvis. This correct posture not only prevents injury but also enhances balance and energy flow, inspiring practitioners to strive for it.

In classical Tai Chi, aligning with gravity is crucial. Practitioners are encouraged to imagine a string lifting the head from the top, allowing the spine to elongate and the tailbone to relax. This alignment helps distribute the body's weight evenly and maintain a stable posture. The importance of this alignment is further emphasized in the context of gravity and posture, where the tailbone should be positioned to ensure the body's structure is stacked centrally, facilitating a connection with the ground.

Gravity's effect on the tailbone in classical Tai Chi is also reflected in the broader understanding of biomechanics. The principles of gravity and posture in Tai Chi are well-documented, highlighting the importance of proper alignment to enhance the practice's benefits.