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 a technique for treating pain in the legs and the small of the back. It is practised as follows: From a standing position, one clenches one's fists and bends down low as though making a deep bow, with the arms raised at the back of the neck. With the mouth closed, one performs three or four small exhalations through the nose.
