Ancient Qigong Practice Illustrations
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 Lü zu jiu ji fa (Ancestor Lü's technique for rescuing from illness), a technique used to free blocked Qi channels. It is practised as follows: One adopts a standing position. If the blocked channels are on the left side of the body, one conducts one's gong power with the left hand and focuses the attention on the left side, raising the left arm while circulating Qi. The same procedure is carried out on the right, if that side is affected.