In an earlier blog, I introduced the Tai Chi (often spelled Taiji) Ruler, both as an instrument and as a form. Now let’s talk about the Tai Chi Bang, a short stick that is often confused with Tai Chi Ruler, even though the exercises are different. Keep in mind, both are forms of Neigong, which is now known as Qigong. Let’s compare the Tai Chi Ruler and the Tai Chi Bang Stick.

But first, a little history:

The Taiji Stick and Ruler Neigong is a system of internal cultivation that began, it is believed, with the sage and reclusive Daoist, Chen Tuan (Chen Xiyi). Chen was a personal friend of Zhao Kuangyin, the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), and taught Zhao Taiji Stick and Ruler Neigong, which were then passed down as a secret method of health preservation in the Imperial household. It took more than six centuries, but eventually it was taught to Feng Zhiqiang, one of China’s greatest Chen style Taiji masters of the 20th century, and a master of Qigong.

As I mentioned previously, Bang Stick and Ruler Qigong are different exercises, practiced with different devices. The Ruler and Bang Stick are a yin yang pair. The Bang Stick is Yang. It works more on the external joints, ligaments, and muscles. The Ruler is Yin, and works on the internal. It is used to nourish and strengthen the Qi. The Ruler is light, while the Bang Stick is heavy. The Bang Stick is straighter, while the Ruler is more rounded with softer curves. The Bang Stick uses twisting, joint-locking movements (Chen Style Tai Chi), and increases grip strength and flexibility. The Ruler gathers and consolidates Qi to deepen the practice of stillness.

More practically, the Bang Stick is about the length of your forearm and diameter of your wrist, while the Ruler is typically about 12" long, with a contoured diameter, largest at its ends. Interestingly, even the type of wood is a matter of importance to more experienced practitioners. Ideally the wood should be very strong, yet porous, as this allows the Bang Stick and Ruler to better circulate the practitioner’s Qi. According to Chinese medicine, walnut strengthens the kidneys, and the wood is dark. Therefore, some believe a black walnut Bang Stick and Ruler help condense Qi into the kidneys and circulate through the body’s channels and vessels.

In addition, both the Bang Stick and Ruler have a unique feature: a ring on the Bang Stick and a small sphere on the Ruler. This represents the DanTian the energy center of the body.

So, why do we use a Bang Stick and Ruler?

Qigong exercises are usually based on uniting movement, breathing, and attention. Our bodies learn and express balance and harmony in order to develop health and treat disease, which itself is a type of imbalance. Both the Bang Stick and Ruler focus the mind on the body, and unite physical movement. Holding and manipulating the Bang Stick or Ruler presses and massages acupuncture points and channels, which helps to balance the body. It also helps students quiet their minds, gather attention, and to be in the moment.

The Bang Stick makes it easy and fun for beginners to feel Qi. It is also a great stress reliever, and a way to rejuvenate both the body and the spirit. The Bang Stick is also a fast and efficient method for developing stronger and more flexible muscles and joints. The movements can even be modified to fit individual capabilities and can be done standing or sitting.

The Bang Stick and the Ruler are an excellent complement to other therapeutic exercises and activities. Plus both are compact enough that they are easily taken along on your travels to keep you healthy and fit!