Tai Chi Stick, Taiji Bang, Qigong Ruler, Chi Kung Chih, Vajra Pestle, Qigong Wand, Club: Exercises, Practices, Theory, Research

Qigong Ruler, Taiji Stick

Wooden Ruler/Bang Dowel Exercises, Practice, Theory

Mind-Body-Spirit Exercises, Practices, Coaching, Guided Meditations, Theories
Inner Work, Nei Gong, Yang Sheng Gong with a 7"-15" (18-38 CM) Wooden Stick or Carved Dowel

Guiding Qi Needle (dao qi zhen 導氣針)

Stilling Mind Needle (ding xin zhen 定心針)

Heaven Earth Precious Ruler (qian kun bao chi 乾坤寶尺)

Stick Exercises, Qigong Ruler, Chi Kung Chih, Vajra Pestle, Taiji Wand
Taiji Bang, Qigong Dowel, Flute, Fan, Truncheon, Club

Dragonfly Qigong. By Dr. Michael Steward Sr. Trafford Publishing, 2006. 235 pages. ISBN: 978-142003353.

Eight Immortals Flute by Master Jesse Tsao. San Diego, TaiChi Healthways. Instructional DVD, 68 minutes, color. "Tai Chi Bang gives you an object to focus on, making it easy and fun to gain the benefits of Tai Chi practice. This well-kept Tai Chi secret develops many aspects: Section 1 develops concentration and balance, Section 2 works on joint flexibility and arm strength, and an optional, bonus Section 3 trains self-defense skill. The routine is based on characteristic Tai Chi postures with the traditional “eight-immortal flute's" martial functions. Detailed instruction is given in English with a front and back view demonstration. Suggest 20 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner Level, Advanced for Section 3)."

Hun Yuan Tai Chi Ruler Tai Chi Academy, Canberra, Australia. Presentation by Fontane Ip and Brett Wagland. Instructional DVD, 65 Minutes. "The Tai Chi Ruler, also known as the Guiding Qi Needle, was passed down to Hu Yao Zhen from his teacher, Peng Ting Jun. Originally, the Ruler came from a famous Taoist hermit, Chen Tuan (c871-989 A.D.), who resided on Hua Shan, a mountain which is famous for its near-vertical cliffs and plunging ravines. While the Tai Chi Bang (Stick) is yang in nature, working more on the external (joints, ligaments and muscles), the Ruler is yin in nature, working on the internal. The Ruler is a form of qigong used to nourish and strengthen the qi (internal energy). The Bang (Stick) is heavy while the Ruler is light. “Qi comes quickly” with the Ruler practice, meaning that the practitioner feels the qi easily when holding the Ruler in both palms. Both ends of the Ruler are spherical in shape and fit comfortably in the centre of the palms. This serves to stimulate important acupuncture or meridian points in the palms, especially the Lao Gong point in the centre of the palm."

Immortal's Wand: Tai Chi Ruler. By Dr. Han Yin-lun. Translated by Prentiss Jackson. 50 pages, 1983. A spiral bound notebook.

Longmen Tai Chi Stick. Taoist Longmen Taiji Series. Featuring a demonstration by Master Li Fajun. Master Li Fajun is the 20th generation successor of Longmen School of Quanzhen Daoism, Master of Longmen Chuan. DVD in Chinese language, with subtitles in English.

Magic Pearl Qigong: A Tai Chi Medicine Ball Exercise Routine and Meditation Technique. Developed by Mike Garofalo.

My personal Taiji Stick. I use a Tai Chi Stick that is 16" long, 1-3/4" in diameter, sanded, treated, and made of Pau Ferro wood. I am 6'6" tall, and weigh 240 pounds. The distance from my elbow to the middle knuckle of my middle finger is about 15-3/4". This Taiji Stick was crafted by Charles Tauber at Sticks and Rulers. The wood is beautiful. The wood of my Taiji Stick comes from a tree, Libidibia ferrea, formerly Caesalpinia ferrea, and commonly known as pau ferro, Brazilian ironwood, or leopard tree, found in Brazil and Bolivia. I also have other Qigong Rulers, some made for me by my Red Bluff students, and Taiji Sticks, and canes. Hopefully, my Taiji Stick will build up good vibes from my using it while doing the Eight Immortals Taiji Bang Form. My Taiji Stick is my new Vajra Pestle, good for mixing up a new beneficial medicine for me and helping the Medicine Buddha.

Secrets to Living Younger Longer: The Self-Healing Path of Qigong, Standing Meditation and Tai Chi. By Michael Mayer. Bodymind Healing Publications, 2004. 314 pages. ISBN: 0970431066.

Special Taoist Taji Stick and Ruler Qigong. By Master Wang Fengming. He is teaching in the Physical Education Department at Helsinki University. He studied for many years with Grandmaster Feng Zhiqiang, who learned the Taiji Ruler from the Qigong Grandmaster and healer, Dr. Hu Yaozhen. Translated and complied by Wang Fengming. 205 pages in English and 127 pages in Chinese. "This the first book available from China that describes a system for Taiji Stick and Ruler practice to improve health, self-defense and well-being. It describes the history, theory, and training methods in 14 sections. There is a short question and answer section." This book has no publication information or ISBN. Available from the Wayfarer catalog. VSCL.

Taiji Bang Flute Ruler. Demonstration by Master Jesse Tsao. DVD, UTube Video, 3:51 Minutes.

Tai Chi Bang: The Eight Immortal's Flute. By Master Jesse Tsao. By BN Publishing, 2012. 134 pages. ISBN: 978-1607965220. "Tai Chi Bang: Eight-Immortal Flute is an energy practice based on characteristic Tai Chi postures combined with traditional Chinese self-healing meditation and self-defense kung fu. Tai Chi Bang gives an object to focus on between the palms, bonding the two hands moving together, making it easy and fun for beginners to feel the qi (energy), and gain the benefits of Tai Chi practice. Students who find it difficult to quiet their minds find this practice especially effective in gathering attention. Holding the Bang with both palms help them concentrate and be in the moment. The movements of the Bang imitate the movement of the qi inside the body. It relieves stress, gathers in fresh energy, rejuvenates the body and spirit, brings inner calm, and promotes qi and blood circulation." VSCL.

Tai Chi Chih. By Justin Stone. Good Karma Publishing, 2nd Edition, 1996. 99 pages. ISBN: 978-1882290024.

T'ai Chi Classics. By Waysun Liao. New translations of three essential texts of T'ai Chi Ch'uan with commentary and practical instruction by Waysun Liao. Illustrated by the author. Boston, Shambhala, 1990. 210 pages. ISBN: 087773531X. VSCL.

Tai Chi Double Bang. By Master Jesse Tsao. Instructional DVD from Tai Chi Healthways.

Tai Chi Golden Ruler "It is a system of Taoist Yoga, or energy exercises, which employ a special tool - the "chih", or ruler. The T'ai Chi Golden Ruler has seven "internal" basic exercises and eight advanced exercises. The exercises are performed in repetition with the ruler held between the palms on a meridian point called the "pericardium point." Each exercise coordinates movement, breath, mental and visual focus along the energy meridians of the body. There are good, brief descriptions of each of the 15 exercises in the Tai Chi Golden Ruler. Published by the Dragonfly Tai Chi Club.

Tai Chi Ruler. Do No Kai Martial Arts. Instructional DVD and Rulers for purchase.

Tai Chi Ruler and Instructions Order a foot long ruler made of soft maple or cherry wood. "The Taiji Ruler is a famous healing exercise developed by Taoist Master Chen Xiyi more than 1,000 years ago. The hands make slow circles while holding a beautifully carved foot-long wooden stick ("the Ruler.). The specific shape and structure of the Rule transmits and amplifies qi flow between the palms."

Tai Chi Ruler: Chinese Yoga for Health and Longevity. By Terry Dunn. Dragon Door Publications, 2nd Edition, May 1996. Appendices, bibliography, 128 pages. ISBN: 978-0938045144. VSCL. "The T'ai Chi Ruler is a very rare system of Taoist Yoga, a qigong art utilizing a specially designed curvaceous and perfectly balanced wooden dowel or "ruler" designed with sacred geometry in the shape of the ancient Chinese sword handle. T'ai Chi Ruler consists of eight sets of exercises done in repetition with deep, slow breathing and the ruler held between the palms. Each exercise coordinates breath, mental and visual concentration, and physical movement with a particular Tai Chi energy pathway. This art is attributed to the legendary Taoist sage and yogin, Chen Tuan (Chen Hsi-I) of Huashan, who also created the Six Harmonies & Eight Methods (Liu He Ba Fa) internal martial art. Tai Chi Ruler is an incredibly compact yet complete system of Yoga as complete as Hatha, Kundalini and Shakti yogas--that integrates mind and body to purify the human spirit and develops supreme one-pointedness to unify man with the Universal Power. The T'ai Chi Ruler art develops internal energy for martial empowerment by coordinating eyes, mind, breath and perfect natural movement, and provides an excellent foundation and complement to T'ai Chi Ch'uan or any martial art. Instructional DVD, 60 minutes. With score by Robert Scott Thompson." Tai Chi Ruler by Terry Dunn.

Tai Chi Ruler Gong Seminar. By Yaron Seidman. Instructional DVD, 60 minutes, 2003. Hunyuan Taiji Academy Videos.

Tai Chi Ruler Qigong: Calm the Mind and Develop Internal Energy. Instructional DVD. Presenter: Fontane Ip. Instruction in English. Narrators: Brett Wagland and Fontane Ip. Includes interactive menus to select warm up, individual instructional movements and practice movements. DVD, 65 minutes. "The Hun Yuan method is a rich system of training the mind and body. The founder of the system, Grandmaster Feng Zhi Qiang (1928- ), had the unique opportunity to learn from two well known and respected teachers of their time. One was Chen Fa Ke (1887-1957), 17^th generation of Chen Style, who excelled in silk reeling chan si gong power. Chen passed on to Grandmaster Feng his vast knowledge of the Chen Style Tai Chi, Push Hands, weapons and the Tai Chi Bang (Stick). The other teacher was Hu Yao Zhen (1879-1973) who mastered the three unique Taoist skills: martial arts, medicine and qigong (energy cultivation). Hu, a famous Chinese medical practitioner, became known as the father of modern qigong in China. From Hu, Grandmaster Feng learnt Xin Yi Quan (Heart Mind Boxing), qigong and the Tai Chi Ruler skills. Grandmaster Feng is a world famous Tai Chi master. His martial skills have been tested many times. The practice of his art has not only given him good health and great power, it has also moulded his character and enabled him to follow the Tao or the Natural Way."

Tai Chi Ruler Qigong Workshop with Ken Cohen. 4/20/1997. Kirpalu Center, Massachusetts. "For all levels, including beginners. Learn Taiji Ruler, a series of gentle qigong exercises that create a wonderful sense of health, vitality, and well-being. The Ruler routine increases the body’s supply of qi (vital energy), improves posture, deepens the breath, and cultivates inner peace. With regular practice, you feel merged with the Tao, the spirit of nature. Join Ken Cohen, one of the country’s most accomplished teachers of qigong, and practice the rare techniques of Hu Yaozhen, the Taoist priest who sparked interest in qigong in China. In addition, you will practice relaxation and meditation and learn about the Taoist philosophy of life. You will return home with a complete morning routine."

Tai Chi Ruler Qigong Seminar. Instructional DVD or VHS, 1 hours. Transmitted down by the Imperial family and Daoist advocates over the centuries from teacher to student. This traditional 13 movements set is revealed here by Yaron Seidman to the world. This is a Taiji Ruler Gong seminar format, video/DVD in English. Running time is 1 hour. Filmed in Millbury, MA in 2003." USA Hunyuan Taiji Academy Videos.

Tai Chi Ruler Video. By Terry Dunn. VHS Videocassette, 60 minutes. "The T'ai Chi Ruler is a very rare system of Taoist Yoga, or Chi Kung utilizing a specially designed wooden dowel or "ruler" that is derived from the shape of the ancient Chinese sword handle. The T'ai Chi Ruler art consists of eight sets of exercises done in repetition with deep, slow breathing and the ruler held between the palms. Each exercise coordinates breath, mental and visual concentration with a basic t'ai chi physical pattern. Created in 100 A.D., and based entirely on natural principles, Tai Chi Ruler imparts holistic fitness and integral strength. Tai Chi Ruler is a complete system of Yoga -- just as Hatha, Kundalini and Shakti are complete systems -- that integrates mind and body to purify the human spirit. Tai Chi ruler imparts wholistic fitness and integral strength, and an excellent foundation for t'ai chi ch'uan or any martial arts practice. " Available from Plum Publications.

"Tai Chi Stick and Qigong Ruler: Featuring Master Wang Feng Ming." By Justin Meehan. Inside Kung Fu Magazine, May 2001.

Tai Chi Wand Ruler. Master Shao Zhao Ming. Instructional DVD, color, 150 Minutes. Tai Chi Kung Fu Institute. VSCL.

Tai Ji Chih: Chao Family System of Qigong. "This rarely taught system of qigong uses a carved wooden ruler (Chih), cupped between the hands to practice the Tai Ji - The Great Pivot. The Chih is moved slowly through the aura to strengthen the life force by promoting spinal flexibility, body symmetry and relaxed movement, while maintaining the present moment. A unigue Tai Ji Gong form. The complete form consists of a set of eight exercises including standing, seated and reclined practices. The entire set, once learned, takes 25-30 minutes to complete."

Taiji Ruler. By Kenneth Cohen. "The first and only comprehensive scholarly article on this ancient Taoist qigong. Includes history, anecdotes, methods, benefits, and how to practice the basics." Available from Qigong: Books and Tapes by Kenneth Cohen

Taiji Ruler: Legacy of the Sleeping Immortal. By Kenneth Cohen. Cited from: Cohen, Kenneth S. "Taiji ruler: legacy of the sleeping immortal." Journal of Asian Martial Arts, vol. 17, no. 1, 2008, p. 8+. Academic OneFile, Accessed 27 Dec. 2017. Preview: Abstract This article describes the history, development, and principles of the two major Taiji Ruler lineages: one associated with the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) imperial family, and the other lesser known, Daoist lineage, transmitted by Hu Yaozhen and his successors, including the well known Chen Style Taijiquan teacher, Feng Zhiqiang. The Taiji Ruler is a traditional system of health-enhancing qigong that is attributed to the Song Dynasty Daoist recluse Chen Xiyi and was first taught publicly in the 1950s. The exercises may be practiced while holding a foot-long wooden object, the Ruler, or with a variety of training devices, such as a wooden or stone ball. Mr. Cohen began studying Taji Ruler with various teachers more than 30 years ago, but also bases his research on works in Chinese and English. Both the teachers and literature agree that the ultimate goal of the Ruler is to blend with the original qi of the universe and, in the process, to achieve vitality and longevity.

Introduction The Taiji Ruler (chi) is the name of a beautifully shaped foot-long wooden stick as well as the Daoist system of meditative postures and exercises (qigong) that may be performed while holding it. The Ruler is a powerful method of physical and spiritual cultivation (xiu lian) that increases the body's supply of qi, stimulates qi flow through the meridians and bodily tissues, and develops a tranquil state of awareness. It is suitable for men and women, young and old. The Taiji Ruler is also called "Taiji Stick" (taiji bang), "The Needle Which Stills the Mind" (ding xin zhen), and "Heaven and Earth Precious Ruler" (qian kun bao chi). Since the mid-1950s, when the Ruler was first taught publicly, it has also been known as "The Gentle Art of Taiji" (taiji rou shu) and "Prenatal Qigong Taiji Ruler" (xiantian qigong taiji chi). The word Taiji means the blending of yin and yang and implies a state of harmony and balance. Although the Taiji Ruler and the popular taijiquan martial art both incorporate the philosophical principle of Taiji, neither art is based on the other. No one really knows the origin of the Ruler exercise or the Ruler itself. American qigong practitioner Richard M. Mooney believes that the shape of the Ruler may be based on the shape of ancient Chinese sword handles, a hypothesis that cannot be proved or disproved (Mooney, no date). (1) Seidel notes that the legendary Daoist immortal Zhang Sanfeng is said to have always had a foot rule (chi) in his hands, "perhaps an early iconographic detail" (Seidel, 1970: 485). The Complete Works of Zhang Sanfeng (Zhang Sanfeng Quan Shu), a text transcribed mediumistically by planchette, explains that Zhang used the ruler "to cut open the primordial chaos" (Seidel, 1970: 517). Perhaps the Ruler was a kind of Daoist scepter--like the Tibetan Buddhist dorje, a sign of spiritual authority. The Daoist priest is able to take the measurements of Heaven and Earth; he (or she) is aware of the..."

The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing. By Kenneth S. Cohen. Foreword by Larry Dossey. New York Ballantine Books, 1997. Index, notes, appendices, 427 pages. ISBN: 0345421094. MGC. One of my favorite books: comprehensive, informative, practical, and scientific. Sifu Cohen's comments on the Taiji Ruler are found on pages 209-214.

Yang Style Standard 24 Form Taiji Stick/Bang/Ruler. Demonstration video, 6:29 minutes. Arranged and demonstrated by Nayo Takasaki. Dedicated to her teachers: Kwan Saihung (Taoist) and William Shou-Ren Chen.

Yunmen's Stick. Yunmen's Stick Transformed into a Dragon and Swallowed the Universe. Case 60, The Blue Cliff Record.

Stick Exercises, Qigong Ruler, Taiji Chih, Chi Kung Wand
Taiji Bang, Qigong Dowel, Flute, Fan, Truncheon, Club

"Tai Chi Ruler (Chih) is an ancient form of Taoist gigong using a special curved wooden ruler held between the palms."
- Qigong Dictionary

"But why use the Stick and Ruler in the first place? Almost all Qigong exercises are based on uniting movement, breathing and attention. We are using our own bodies to express the balance and harmony inherent in the natural world, and in doing so we place ourselves in resonance with nature for the purposes of developing health and treating disease (which is a type of imbalance). Using a hand held implement such as the Stick and Ruler helps focus the mind more effectively than doing the physical movement alone. This is similar to in Buddhist practice using a mala, or rosary, while saying mantra. Physically touching something focuses the mind more effectively on the body. The Stick and Ruler focus the mind more effectively on the body, thereby uniting physical movement and attention better than Qigong exercises that don’t use them.

Another benefit is that holding and manipulating the Stick and Ruler presses and massages acupuncture points and channels. This further accentuates their ability to balance the body. For more experienced practitioners the choice of wood makes a difference as well. Ideally the wood should be very strong yet porous, coming from fast growing hardwood trees. This lets the Stick and Ruler better circulate the practitioner’s Qi. For my own personal practice I use a set made of black walnut wood. According to Chinese medicine walnut is as an herb that strengthens the Kidneys. The color of the wood is dark, also meaning it has an association with Kidneys through Five Phase theory. Thus, the black walnut Stick and Ruler help with exercises of condensing Qi into the Kidneys and circulating the core Yang Qi (rooted in Kidney) through the body’s channels and vessels.

Over the last several years the Taiji Stick and Ruler have become my primary personal practice. I’m constantly amazed at the brilliant construction of the system and how these two simple pieces of wood just make it all work more efficiently."
- Dr. McCann, Use of the Taiji Stick and Ruler in Qigong Practice

"The movements of Qigong exercise should be slow instead of fast because slow movements will nourish qi and combine the posture with qi. The training practice of Qigong should start with Wuji with slow movement until the closing of the training. Every movement and step must be done slowly, ipening and spreading of the body be slow, closing and sinking of the body be slow, and rising and falling of the body be slow. With slow movements, one can keep thinking whether the upper, lower, left and right of the body are followed, and whether the interior and exterior are coordinated. With the slow and gentle movements and posture, the internal qi is conducted to flow slowly in the body to integrate mindwill with qi, vitality with posture, and enter the realm of forgetting the substance and me."
- Master Wang Fengming, Special Taoist Taji Stick and Ruler Qigong, p. 115.

"The Taiji ruler is one of several forms of qigong attributed to the tenth-century Daoist recluse Chen Xi-yi. Chen lived on Mount Hua, the Daoist sacred mountain in Shenxi Province. The Jade Spring Temple at the foot of the mountain designed by Chen and contains a statue of him." Chen Xi-yi taught the form to Zhao Kuang-yin who later became the first emperor of the Song Dynasty and encouraged the practice of the Taiji Ruler among members of the imperial family. Zhao Zhong-dao (1844-1962) was a master of the Taiji Ruler, and "in 1954, founded in Beijing "The Gentle Art of the Taiji Ruler Health Society," the first school to publicly teach the Taiji Ruler. The Society was like a university teaching hospital."
- Notes by Kenneth S. Cohen, The Way of Qigong, p. 210.

"Taiji Chih or Ruler (no relationship with Taijiquan) is a sacred and secret qigong first made public in 1954 by Master Zhao Zhong-dao. It is called the Ruler (Chi, sometimes spelled Chih) because during the basic exercise the hands are held about a foot apart. You may practice this qigong while holding a foot-long “Ruler” between the palms. The Ruler is made of a light porous wood such as willow and rounded at both ends so it fits comfortably in the hands. The physical ruler encourages the flow of ch’i. The Taiji Chih system consists of gentle rocking and swaying movements that build ch’i in the feet, the dantian, and the hands. It can be used for self-healing or as a preparation for any form of massage therapy or therapeutic touch. Your hands will feel warm, vibrating, full of healing power after a few minutes’ practice. In the United States, several bizarre variations to the Ruler have become popular, many with little relationship to Zhao’s original techniques. The method we present here at Dao-yin Taiji Study Group has been handed down from direct students of Zhao, several second- or third generation students, and then corroborated by comparison with Zhao’s original Chinese text. The Ruler has a fascinating and venerable history. The Taiji Chih is one of the several forms of qigong attributed to the tenth-century Daoist recluse Chen Xi-yi. Chen lived on Mount Hua, the Daoist sacred mountian in Shenxi Province. The Jade Spring Temple at the foot of the mountain was designed by Chen and contains a statue of him."
- Taiji Chih (Ruler) from the Daoyin Chuan Blog, 2012

"Grandmaster Feng Zhi Qiang (1928-2012), founder of the Hun Yuan system, is one of China’s foremost martial arts masters. He is able to demonstrate the internal power of Tai Chi to a high level, both in self defense and in healing. Grandmaster Feng had the unique opportunity to learn from two of the most well known and respected teachers of their time, Hu Yao Zhen (1879-1973) and Chen Fa Ke (1887-1957). Hu Yao Zhen was a famous traditional Chinese medical practitioner and an expert in Xin Yi Chuan (Heart Mind Boxing). Chen Fa Ke, 17th generation of Chen Style, was well known for his martial arts prowess. Due to the knowledge and insight that Grandmaster Feng has gained from his two teachers, he has been able to develop the Hun Yuan Tai Chi system which enables practitioners to achieve noticeable results quickly. Hun” means mixed and “Yuan” means circle."
- What is Hun Yuan Qigong

"I know a little about the Taiji ruler (chih). It is not the same as the Taiji stick (bang). The ruler and bang train different things. The ruler is essentially a neigong (qigong) exercise while the bang, in a nut shell, trains the hands and wrists for seizing and controlling (qin na, aka "joint locking") and "applied silk reeling". There is more to each than that, but it gives you the general idea. The Taiji ruler is an ancient Daoist exercise, an adjunct to traditional Taijiquan. The bang exercises are believed to have been created by Chen Fake in the early 1900's. The ruler is typically about 12" long and of contoured diameter, largest at its ends. The bang comes in two flavors. One is typically a straight cylinder, about 16" long and about 1 3/4" in diameter. The other about the same dimensions, but bent in the middle. Typically rulers and bangs are made of a hard wood. Sizes and wood species aren't critical and vary to suit what is being trained. For example, larger diameter bangs allow one to focus more on developing finger strength. Heavier woods increase the weight. Both fallen branches and your local hardware store are good sources of materials for sticks and rulers. In addition, I commercially make (turned on a lathe) simple and fancy ones of varying sizes and shapes from both domestic and exotic woods."
- Charles from Chinese Martial Arts Message Board, 31 October 2004

"This unique and powerful Qi Gong system is called the “ruler” system because, during the basic exercise, the palms hold a 10.5-inch wooden object.The system effectively stimulates the important lao gong acupuncture points in the palms of your hands.The Taiji ruler form consists of gentle rocking movements, which build Qi in the three dantian (lower abdominal, heart, and third-eye energy centers). It can be used for self-healing or as a preparation for any form of bodywork. This form will enhance any Qi Gong form you are currently practicing, and is a great introduction to the power of Qi Gong for those with no previous experience."
- Karl Ardo

"The first person to teach this technique publicly, Zhao Zhongdao lived to age 118. Taiji Ruler is attributed to Taoist recluse Chen Xiyi and was until the 1950s a secret of the Chinese imperial family. It consists of easy-to-learn rocking movements that build qi in the feet, lower back, abdomen, and hands. It may be practiced for self-healing or to increase the power of healing touch. The QRPC is one of the few schools in the world that teaches the complete system of Taiji Ruler, including the solo exercises, two person exercises, strength training techniques, and meditative Ruler."
- Qigong Research and Practice Center (Kenneth S. Cohen)

"Laogong (PC8) is an important orifice for Qigong exercise. It is located in the center of the palm. The hand is where the starting points of three yang meridians of hand and three yin medidians of hand connect with each other. In the exercise of Taiji Stick and Ruler Qigong, when mindwill is concentrated on Laogong, the meridian points on the had are stimulated by massage so as to promote qi to the extremities and dredge six meridians of the hand. The ancient people said: "The root of qi of the upper part of the body is on the hand." It is required that "Respiration must lie in the hand." Exercising concentration of mind will on Laogong can also achieve the effect of receiving qi and emitting qi."
- Special Taoist Taji Stick and Ruler Qigong. Imparted by Feng Zhiqiang, p.17

"Tai Chi Ruler enables students to feel the sensation of qi quickly. Students who find it difficult to quiet their minds find this practice especially effective. Holding the ruler with both palms help them to focus and be in the moment. The movements of the Ruler imitate the movement of the qi inside the body. It furthers the development of qi circulation. Chan Si Gong loosens the body and develops silk reeling power. When first learning the Chan Si Gong, students may easily mistake them as simply great movements for opening up the joints – for freedom of movement. Some students commented that they have never felt so loosened in their upper bodies. As one practises more, one will also feel how these silk reeling exercises develop one’s internal energy. One will sense qi enveloping the body. Tai Chi Bang or Stick is a special Tai Chi method for training hand, wrist and arm strength. The flexibility of the joints in the arms is further improved by manoeuvring the Tai Chi Bang. It helps students to feel and integrate the back with arm movements. It develops eagle claw power and chin na which are joint locking skills. It also helps to further develop one’s internal energy. The Tai Chi Bang develops all these skills without the practitioner even being aware of it. It just comes about through diligent practice."
- Brett Wagland, Hun Yuan Qigong System

     "Although it has become common in the West to use the terms Taiji stick (bang) and Taiji ruler (chih) interchangeably, they are two different implements used for very different purposes. To confuse things further, many people now use a stick (bang) to perform ruler (chih) exercises. The ruler exercises are a type of qigong or neigong (internal work) and are usually practiced slowly and gently and at uniform pace, with the ends of the ruler supported lightly in the palms.
     As you likely know, the ruler exercises have nothing to do with Taijiquan, and have a different, older origin traced back to Daoist monks and Chinese royalty. Although it has become common in the West to use the terms Taiji stick (bang) and Taiji ruler (chih) interchangeably, they are two different implements used for very different purposes. To confuse things further, many people now use a stick (bang) to perform ruler (chih) exercises. The ruler exercises are a type of qigong or neigong (internal work) and are usually practiced slowly and gently and at uniform pace, with the ends of the ruler supported lightly in the palms. As you likely know, the ruler exercises have nothing to do with Taijiquan, and have a different, older origin traced back to Daoist monks and Chinese royalty.
     By contrast, while the stick exercises have a component of neigong to them, they are largely about strengthening and loosening the body, particularly the joints of the wrists and hands, and, as traditionally performed, are more physically strenuous, involve tightly gripping the circumference of the bang, and are specifically for martial development. The inclusion of the bang practice in Taijiquan is attributed to Chen Fake in the early 1900’s.
     In the 1990’s, Feng Zhiqiang, who taught a merged sequence of exercises, The Special Daoist Stick and Ruler Qigong, eliminated the use of two separate implements - the bang and the chih - instead practicing both sets of exercises with a single apparatus, the bang. The heavily contoured ruler cannot be gripped about its circumference as required of the bang practice. However, the bang can be held with its ends between the palms of the hands, making it possible to perform ruler exercises with the bang. Hence, eliminating the chih and using the bang for both types of exercises. (It was found that repeatedly switching back and forth between stick and ruler was disruptive to the practice.) One of the consequences of using a bang to perform both bang and chih exercises is that it tends to eliminate the differences in the two practices, resulting in many performing both bang and chih exercises as qigong. There is nothing wrong with doing that, but it changes the original focus of the bang exercises.
     Other than in Feng’s curriculum, the Taiji chih is not part of any traditional Chen style curriculum. The Taiji bang is practiced within some branches/lineages of Chen style Taijiquan."
- Charles Tauber, Email to me on 12/31/2017, Sticks and Rulers by Charles Tauber

"Chen Tuan, Chen Po, Chen Hsi I (871-989) was a native of Po-chou in Anhui, is a famous Taoist who lived on Mount Hua, one of the five sacred mountains of China in Shensi, during the Later Choi and Sung Dynasty (960-1280) A.D. He is credited with the creation of the kung fu system - Liu Ho Pa Fa - six harmonies and eight methods. Along with this internal art, is a method of chi (energy) cultivation known today as Tai Chi ruler, a 24 section method (erh shigh ssu shih tao yin fa) of seated and standing exercises designed to prevent diseases that occur during seasonal change. Chen Tuan at a very early age demonstrated a great ability at mathematics and interpretation of the Book of Changes and poetry, so much that at age of 15 years, scholars would pay their respect to this young prodigy. His destiny as a high official of the Imperial court however, was cut short upon his failure at the state examination. This event turned the young scholar to forsake the lofty ambition of mankind and decided to retire his life as a hermit upon the scenic mountains of China. After several years, he was advised by another Taoist master to go to the Rock of Nine rooms on Wu Tang mountain, to cultivate his skills. There he perfected his skills in Chi Kung and the art of hibernation. Although Chen remained a hermit, his reputation as an able scholar made him sought after by the royal court. Because of this reputation, the emperor Shh Tsung of the Chou Dynasty suspected that Chen had his eyes on the kingdom and had him incarcerated for one hundred days. After several months the emperor inquired on the condition of the Taoist master, only to have the guard report that he was fast asleep. Only then did the king realize that Chen had no desire for power or fame and released the sage. It was during one of his visits with the second emperor of the Sung Dynasty, Sung Tai Tzuu (960-975), that Chen Tuan was given the title (Chen Hsi I), meaning "rare among men" also seasoned boxer, stating his skill in kung fu. Although the Taoist master was concerned with the welfare of the people, his desire was to live peacefully at his mountain retreat. Oddly enough, it was a a game of chess (wei chi) with the emperor that would decide if he would stay to advise him or return to being a recluse on Mount Hua. After winning the game, he returned to the mount where he taught Taoist yoga and exercises."
- Chen Po

"Dear Michael,
I have liked your website for sometime, and have referred to it.
The subject of tai chi chih-ruler is easy to misled with. I may be old, but there is no manuscript for this; the practice is obviously basic, basic in
principle to many other systems, thus it would be correct to call it universal; the exercise has been associated with HuaYoShan and with 'taoist'
physionomist Chen Po, but this is unproven [the ruler system has been associated with the LiuHe BaFa teachings, but it seems that this may have been done
30 years ago due to my first publication].
I will say that the first 'western' publication on this came from YihMei Books of HongKong from a studio claiming lineage via family ....to first emperor of
Sung dynasty...likely..quite unlikely. The book was heavily illustrated and an easy guide to learn from.
I learned it via John Chung Li in Boston and has one of the publications. [there are newer PRC pubs on this but they tend to be more generic or more all
inclusive].
As for other teachers: there are two branches, 1. Justin Stone, who apparently learned it from the YihMei book, but altered it.
2. All other teachers you mention, either again from the YihMei book, or from my book on the Six Combinations and Eight Methods. This does not imply
I am a great teacher, only that many teachers like my publication.

Tai Chi Ruler Teachers: Cohen, Kenneth S. friends and have exchanged; Fong Ha: friends and have exchanged; Johnson, Jerry Alan friends and have exchanged. Other teachers include: Lew, Share K., Seidman, Yaron; Sutherland, Alistair; Woo Kwong Fat; Wong Wai Yi; Yang Jwing Ming; Ip, Fontaine; Jahnke, Roger.
- K. Connor Foxx, email on 10/28/07.

"I first learned the Tai Chi Ruler from Dr. Robert Moore in Whittier, California, in 1987. Dr. Moore learned the Tai Chi Ruler from Kenneth Cohen. Dr. Moore also taught us a long and beautiful LueHe BaFa Taijiquan form in 1987-1988, which he learned from a Dr. York Why Loo. Another Tai Chi teacher, Kevin Weaver, in Manton, California, taught the Tai Chi Ruler again to me, and he learned it from Shere K. Lew. I enjoyed the Ruler, however, I stopped practicing LueHe BaFa." - Mike Garofalo, 10/29/2007

"The Taiji Stick and Ruler Neigong is a classical method of mind-body cultivation. As the name suggests, this Neigong (i.e., Qigong) set uses a pair of wooden implements in practice – the Taiji Ruler (taiji chi 太極尺) and the Taiji Stick (taiji bang 太極棒). Although the name of the set uses the same name as Taijiquan (Tai Chi Ch’uan 太極拳) the martial art, the Taiji Stick and Ruler Neigong developed independently of Taijiquan. Other names for this set of exercises include the Guiding Qi Needle (dao qi zhen 導氣針), Stilling Mind Needle (ding xin zhen 定心針), and Heaven Earth Precious Ruler (qian kun bao chi 乾坤寶尺).

Taiji Stick and Ruler Neigong is attributed to the Daoist Immortal Chen Tuan (陳摶). Also known as Chen Xiyi (陳希夷) and Chen Dan (陳丹), he was born in Zhenyuan, Henan Province in the last half of 9th century – the same birth location as Lao Zi (Lao Tzu). Between 900 and 930 Chen wandered around various mountains seeking instruction from Daoists and other recluses, a common practice of his day. He also stayed awhile on Wu Dang Mountain where he learned Daoist meditation and Daoyin techniques. Other tradition says that Chen was taught directly by Ma Yi Dao Zhe, the ‘Hemp Cloud Daoist’, and Lü Dongbin, the grand patron of Daoist alchemy. In 937 Chen was documented to be in Sichuan, and in the early 940s restored Yun Tai Guan monastery on Mount Hua in Shaanxi. Chen eventually died in 989 at age of 118. As a result of his deep Daoist studies and personal cultivation, Chen developed great insights into the nature of the universe and the Yijing (I Ching, Book of Changes). Chen was said to have developed the famous Taiji symbol and was renowned for his accomplishments in mediation and Inner Alchemy. He developed the Taiji Stick and Ruler Neigong, as well as a set of Daoyin exercises that harmonize the body with the 24 seasonal nodes of the Chinese calendar. He was also a master of Sleeping Yoga, hence his nickname the 'Sleeping Immortal'.

The word Neigong means “inner practice” (內功). While Qigong is a modern term that refers to a wide range of breathing and movement exercises, Neigong is an earlier term that describes practices that build internal Qi, sometimes associated with either Inner Alchemy or Internal Martial Arts. The Taiji Stick and Ruler Neigong uses these two implements, one representing Yin and the other Yang, to help the practitioner develop internal power.

There are several sets of exercises that comprise the total repertoire of Stick and Ruler. The student starts with exercises comprised of breathing patterns, physical movement and visualizations, that strengthen and build sensation of Qi in the Dan Tian (丹田), the area of Qi cultivation in the lower abdomen. Over time the student then uses the Neigong to circulate Qi through the channels of the arms and legs, and some of the Extraordinary Vessels such as the Du, Ren and Dai. Then, later exercises develop a connection between the practitioner and Pre-Heaven Qi. Overall the Stick and Ruler Neigong is a complete system of health cultivation."
- Daoist Tai Chi Stick and Ruler Neigong

"The Tai Chi Ruler has been seen as having a relation to the Proportion of the human body. The word Chih or Ruler denotes measure. This is the measure of the human body. The Tai Chi Ruler is 10 1/2″ long and 2 1/6 ” in diameter at the ends . It is the length of my forearm from the wrist crease to the elbow crease . It is one ruler length from the elbow crease to the crease between the Pectorialius Majora and the Deltoid Muscle, then one ruler length from shoulder crease to shoulder crease. The spacing is the same on the other arm. The head is one ruler length from the crown point to the throat, one ruler length from the throat to the Solar Plexus , one ruler length from the Solar Plexus to the Navel, one ruler length from the Navel to the Hui Yin ( perineum), one ruler length from the Hui Yin to the Knee, and two ruler lengths from the Knee to the Foot. The diameter of the ends are one palm length long and the thighs are two palms lengths long ,so the ruler will roll down the thighs twice."
- Tai Chi Ruler and Proportion

"Technical features and characteristics of Taiji Stick and Ruler Qigong:

Taji Stick: yang, dynamic, opening, swaying, twisting, rolling, vibrating, patting, cand circling.
Taiji stick pertains to yang and motion in for in Qigong belonging to "dynamic Qigong." It can emit the force stored inside by wy of twining thread method in for of unique spiral twining on the basis of exercising peaceful mind and tonifying primary qi by practising Taiji Ruler. It functions to build up the tendons and bondes, improving arm and finger's skill and cultivating internally and externally.

Taiji Ruler: yin, static, closing, tossing, twining, shaking, turning, trembling, pointing, and rotating.
Taiji Ruler pertains to yin and quiescence in form in Qigong belonging to "quiescent Qigong" with the purpose of cultivating the interior. It is required to practice in a peaceful mood aimed at cultivating heart mind with quiescent Qigong. It acts to strengthen the functions of five zang organs, nourish tendons and bones, dredge meridians and collaterals and harmonize qi and blood in order to cultivate the mind and characters. Combinations of Taiji stick and rulers has functions of integrating strength with grace, yin with yang, and motion with quiescence. Such combination of cultivation and exercise will improve the practitioner's level of qigong continuously."
- Special Taoist Taji Stick and Ruler Qigong. Imparted by Grand Master Feng Zhiqiang, p.9

     "Chen Tuan was a personal friend of Zhao Kuangyin (趙匡胤; 927-976), the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Chen taught Zhao the method of Taiji Stick and Ruler Neigong, and it was subsequently passed down as a secret method of health preservation in the imperial household. Eventually the method was spread from Daoist to Daoist over almost 6 centuries before it was taught to the outside world.
     In the early 19th century Taiji Stick and Ruler was transmitted to a wandering Daoist hermit by the name of Huo Chengguang. In 1820 when traveling and teaching in Shanxi Province, Huo met a young man by the name of Peng Tingjun. Peng had already practiced martial arts for several years, but when he learned of Huo he decided to seek instruction from him. Over several years of ongoing instruction Huo took Peng as a formal lineage disciple and transmitted the methods of Taiji Stick and Ruler.
     The next proponent of Taiji Stick and Ruler was the great Qigong master Hu Yaozhen (1897-1973). Hu met Peng in the early 20th century and studied his various methods if Daoist cultivation, becoming his personal lineage disciple. Hu, in his right had practiced other martial arts and cultivation methods, and was a classically trained doctor of Chinese traditional medicine and acupuncture. In the 1950s Hu was one of the people responsible for the spread of Qigong throughout China, including the popularization of the word ‘Qigong’ itself. Hu’s method of acupuncture was known as Daoist Wuji Acupuncture (無極針灸), and utilized one’s own Qi while applying needles. It is probably that the practice of Taiji Stick and Ruler allowed Hu to develop this skill.
     One of Hu’s most talented lineage disciples was Feng Zhiqiang (1928-2012). Feng was also a disciple of the great Chen Family Taiji master Chen Fake, and it was Hu Yaozhen that introduced Feng to Mater Chen. Feng continued the teaching of Taiji Stick and Ruler Neigong as part of his Hunyuan Chen Style Taijiquan curriculum. One of Feng’s top disciples (and his son in law) is Wang Feng Ming who continues to teach this special method of Neigong today. Dr. Henry McCann, after having practiced several martial arts and Qigong methods for over 30 years, met Wang Feng Ming in 2011 from who he learned Taiji Stick and Ruler Neigong as well as other methods of Qigong and internal martial arts. In 2014 Dr. McCann became one of Wang’s direct lineage disciples."
- Daoist Tai Chi Stick and Ruler Qigong

"The Tai Chi Ruler practice is a very rare system of Taoist Yoga, or Chi Kung utilizing a specially designed wooden dowel or ruler that was derived from the shape of the ancient Chinese sword handle. The Tai Chi Ruler is an exercise done in continuous repetition with deep, slow breathing with the ruler held between the palms on the Lao Gong point. Each exercise cooridinates breath, mental and visual concentration with a basic tai chi movements and physical pattern that shifts the body’s weight between both legs. The method is based entirely on natural principles, Tai Chi Ruler imparts both holistic fitness and integral strength training and is a complete system of Taoist style Yoga – just as Hatha, Kundalini, Raja and Shakti are complete systems – that integrates mind and body to purify the human spirit. Tai Chi ruler practice imparts holistic fitness, integral strength, and substantial Chi accumulation and circulation into a single practice and is an excellent foundation for Tai Chi Chuan, Bahuazhang, Xing Yi Chuan, or any martial art, meditation or health & fitness practice.
The Tai Chi Ruler aligns, stimulates and empowers the 7 major energy reservoirs, Chakras or dan tiens”, and energy pathways or meridians of the body.
The method is an extremely rich system of training the mind and body. The founder of the ruler system was Chen Tuan (871-989 A.D.) a famous Taoist hermit who lived on Huashan mountain and mastered the three unique Taoist skills: meditation, martial arts, medicine, energy healing and qigong (energy cultivation). From master Chen Tuan, the Tai Chi Ruler skills were selectively passed down only through oral tradition to other masters for generations to protect its secrecy, written notes were not allowed."
- Tai Chi Ruler Qigong

     "The next requirement for practice is in the preparation and addressing of the Lower Dan Tien. The Lower Dan Tien is an area, not a point, it is that area which is about three finger widths below the navel. the preparations are as follows:
     1. Click the teeth together 49 times. this helps to strengthen the roots and gums, it also sends calming vibrations into the brain, and helps one to get rid of distracting thoughts.
     2. Rotate the tongue 18 times left and 18 times right on the roof of the mouth.. The rotations will foster the generation of saliva. do not swallow the saliva, but instead allow it to pool in the lower jaw area. The benefits are that the Ren and Du (Conception and Governing vessels) are stimulated at the area where the tongue will rest while doing the exercises. This helps to make an energetic connection at that area.
     3. Rinse saliva 36x. this helps to clean the teeth, and rinse out the mouth, and also agitates the qi that is contained within the saliva. Additionally, the saliva contains enzymes that are beneficial to the immune and digestive system.
     4. Swallow in 3 Gulps. this helps to draw the qi down to the lower dan tien, from which point it will heat up, ascend up the governing vessel, and then condensing at the top, to flow back down the Conception Vessel.
     Remember that from this point onwards, the tip of the tongue will gently rest on the upper palate behind the teeth. It is to be held there gently, with as little pressure as possible.
     Your chosen number of reps in the set will remain constant. If you are going to do the minimum number of reps for benefit (3x) then you will do 3 of each of the addressing exercises, if you do 6 reps, then you will do 6 of each of the opening exercises. At the end of the set, you will do the same opening exercises, but in reverse order. The opening addressing exercises are like knocking on a door, and the closing exercises, are like closing a door after leaving a room."
- The Taiji Ruler System By Rich Mooney. An excellent article, with photographic illustrations. A Seven Stage training system.

Stick Exercises, Qigong Ruler, Taiji Chih, Chi Kung Wand
Taiji Bang, Qigong Dowel, Flute, Fan, Truncheon, Club

Taiji Stick

Stick Exercises, Taiji Bang, Qigong Ruler, Chi Kung Chih,
Tai Chi Wand, Qigong Dowel, Vajra Pestle, Flute, Fan, Truncheon, Club

Mind-Body-Spirit Exercises, Practices, Coaching, Guided Meditations, Theories

Inner Work, Nei Gong, Yang Sheng Gong with a 7"-15" (18-38 CM) Wooden Stick or Dowel

A Hypertext Notebook of
Michael P. Garofalo

Bibliography Links Videos Quotations Instructions -Practices

Taiji Stick, Taiji Bang, Taiji Chih (Top Plain Stick)
Qigong Ruler, Chi Kung Carved Dowel (Bottom Carved Ruler)

Taiji Stick

Stick Exercises, Taiji Bang, Qigong Ruler, Chi Kung Chih, Tai Chi Wand, Qigong Dowel, Vajra Pestle, Flute, Fan, Truncheon, Club Mind-Body-Spirit Exercises, Practices, Coaching, Guided Meditations, Theories

Inner Work, Nei Gong, Yang Sheng Gong with a 7"-15" (18-38 CM) Wooden Stick or Dowel

A Hypertext Notebook of Michael P. Garofalo

Bibliography Links Videos Quotations Instructions -Practices

Stick Exercises, Taiji Bang, Qigong Ruler, Chi Kung Chih,
Tai Chi Wand, Qigong Dowel, Vajra Pestle, Flute, Fan, Truncheon, Club

Mind-Body-Spirit Exercises, Practices, Coaching, Guided Meditations, Theories

A Hypertext Notebook of
Michael P. Garofalo