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 Jingang daoze (The Four Attendant Warriors strike blows), a technique used to treat abdominal distention, and pain throughout the body. It is practised as follows: One stands up straight with the hands raised palm upwards and the heels on the ground. Contracting the anus, one circulates Qi for nine breaths.
