Qigong exercise to treat weakness and pain in the upper back

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 a technique to treat weakness and pain in the upper back (houxin, 'back of the heart'). It is practised as follows: One sits upright, with the hands resting on the knees. Focusing the attention on the heart, one looks towards the left while lifting the right arm, and circulates Qi for 12 breaths. One then looks towards the right while lifting the left arm, and likewise circulates Qi for 12 breaths.

PICTURE TITLE: Weakness and pain in the upper back (houxin, 'back of the heart')