Qigong exercise to treat distension and suffocation

Xiuzhen miyao, a gymnastic (daoyin/qigong) text of unknown origin, was rediscovered and published with a preface by Wang Zai in 1513 (8th year of the Zhengde reign period of the Ming dynasty). It records 49 exercises. This illustration depicts an exercise used to treat xiong ge zhang men (feeling of distension and suffocation in the chest and diaphragm). It is practised in a sitting pose. Stretching the left arm to the left and following its movement with the right arm, one twists the head to the right. Then, stretching the right arm to the right and following its movement with the left arm, one twists the head to the left. One circulates Qi for nine breaths on the left side and nine on the right.

PICTURE TITLE: Xiong ge zhang men (Feeling of distention and suffocation in the chest and diaphragm)