Beyond muscles and joints, the deeper dimension of shēn sōng (身鬆) lies in the fascial and connective tissue system (jīnmó wǎng 筋膜網).

In classical terms, this corresponds to the “sinew channels” (jīnlào 筋絡), described in Chinese medicine as extensions of qìjīng (氣經, energy meridians) that wrap the body in a continuous web. Unlike muscles, fascia transmits tension across multiple regions simultaneously — meaning a blockage in one part of the body restricts movement everywhere.

To cultivate true Song, one must restore fascial continuity so that force (jìn 勁) spirals through the body like silk unwinding from a cocoon (chánsī 纏絲).

Classical Image

The body becomes like a bow strung with silk — supple yet powerful, able to transmit force without break. This is the living body of Taiji: integrated, continuous, and unbroken (zhōu ér bù duàn 周而不斷).

Elastic Suspension and Pre-Load

When fascia is released, it does not slacken; instead, it lengthens into a state of elastic pre-load (jǐn 緊 within sōng 鬆). This is why the classics say: sōng zhōng yǒu jǐn (鬆中有緊) — “within release, there is tension.” Modern biomechanics identifies this as fascial tensional integrity (or tensegrity), where tissues act like stretched elastic bands holding bones in suspension, ready to rebound with minimal effort.

Longitudinal Pathways (經筋 jīngjīn)

The fascial lines correspond to the classical jīngjīn (經筋, sinew-meridians):

• • Posterior line (後經筋 hòu jīngjīn) — connects spine (jǐzhù 脊柱), hamstrings (hòujiǔhétuǐ 後大腿), and calves (xiǎotuǐ 小腿), critical for rooting (gēn 根).

  • Anterior line (前經筋 qián jīngjīn) — integrates chest (xiōng 胸), abdomen (fù 腹), and quadriceps (qiáncuìtóu 大腿前側), essential for expansion (kāi 開).

  • Lateral lines (側經筋 cè jīngjīn) — stabilize balance during stepping and spiraling.

  • Spiral lines (螺旋經筋 luóxuán jīngjīn) — provide rotational integrity, key to chánsī jìn (纏絲勁, silk-reeling force).

In Taiji, these are not abstract theory but the anatomical basis of whole-body power (zhèngtǐ jìn 整體勁).

Release and Qi Flow (氣行 qì xíng)

When fascia is restricted, qi stagnates (qì zhì 氣滯). Jīnlào sōng restores the micro-movements that allow qì to circulate through both physical pathways and subtle channels. In this sense, fascia functions as both the biomechanical web and the substrate for energetic transmission.

Modern Mechanics

From a contemporary viewpoint, jīnlào sōng entails:

• Myofascial release — reducing adhesions so sliding surfaces regain freedom.

• Biotensegrity load distribution — fascia carries tension evenly, reducing localized strain.

• Elastic recoil storage — fascia acts as a spring, storing and returning kinetic energy more efficiently than muscle contraction.

Practical Training

• Fascial Spiral Rolls: Using gentle rolling along the limbs, torso, and back, guide the fascia along spiral lines (luóxuán jīngjīn 螺旋經筋). Focus on feeling the continuity of the web rather than forcing stretch — the goal is to awaken elasticity and glide.

• Stretch-and-Recoil Flow: Perform slow, continuous movements that stretch the fascial lines and allow them to recoil naturally. Examples include silk-reeling (chánsī 纏絲) movements through the arms, waist, and legs, emphasizing spiral pathways and whole-body coordination.

• Internal Suspension Awareness: In standing postures (zhàn zhuāng or posture variants), visualize the fascia lifting and suspending the bones from within. Imagine elastic threads connecting all regions of the body, creating floating tension that distributes weight evenly.

• Micro-Movement Exploration: Gently rock or rotate joints in small increments to activate fascial responsiveness. Focus on smooth, continuous transmission through multiple segments — spine, shoulders, pelvis, and limbs — rather than isolated joint motion.

• Partner Feedback Exercises: Light pushes, pulls, or guided movements can help test whether force flows through the fascial network without stiffness. Observe how tension dissipates along lines rather than concentrating at points of resistance.

• Elastic Rebound Drills: Incorporate subtle spiral pulses through the limbs and torso to feel energy stored and returned along the fascial web. Emphasize relaxation of muscles while letting fascia act as the elastic medium for force transmission.

• Integration with Breath:
  Coordinate inhalation and exhalation with fascial release. As you inhale, imagine fascia lengthening and “pre-loading” elastic energy; as you exhale, allow the energy to spiral through the body and return to the center.