Chinese woodcut: Qigong exercise to regulate blood vessels

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 Li Bai wan yue (The poet Li Bai enjoys the moon), a technique used to regulate the blood vessels. It is practised as follows: One adopts an attitude as though killing a snake, with arms and legs crossed. One moves one's gong power to left and right; one circulates Qi for 12 breaths on the left, and likewise on the right.

PICTURE TITLE: Li Bai wan yue (The poet Li Bai enjoys the moon)