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Qigong exercise to treat various diseases. Wellcome Collection. Public Domain Mark. Source: Wellcome Collection.
Qigong exercise to treat various diseases
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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 Doubing kaiguan (The Immortals open up the pass at the Handle of the Big Dipper), a technique that is supposed to treat all non-specific illnesses. It is practised as follows: One sits upright with legs crossed and hands resting on the knees. Twisting the body to the left and the right, one circulates Qi for 14 breaths.
Lettering
PICTURE TITLE: The Immortals open up the pass at the Handle of the Big Dipper