TAIJI RULER

The Taiji Ruler, or Tai Chi Ruler is both a tool and a form, or set of movements used to focus the mind while cultivating and moving Qi.

Use of the Taiji Ruler became popular in China in the 1950's although some claim that the Taoist practice dates back to 900 CE.  

What it's not: 

• It's not a measuring stick. Well, it is in a way. 
• It's not a magical wand that directs Qi. Well, it is in a way. 

The Taiji Ruler is a stick or dowel which measures eight to twelve inches. It is most often made of wood. I have made simple Rulers and have purchased a somewhat more traditional Ruler.

The traditional Ruler is symmetrically shaped to resemble two sword handles. The round center is used as a focal point. 

In the photo above you'll see the traditional Ruler, a Ruler that I made out of a half inch dowel with round end caps, and a simple Ruler made from a cut up broom stick. I made twelve Rulers pictured in the middle for my fellow practitioners in my Qigong in a Park group. 

Well,"in a way:" 

While the Taiji Ruler does not have inches or centimeters designated, it is indeed a measuring stick, measuring the width of the side channels of the body. It should roughly measure the distance between two points in Kua, the inguinal crease, and also the shoulder nests.

We often refer to the Kua during practices. We move from the Kua, we settle into the Kua. The Kua is home to many lymph nodes. The Kua supports immunity and also our urogenital health. 

The "Shoulder Nests" also called "Crow's Nests" are located below the collarbones in the hollows near the shoulder. These nests are home to two very important acupressure points: Lung 1 and Lung 2. The lung points also support immunity and also lung health. 

We hold the Ruler between our palms at a point called Laogong. This point is also known as the "Palace of Toil." It is the eighth point of the heart protector or pericardium meridian. Stimulating it eases anxiety and clears inflammation. Bodyworkers and healers up their game by focusing attention on the Laogong point. 

Find the Laogong point by making a loose fist. The point is near where your middle finger meets your palm.

The Laogong:

• Removes excess heat in the body.
• Relieves mouth or tongue ulcers and cold sores.
• Reduces fever.
• Increases internal energy.
• Calms a restless mind.
• Warms cold hands.

If there is an imbalance in your Fire Element which is housed in your heart, you may feel depressed and without joy in your life. Stimulating the Laogong can restore your vitality and happiness while also protecting your heart.

I will spare you by not explaining the forms practiced with the Taiji Ruler. The movements are flowing, circular and meditative. There are plenty of lovely videos on YouTube. 

My favorite way to practice Taiji Ruler forms is first with the Ruler, and then without, holding the hands at the same width and energetically connecting the Laogong points. 

I love this Primordial Tai Chi Ruler video because of the simplicity. He picks up a stick laying on the ground and practices the forms with ease. 

And a slightly more involved practice with detailed descriptions of the forms: 

Be well, be happy and follow your bliss.

Brian