Qigong Exercises – Plucking Stars Change Galaxies
This is pattern number 3 of the qigong exercises that make up the Shaolin 18 Lohan Hands set.
As qigong exercises go, I really like practicing and teaching Plucking Stars Change Galaxies, 摘 星 換 斗, ZHAI XING HUAN DOU or just Plucking Stars as it is more popularly known.
It can feel like this is one of the more difficult qigong exercises to learn when you first start out, a bit like trying to rub your stomach whilst patting your head, remember that? But once you get it co-ordinated you wonder why you ever thought it was so hard in the first place.
Of the 18 qigong exercises in this set this one is known to stimulate the meridian linked to the stomach and spleen systems it is also particularly beneficial for the following disorders: indigestion, diarrhea, stomach pains, constipation, auto immune disorders, diabetes, liver and gall bladder problems and anything to do with the abdominal area. Gynaecological problems and tennis elbow also benefit from this pattern.
This pattern also enhances longevity as it opens up the side meridians of the body for use as energy reservoirs. This means that once your energy is flowing harmoniously through your body, these side meridians can be used to store energy, enabling you to work and play longer.
As with all qigong exercises, if you want to get these benefits then you have to practice it as qigong and not qigong form. Always remember that the form is not the art of qigong.
The next of the 18 qigong exercises that we’ll be taking a quick look at is Rotating Winch.
See you then!
