From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, haemorrhoids — like all health problems — are caused by blockages to the smooth flow of qi through the meridians. Any qigong exercise practiced correctly will help restore harmonious energy flow. But some exercises are more cost-effective for specific conditions than others.
The Recommended Exercise: Lifting the Sky
Of all the exercises in the 18 Lohan Hands, Lifting the Sky is the standout recommendation for haemorrhoid relief. It is one of the most powerful exercises in the set for generating energy flow — and when practiced with one specific addition, it becomes particularly effective for this condition.
That addition: as you practice, gently imagine everything below being guided back into its correct position. The key word is gently — this is not a forced visualisation, but a light, easy mental intention held during the movement. Think of it the way you’d briefly think of a family member — quickly, simply, without effort.
What One Student Experienced
I spoke to Sifu Marcus Santer and he advised me to practice Lifting the Sky and to add a gentle visualisation of pushing the haemorrhoids back into their correct positions — he also told me to remember to be gentle as I was using my mind.
I decided to take Sifu’s advice and started doing Lifting the Sky every day, twice a day — once in the morning and once at night. It was weird, I felt relief after my first session and within 24 hours the bleeding completely stopped. Over the next few days the pain slowly but surely decreased. By October I had made a full recovery.
— John (name changed)
Form vs Qigong: An Important Distinction
These benefits are only available when Lifting the Sky is 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 the best option. If that isn’t possible, you can learn qigong online. Lifting the Sky — including the specific instructions for using it to address haemorrhoids — is covered in my online course.
