Qigong exercise to treat abdominal deficiency and swelling

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 Tuo tian da (Raising one's arms to beseech the heavens), a technique used to treat deficiency and swelling (xu zhong) of the abdomen. It is practised as follows: Sitting upright, one lifts one's interlocked hands as though imploring the heavens, and circulates Qi upwards for nine breaths and downwards for nine breaths.

PICTURE TITLE: Tuo tian da (Raising one's arms to beseech the heavens)