C16 Chinese woodcut: Daoyin technique for paralysis

Illustration of technique named 'The Immortals point the way' (Xianren zhi lu) from Shouyang congshu: Xiuzhen miyao (Compendium of Longevity and Cultivation Practices: Arcane Essentials of Cultivating Perfection), a text on daoyin (therapeutic gymastics) and Qigong, describing 49 daoyin techniques. The original author of this work is unknown; supposedly, it was discovered in 1513 (8th year of the Zhengde reign period of the Ming dynasty) by Wang Zai, who published it with an introductory essay.

According to the text, this daoyin technique treats paralysis (tanhuan).

Method: As shown in the illustration, stretch the arms towards the left and gaze towards the right; circulate Qi for 24 breaths.