This is not by any means a fully comprehensive list of the structural alignments of the Hun Yuan approach (nor is it the only approach to standing practice). Some of these descriptions are the result of my own personal research and practice and although they may seem contradictory to some well repeated instructions in contemporary and even ancient literature they are the result of practical experience working with several masters over many years.

• Place the feet shoulder width and a half apart with the feet parallel

• Your weight rests on the balls of the feet

• The knees are loose and slightly bent, relatively loose with control

• The pelvis in a neutral position neither tucked forward (posterior tilt) nor a backward tail bone shift (anterior tilt)

• Sit down and release your weight into your legs; releasing of your weight downwards has 3 simultaneously performed elements i,e

• One release down through the sit bones, two sit back a little into the back of your hips and three expand laterally in the hips. (This part needs experiential clarification although experienced practitioners may get my drift here)

• Allow the lumber back to retain, or encourage the lower back to assume its natural curve, experiment with this element to encourage the back muscles to attain a relaxed tensile quality.

• Lift from the pubic bone up in a direct line up through the chest to the clavicle bones either side of the throat notch. This lifting must be carried up through to either side of the neck to the SC mastoid muscles. This continuous front lift is a function of the fascia (connective tissue) and this lifting helps balance and support the back

• The chin is neither tucked in nor stuck out
• Arms rest loosely to the sides

• Note that the sinking to the sit bones  and the hips is achieved by the assistance of the lift from the pubis (rectus muscle all the way to the diaphragm and on up to the the clavicle and the sides of the neck. Be sure to not hike up the chest and absolutely do not hollow or sink in the chest, do not lift or suspend from the top of the head.

This is a basic introduction to structural alignments. All individuals have unique alignment issues. These instructions are a guideline, they do not address all the possible body imbalances that may be present for an individual. If you have structural issues please consult a structural body worker or qualified qi gong or internal arts practitioner. Preferably schooled in structural or anatomical training.