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Zhan zhuang (l=standing like post) is a training method often practiced by students of neijia (internal kung fu), such as yiquan, xingyiquan, baguazhang and tai chi. Zhan zhuang is sometimes translated Standing-on-stake, Standing Qigong, Standing Like a Tree, Post-standing, Pile-standing, or Pylon Standing.
The word zhan zhuang is the modern term; it was coined by Wang Xiangzhai. Wang, a student of xingyiquan, created a method of kung fu based entirely upon zhan zhuang, known as yiquan, "Intent Fist." Yiquan's method of study is zhan zhuang plus movements that continue the feeling of the Standing Post in action.
The most common zhan zhuang method is known as Hun Yuan (labels=no, "Completely Round," "Round Smoothness") or Cheng Bao (labels=no, "Tree Hugging" stance). This posture is entirely Taoist in its origins, has many variations, and is the main training posture in all branches of yiquan. This practice has recently also become common practice in tai chi and qigong schools. In xingyiquan, San Ti Shi (links=no) has been a root practice for centuries.
Zhan zhuang has a strong connection with Traditional Chinese Medicine. Some schools use the practice as a way of removing blockages in qi flow, believing zhan zhuang, when correctly practiced, has a normalizing effect on the body; they claim any habitual tension or tissue shortening (or lengthening) is normalized by the practice, and the body regains its natural ability to function optimally. It is claimed that a normalized body will be less prone to muscular-skeletal medical conditions, and it is also believed that zhan zhuang, when practiced for developing relaxed postures, will lead to a beneficial calming effect. The dantian is also involved in the practice of zhan zhuang.
The amount of time spent practicing zhan zhuang varies between styles and schools; one may spend anywhere from two minutes to two hours standing in one posture.
Many styles, especially the Neijia styles, combine zhan zhuang with qigong training and other coordinated-body methods to develop Neijin for martial purposes. The martial practice is thought to strengthen the body's Central Nervous System and develop the coordination required for effective martial performance. In yiquan, a clear distinction is made between health postures and martially oriented postures. In baguazhang's circle-walking practice, the upper body is held as a zhan zhuang posture, while the lower body is more dynamic.
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