Chinese woodcut: Qigong exercise to treat paralysis

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 Xianren jin li (The Immortal pays his respects), a technique used to treat paralysis. It is practised as follows: One sits, keeping the body tall and upright, with the left leg bent and the right leg extended diagonally. Raising both arms to the left, one looks to the right and circulates Qi for 24 breaths. Then with the arms raised to the right and the gaze turned to the left, one again circulates Qi for 24 breaths.

PICTURE TITLE: Xianren jin li (The Immortal pays his respects)