Chinese woodcut: Qigong exercise to treat lumbar pain

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 tuo xue (The Immortal takes off his boots), a technique used to treat pain in the small of the back. It is practised as follows: Standing upright, one supports oneself against a wall with the right hand, allowing the left hand to hang down, and points the toes of the right foot. One circulates Qi for 18 breaths. This should be done on both sides.

PICTURE TITLE: Xianren tuo xue (The Immortal takes off his boots)