Woodcut from Yi shen ji (Physical Culture Compilation), published in 1852 (2nd year of the Xianfeng reign period of the Qing dynasty). The Yan nian jiu zhuan (Life-prolonging nine revolutions) method is an ancient technique intended to strengthen the body. It consists of nine exercises. This illustration depicts the seventh exercise. It is performed as follows: With the left hand, one presses the left kidney area, below the floating ribs. Moving the thumb forwards and the fourth finger backwards, one kneads the area gently. Using three fingers of the right hand, one presses vertically downwards from underneath the left breast to the left groin. One does this 21 times.