developing internal energy& mind, body & sprit is what the exercise is all about....that coupled w/ dynamic tension, gathering internal & external energy.....99% of the folks out their dont do the real 18 lohan.....itb comes from then shaolin temple; through this exercise is how they do one finger stands(combined w/ focusing on pressure points)& extrenal strenghthening, (iron hand) been doing it for 25+ years).....