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 Yao tianzhu (Shaking the celestial pillar), a technique used to treat headache and obstructed blood flow. It is practised as follows: Sitting upright and cross-legged, with the hands resting on the knees, one twists the neck and the back to the left and circulates Qi for 12 breaths. Then, twisting the neck and the back to the right, one again circulates Qi for 12 breaths.
