Chinese woodcut: Qigong exercise for pain throughout the body

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 Bai qi chong ding (One hundred Qi rushing to the top of the head), a technique used to treat pain throughout the body. It is practised as follows: One sits on a high stool with straight legs and feet on the floor, and makes movements like bending a bow. One circulates Qi for 12 breaths.

PICTURE TITLE: Bai qi chong ding (One hundred Qi rushing to the top of the head)