The study of Xin Yi Ba includes many aspects of different theories and practical training, such as: the three sections (Ming San Jie), the four sensations (Qi Si Shao), guarding the five elements (Bi Wu Xing), The Three Voids -- as well as an understanding of the six combinations (Liu He).
Ming San Jie明三节 – the understanding of the three sections
The body has three main sections: hands to shoulders (upper section), chest to waist (middle section) and hips to feet (root section).
Each main section consists of three other sections:
Upper section: hands (upper), elbows (middle) and shoulders (root).
Middle section: chest (upper), heart (middle) and lower abdomen (root).
Root section: feet (upper), knees (middle) and hips (root).
The relationship between the three sections has its own unique function. For example, when a movement is performed from one of the three sections, the other two sections must be in harmony in order to generate the power from the movement performed. This means any movements must be supported by the power generated from the whole body. This is explains how important it is for practitioners to understand the San Jie.