Known as the head star, can be located five cun directly above the anterior hairline and the mid point of the line connecting the apex of the ears. Baihui is the key point for maintaining balance and control of the whole of the body's stability. Hence the oft-repeated instruction: "to feel as if suspended from above."

In Chinese medicine this is the meeting point of all the Yang channels which carry clear Yang energy to the head. It has a powerful effect in stimulating and clearing the mind. It also has a beneficial effect in lifting the spirits. Baihui - DU 20.

Key Points: Clears the Mind. Calms the Spirit. Tonifies Yang. Strengthens the function of the spleen. Promotes resuscitation.

Located at the centre of the face at a point midway between the eyebrows. This point can be used to coordinate with the turning of the Dantian and help in the focus of the eyes on the dominant hand. Yintang - Extra Point.

Key Points: Used to calm the mind and allay anxiety.

There are two points called Yuzhen. They are located on the back of the skull 2.5 cun above the hairline and 1.3 cun to the left and right of the mid line. They lay in the depression of the occipital protuberance.

Locating these points can assist in the correct alignment of the neck. If the middle fingers on these points press up and forward we can experience the tucking in of the chin. Many novice practitioners when instructed to lift Baihui, will also lift the chin - this should be avoided. Yuzhen - UB 9.

Key Points: Calms the mind. Prevents convulsions.

This is the area of the chest that we are urged to relax in order to allow the Qi to sink to the Dantian. It can be located on the mid line between the nipples. In some western exercises when we lift or puff out the chest, we create stress in this area. The reverse is a requirement of Taijiquan. Shanzhong - REN 17.

Key Points: Gathering point for Qi. Regulates Qi. Improves the Tonicity of Qi. Dispels fullness of the chest. Clears the lungs. Benefits the diaphragm and chest.

This major point in the body is of particular concern to Taiji practitioners. "Sink the energy to Dantian" is probably the most repeated phrase in the Taiji vocabulary. The point is located 3.0 cun below the navel. While Guanyuan is a needling point, Dantian is an area. From my experience the area of Dantian would be behind the points Qihai REN 6, Guanyuan - REN 4 and Zhonji - REN 3.

Key Points: The Gateway to Original Qi. Nourishes the Blood and Qi. Strengthens Yang. Regulates the Uterus. Benefits Original Qi. Tonifies Original Qi. Calms the Mind. Roots the Ethereal Soul.

This is point one on the conception vessel and is found between the genitals and the anus. For Taiji postures a plumb line is considered important between the Baihui point at the top of the head and Huiyin point at the perineum. Huiyin is the connecting point for the Conception and Governing vessels.

Key Points: Meeting of Yin. Nourishes Yin. Promotes Resuscitation. Benefits Essence.

Located at the bottom of the spine. Pushing down with this point and Huiyin is similar to the idea of attaching a weight to the base of the spine. At the same time as Baihui pushes up, as suggested in paragraph 1, these two actions and visualisation can help to feel separation of the vertebrae and stretching of the spine. ChangQiang DUL.

Key Points: Connecting Point of the Governing Vessel. Regulates the Governing and Conception Vessels. Resolves damp heat in the body. Calms the Mind. Can be used to eliminate obstructions from both the Governing and Conception vessels.

The bubbling spring, situated on the sole of the foot between second and third metatarsal bones. Being on the sole of the foot it encourages a strong sinking action. The ideal point to concentrate the mind when stepping or completing any Taiji action. Yongquan - K1.

Key Points: Tonifies Yin. Clears Heat. Calms the Mind. Clears the Brain. Restores Consciousness.

Familiarising ourselves with these eight important points can be helpful when addressing posture alignment. All Taiji students are familiar with the repeated instructions to: "lift the head, tuck in the chin, sink the energy", etc. Memorising and visualising these points can be helpful in achieving a greater focus.