Yin and Yang, the emblems of duality in relation to the internal arts: part 2 - Yin and Yang in the hands.

Left hand lifts and pulls, right projects forward and down.

Yin and Yang are also present in the hands, having the weight in both legs is called the ‘Sin of double weighted-ness’ in the Tai Chi Classics, because it delays, or inhibits movement, Similarly in the hands, we do not deliver equal amounts of force through both hands at the same time. When one hand pushes the other stabilises, pulls or waits, one lifts up the other presses down, this is why in the ‘empty hand’ forms the hands are so often facing in opposite directions.

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Right hand lifts, left hand presses and pulls.

When we make a strong counter attack (Yang) we must always be ready to change technique and avoid over commitment. When we are defending (Yin) we may be soft or even avoid contact, but when challenged our defence must be able to withstand pressure, thus we hold the Yin within the Yang and the Yang within the Yin, just like the Tai Chi symbol.

1.    Yin and Yang are opposite and complimentary.
2.    Yin is comparatively passive, receptive, introvert, soft.
3.    Yang is comparatively active, expressive, extrovert, hard.
4.    In Tai Chi we hold the Yin within the Yang and vice versa.
5.    In the stances the limb with the potential for movement is Yang.
6.    The hands must balance Yin and yang.
   

Avoid the ‘sin’ of double weighting in the hands and the legs and your practice of form, pushing hands, and applications will improve.   
Good practice!
Keith

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