One of the most common questions in qigong practice is: which exercise should I focus on for a particular condition? This page provides a quick-reference guide to the 18 exercises that make up the Shaolin 18 Lohan Hands, with the key benefits of each listed at a glance.
An important note before using this guide: the benefits listed below are only available when these exercises are practiced as qigong — with correct form, energy, and a Qigong State of Mind (QSoM). Practicing the physical movements alone will not produce these results. The form is not the art of qigong.
18 Lohan Hands: Benefits at a Glance
Lifting the Sky (Both Hands Lift Sky)
- Excellent for generating energy flow
- Overcomes posture problems and supports back health
- Beneficial for haemorrhoid relief
- Improves health across all aspects
Shooting Arrows (Shoot Arrows Left Right)
- Massages the heart and lung systems
- Improves respiratory problems
Plucking Stars Change Galaxies
- Overcomes disorders of the stomach and spleen (including indigestion and diabetes)
- Supports liver and gall bladder health
- Activates the eight secondary meridians
Rotating Winch (Turning Head)
- Gives the spinal cord a gentle mobilisation
- Overcomes headaches and migraine
- Used to cleanse the nervous system
Big Turn of the Cosmos (Merry Go Round)
- Revitalises energy without stimulants
- Massages the internal organs
- Beneficial for rheumatism, diabetes, and indigestion
Punching With Wide Eyes (Angry Eyed Punches)
- Massages and strengthens the heart system
- Beneficial for the intestines and eyes
- Develops powerful strikes for martial artists
Carry the Moon (Look Back to Carry the Moon)
- Promotes youthfulness
- Beneficial for the spine
- Enhances the nervous system
Reverse Hands Bend Waist (Nourish Kidney)
- Important for sexual health and functioning
- Enhances the intellect
- Increases vitality
Three Levels to Ground (Three Levels to Earth)
- Strengthens the heart system
- Generates better energy flow
- Increases vitality
Divine Crane Starts Dancing (Dancing Crane)
- Channels energy to the legs
- Beneficial for kidney stones
- Overcomes mental dullness
Second Son Carrying Mountains
- Overcomes chronic back pain
- Stimulates the eight secondary meridians
- Develops powerful arms for martial artists
Lohan Draws Sabre (Drawing Knife)
- Generates energy flow to the eight secondary meridians
- Releases tension in the neck and shoulders
Fierce Tiger Pushing Mountains (Pushing Mountain)
- Overcomes rheumatism
- Promotes mental freshness
- Develops internal force for martial artists
Green Dragon Separating Water (Separating Water)
- Overcomes depression
- Beneficial to the heart and lung systems
Green Dragon Presenting Claws (Presenting Claws)
- Beneficial for those with diabetes
- Overcomes digestive disorders
- Overcomes worry and anxiety
Big Windmill Hand (Windmill Hand)
- Beneficial for the liver and spleen systems
- Beneficial for those with diabetes
- Develops internal force for martial artists
Lift Heels Bend Knees (Deep Knee Bends)
- Stimulates energy flow to the hands and feet
- Beneficial for rheumatism, arthritis, and internal injuries
- Supports overall lower body health
Divine Crane Rotates Knees (Rotating Knees)
- Excellent for knee pain
- Enhances sexual performance and enjoyment
Condition-Specific Guides
For deeper guidance on the best exercises for a particular condition, the following pages each cover a specific health area in detail:
- Best Qigong Exercises for Diabetes
- Best Qigong Exercises for Longevity
- Best Qigong Exercises for Arthritis and Rheumatism
- Best Qigong Exercises for Haemorrhoid Relief
- Best Qigong Exercises for Knee Pain
- Best Qigong Exercises for Asthma
- Best Qigong Exercises for Overcoming Depression
- Best Qigong Exercises for Mind Expansion
- Best Qigong Exercises for Back Pain
