Lifting the Sky

A seated qigong move: raise the arms overhead on the in-breath, float them down on the out-breath. 4 times.

02 / 08Seated figure with both arms raised overhead
The dark figure shows the position; orange dotted arrows show which way to move. Front-view pictures work like a mirror: copy them as if they were your reflection.

How to do it

  1. Start with your hands in your lap.
  2. Breathe in: raise your arms overhead, palms toward the ceiling.
  3. Look ahead, not up.
  4. Breathe out: float your arms down out to the sides.

How many 4 times

Gentler version

Raise your arms to shoulder height only.

Who should skip this or take care

Lower your arms if you feel shoulder pain or light-headed.

Read the safety check if you have a heart, bone or joint condition.

Common mistake

Looking up at the hands. Keep your eyes ahead to protect your neck.

The chair tai chi chart

  1. 01Opening4 times
  2. 02Lifting the Sky4 times
  3. 03Holding the Ball3 breaths each way
  4. 04Cloud Hands6 slow turns
  5. 05Parting the Wild Horse's Mane3 times each side
  6. 06Brush Knee3 times each side
  7. 07Push4 times
  8. 08ClosingOnce

More for flowing tai chi

Last updated . Sources · Safety