Plucking Stars Change Galaxies is the third of the 18 qigong exercises that make up the Shaolin 18 Lohan Hands. Also known as Plucking Stars, 摘 星 換 斗, and ZHAI XING HUAN DOU, it can feel like one of the trickier exercises in the set to pick up — a bit like rubbing your stomach whilst patting your head. Once the coordination clicks, though, it becomes one of the more satisfying patterns to practice.
Key Benefits of Plucking Stars Change Galaxies
When practiced as qigong — not merely as physical form — Plucking Stars Change Galaxies offers the following benefits:
- Stimulates the meridians linked to the stomach and spleen systems
- Beneficial for indigestion, stomach pains, diarrhea, and constipation
- Supports those with auto-immune disorders, diabetes, and liver or gall bladder problems
- Helpful for issues in the abdominal area generally
- Benefits gynaecological problems and tennis elbow
- Enhances longevity by opening the side meridians of the body for use as energy reservoirs
Plucking Stars and Longevity: The Side Meridians
One of the distinctive qualities of this pattern is its effect on the side meridians — energy channels that, once opened, act as reservoirs. When energy is flowing harmoniously through the body, these meridians can store surplus energy, supporting sustained vitality for work and daily life.
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 Plucking Stars Change Galaxies directly from a qualified qigong instructor is strongly recommended, particularly given the coordination required to perform it correctly.
Next in the 18 Lohan Hands
The next exercise in the set is Rotating Winch — exercise 4 of the 18 Lohan Hands.
