C16 Chinese woodcut: Daoyin technique for abdominal pain

Illustration of technique named 'Stirring the Cinnabar Field' (Jiao dantian) from Shouyang congshu: Xiuzhen miyao (Compendium of Longevity and Cultivation Practices: Arcane Essentials of Cultivating Perfection), a text on daoyin (therapeutic gymastics) and Qigong, describing 49 daoyin techniques. The original author of this work is unknown; supposedly, it was discovered in 1513 (8th year of the Zhengde reign period of the Ming dynasty) by Wang Zai, who published it with an introductory essay.

According to the text, this daoyin technique alleviates abdominal pain, and can also nourish essential Qi (jingqi).

Method: As shown in the illustration, sit up straight with the hands around the navel; using one's gong power, circulate Qi for 48 breaths.

Heading: Stirring the Cinnabar Field (Jiao dantian)