Asthma and respiratory problems are, from a TCM perspective, caused by blockages in the heart and lung meridians. Restoring harmonious qi flow through these meridians is the most direct approach. The two exercises below from the 18 Lohan Hands target exactly these meridians and are the most cost-effective starting point for asthma.
Recommended Exercises
Green Dragon Separating Water
The primary recommendation. This exercise works directly on the heart and lung meridians and is particularly powerful for overcoming lung problems. Six months of focused practice on this single exercise produced significant personal improvement in asthma symptoms — from reliance on preventative and relief inhalers to rare, minor episodes only.
Shoot Arrows Left Right
A strong alternative or complement to Green Dragon Separating Water. This exercise benefits the heart and lung systems and helps improve all respiratory problems — useful when you want variety in your practice.
Form vs Qigong: An Important Distinction
These exercises only produce their respiratory benefits when practiced as qigong — with a Qigong State of Mind (QSoM) and genuine energy flow. Practicing the physical movements alone will not produce the same results. The form is not the art of qigong.
Learning directly from a qualified instructor is strongly recommended. If that isn’t possible, your next best option is to learn qigong online. Both exercises above are taught in full inside my online course.
