Lohan Draws Saber is the twelfth of the 18 qigong exercises that make up the Shaolin 18 Lohan Hands. Also known as 羅 漢 拔 刀 and LUOHAN BA DAO, it is one of the more focused exercises in the set — with targeted benefits for the shoulders and the eight wondrous meridians.
Key Benefits of Lohan Draws Saber
When practiced as qigong — not merely as physical form — Lohan Draws Saber offers the following benefits:
- Excellent for generating energy flow to the eight wondrous meridians (Qi Jing Ba) — the secondary meridians that act as energy reservoirs, storing and releasing qi as needed
- Brings relief to stiff or aching shoulders
- Increases agility
On Choosing Which Exercises to Practice
Lohan Draws Saber has a narrower benefit profile than some exercises in this set — which raises a reasonable question: why practice it at all? The answer depends on what you personally respond to. Qigong is an experience, not a collection of patterns. If your instructor has taught you this exercise and you find a different pattern gives you better results, practice that one. The goal is health and vitality, not completing a checklist.
An Important Note on Form vs. Qigong
The benefits above are only available when this exercise is practiced as qigong — with a Qigong State of Mind (QSoM) and genuine energy flow. Practicing the physical movements alone — the form — will not produce these results. The form is not the art of qigong.
Learning Lohan Draws Saber directly from a qualified qigong instructor is strongly recommended.
Next in the 18 Lohan Hands
The next exercise in the set is Fierce Tiger Pushing Mountains — exercise 13 of the 18 Lohan Hands.
