Chinese Qigong practice, from early C20 illustrated MS

Illustration of practice named 'Rocking the Celestial Pillar' (yao tianzhu) from a manuscript copy of Weisheng hebi (Harmonious Assemblage of Preserving Life) made in 1914 (3rd year of the Chinese Republic, Jia Yin year).

Weisheng hebi is a compendium of 'nourishing life' (yang sheng) literature. It draws on more than 20 texts, ancient and modern, some of which are reproduced in their entirety, and includes explanations and notes on obscure passages.

Method for 'Rocking the Celestial Pillar': One must first close the fists, then shake the head, turning it to look back to left and right, allowing the shoulders and neck to follow the motion. Do this 24 times to left and right. The 'Celestial Pillar' is the back of the neck.