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 Shenxian kaoguai (The Immortal leans on a staff), a technique used to treat pain in the lower and upper back. It is practised in a standing position, leaning on a staff. Turning the neck and back to left and right, one circulates Qi for 18 breaths, each breath circulating three times. The knee should touch the ground.
