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 for treating deficiency-cold in the Kidney Hall (kidney area), which is supposed to cure pain in the legs and the small of the back. It is practised as follows: One sits upright and cross-legged. After rubbing the hands together to warm them, one massages the jingmen (Portal of Essence) location on the back One circulates Qi for 24 breaths.
