Qigong exercise to treat 'white' and 'red' dysentery

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 Hu shi wei (The tiger displays its might), a technique used to treat 'white' and 'red' dysentery, (chi bai li) i.e. severe diarrhoea, whether or not accompanied by blood. It is practised as follows: One raises one's Qi and settles into one's position, and one sends one's gong power to the left, circulating Qi for nine breaths. One then turns to the right and circulates Qi for a further nine breaths.

PICTURE TITLE: Hu shi wei (The tiger displays its might)