Chinese woodcut: Qigong exercise to treat lumbar pain

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 Lizhan huo ren xin (Standing practice to enliven one's heart), a technique used to treat pain in the small of the back. It is practised as follows: From an upright standing position, one bends forward, lowering the head, until the hands are level with the toes. One circulates Qi for 14 breaths. This technique is also known as Wu long bai wei (Black Dragon swings its tail).

PICTURE TITLE: Lizhan huo ren xin (Standing practice to enliven one's heart)