works

Galleries and Reading Room

Wellcome Café

Library

Wellcome Kitchen

Wellcome Shop

To make your visit as safe and enjoyable as possible, you’ll need to follow our safety measures inside our venue, including wearing a face covering unless you’re exempt. Find out how we're keeping you safe. You no longer need to book a ticket to enter the museum or library.

We’re undertaking research with website visitors to find out some more about you and what you thought about your visit. This survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete. Thank you for your time!

What brought you to our website today?

Illustration of 'Technique for nurturing the heart', finely executed colour painting from Daoyin tu (Diagrams of Therapeutic Movement [daoyin]), by Kun Lan (Qing period, 1644-1911), MS dated 1875 (1st year of the Guangxu reign period of the Qing dynasty). Daoyin tu contains explanations and illustrations of 24 daoyin techniques. They comprise 9 seated techniques, 6 standing techniques, 6 recumbent techniques, 2 squatting techniques, and one kneeling technique.

Daoyin technique to nurture the heart, C19 Chinese MS

Jinshen jiyao is a manual of daoyin (therapeutic exercise, lit. 'guiding and pulling'). According to the preface, it was originally composed in the Tang period by Deng Xixian, and subsequently transmitted to Hundun Zi (Master Chaos). The notes and commentary are by the Ming author Lu Zhigang. This edition was published in 1593 (the 21st year of the Wanli reign period of Ming dynasty). The book is in three juan, each devoted to a separate set of practices: Jin qi long (Brocade of the Dragon), Jin qi hu (Brocade of the Tiger) and Jin qi long hu jiaogou (Brocade of the Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger). Altogether, it describes 36 poses. The techniques of Jin qi long hu jiaogou comprise 12 poses: San hu chao long (Three Tigers face the Dragon) is the twelfth of these.

Daoyin exercises: Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger, Pose 12

Illustration of 'Technique for curing involuntary seminal emission' (shi jing), finely executed colour painting from Daoyin tu (Diagrams of Therapeutic Movement [daoyin]), by Kun Lan (Qing period, 1644-1911), MS dated 1875 (1st year of the Guangxu reign period of the Qing dynasty). Daoyin tu contains explanations and illustrations of 24 daoyin techniques. They comprise 9 seated techniques, 6 standing techniques, 6 recumbent techniques, 2 squatting techniques, and one kneeling technique.

Daoyin technique to cure seminal emission, C19 Chinese MS

Jinshen jiyao is a manual of daoyin (therapeutic exercise, lit. 'guiding and pulling'). According to the preface, it was originally composed in the Tang period by Deng Xixian, and subsequently transmitted to Hundun Zi (Master Chaos). The notes and commentary are by the Ming author Lu Zhigang. This edition was published in 1593 (the 21st year of the Wanli reign period of Ming dynasty). The book is in three juan, each devoted to a separate set of practices: Jin qi long (Brocade of the Dragon), Jin qi hu (Brocade of the Tiger) and Jin qi long hu jiaogou (Brocade of the Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger). Altogether, it describes 36 poses. The techniques of Jin qi hu comprise 12 poses: Shu jin hu (Tiger stretching its sinews) is the fourth of these.

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Tiger, 4

Illustration of 'Technique for curing deficiency-debilitation' (xuruo), finely executed colour painting from Daoyin tu (Diagrams of Therapeutic Movement [daoyin]), by Kun Lan (Qing period, 1644-1911), MS dated 1875 (1st year of the Guangxu reign period of the Qing dynasty). Daoyin tu contains explanations and illustrations of 24 daoyin techniques. They comprise 9 seated techniques, 6 standing techniques, 6 recumbent techniques, 2 squatting techniques, and one kneeling technique.

Daoyin technique to cure debilitation, C19 Chinese MS

Illustration of 'Technique for nurturing Qi and blood', finely executed colour painting from Daoyin tu (Diagrams of Therapeutic Movement [daoyin]), by Kun Lan (Qing period, 1644-1911), MS dated 1875 (1st year of the Guangxu reign period of the Qing dynasty). Daoyin tu contains explanations and illustrations of 24 daoyin techniques. They comprise 9 seated techniques, 6 standing techniques, 6 recumbent techniques, 2 squatting techniques, and one kneeling technique.

Daoyin technique to nurture Qi and blood, C19 Chinese MS

Illustration of 'Technique for curing chills and fevers' (hanre), finely executed colour painting from Daoyin tu (Diagrams of Therapeutic Movement [daoyin]), by Kun Lan (Qing period, 1644-1911), MS dated 1875 (1st year of the Guangxu reign period of the Qing dynasty). Daoyin tu contains explanations and illustrations of 24 daoyin techniques. They comprise 9 seated techniques, 6 standing techniques, 6 recumbent techniques, 2 squatting techniques, and one kneeling technique.

Daoyin technique to cure chills and fevers, C19 Chinese MS

Jinshen jiyao is a manual of daoyin (therapeutic exercise, lit. 'guiding and pulling'). According to the preface, it was originally composed in the Tang period by Deng Xixian, and subsequently transmitted to Hundun Zi (Master Chaos). The notes and commentary are by the Ming author Lu Zhigang. This edition was published in 1593 (the 21st year of the Wanli reign period of Ming dynasty). The book is in three juan, each devoted to a separate set of practices: Jin qi long (Brocade of the Dragon), Jin qi hu (Brocade of the Tiger) and Jin qi long hu jiaogou (Brocade of the Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger). Altogether, it describes 36 poses. The techniques of Jin qi hu comprise 12 poses: Ding qi long (Tiger leaning on the Tripod) is the sixth of these.

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Tiger, 6

Jinshen jiyao is a manual of daoyin (therapeutic exercise, lit. 'guiding and pulling'). According to the preface, it was originally composed in the Tang period by Deng Xixian, and subsequently transmitted to Hundun Zi (Master Chaos). The notes and commentary are by the Ming author Lu Zhigang. This edition was published in 1593 (the 21st year of the Wanli reign period of Ming dynasty). The book is in three juan, each devoted to a separate set of practices: Jin qi long (Brocade of the Dragon), Jin qi hu (Brocade of the Tiger) and Jin qi long hu jiaogou (Brocade of the Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger). Altogether, it describes 36 poses. The techniques of Jin qi long comprise 12 poses: Mo ding long (Dragon rubbing its head) is the third of these.

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Dragon, 3

Illustration of technique named 'Stirring the Cinnabar Field' (Jiao dantian) from Shouyang congshu: Xiuzhen miyao (Compendium of Longevity and Cultivation Practices: Arcane Essentials of Cultivating Perfection), a text on daoyin (therapeutic gymastics) and Qigong, describing 49 daoyin techniques. The original author of this work is unknown; supposedly, it was discovered in 1513 (8th year of the Zhengde reign period of the Ming dynasty) by Wang Zai, who published it with an introductory essay.
According to the text, this daoyin technique alleviates abdominal pain, and can also nourish essential Qi (jingqi).



 Method: As shown in the illustration, sit up straight with the hands around the navel; using one's gong power, circulate Qi for 48 breaths.

C16 Chinese woodcut: Daoyin technique for abdominal pain

Illustration of 'Technique for rectifying blood stasis' (yu xue), finely executed colour painting from Daoyin tu (Diagrams of Therapeutic Movement [daoyin]), by Kun Lan (Qing period, 1644-1911), MS dated 1875 (1st year of the Guangxu reign period of the Qing dynasty). Daoyin tu contains explanations and illustrations of 24 daoyin techniques. They comprise 9 seated techniques, 6 standing techniques, 6 recumbent techniques, 2 squatting techniques, and one kneeling technique.

Daoyin technique to rectify blood stasis, C19 Chinese MS

Jinshen jiyao is a manual of daoyin (therapeutic exercise, lit. 'guiding and pulling'). According to the preface, it was originally composed in the Tang period by Deng Xixian, and subsequently transmitted to Hundun Zi (Master Chaos). The notes and commentary are by the Ming author Lu Zhigang. This edition was published in 1593 (the 21st year of the Wanli reign period of Ming dynasty). The book is in three juan, each devoted to a separate set of practices: Jin qi long (Brocade of the Dragon), Jin qi hu (Brocade of the Tiger) and Jin qi long hu jiaogou (Brocade of the Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger). Altogether, it describes 36 poses. The techniques of Jin qi long comprise 12 poses: Qu shui long (Dragon taking water) is the tenth of these.

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Dragon, 10

Illustration of 'Technique for nurturing Normal Qi' (zheng qi), finely executed colour painting from Daoyin tu (Diagrams of Therapeutic Movement [daoyin]), by Kun Lan (Qing period, 1644-1911), MS dated 1875 (1st year of the Guangxu reign period of the Qing dynasty). Daoyin tu contains explanations and illustrations of 24 daoyin techniques. They comprise 9 seated techniques, 6 standing techniques, 6 recumbent techniques, 2 squatting techniques, and one kneeling technique.

Daoyin technique to nurture Normal Qi, C19 Chinese MS

Wanshou xianshu (The Immortals' Book of Longevity), by Wu Weizhen (Ming period, 1368-1644), aims to bring together the cream of longevity techniques from various schools. It juxtaposes text and illustration, and provides information on drugs to be used in conjunction with gymnastic practices. Bagua zhoutian tu (Universal chart of the Eight Trigrams) appears in the latter juan (volume), 'Zhu shen daoyin tu' (Daoyin [therapeutic movement] images of various immortals). It illustrates the relations of the Eight Trigrams (qian [Heaven), kun [Earth), zhen [Thunder], xun [Mild Wind], kan [Water], li [Fire], gen [Mountain] and dui [Lake]) with the Five Agents (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water). Each of these elements has its own place, and yet all are engaged in a ceaseless process of movement and transformation. If the practitioner attains knowledge of this truth, he or she can achieve immortality.

GGraphic from Ming Chinese longevity text, woodcut

Jinshen jiyao is a manual of daoyin (therapeutic exercise, lit. 'guiding and pulling'). According to the preface, it was originally composed in the Tang period by Deng Xixian, and subsequently transmitted to Hundun Zi (Master Chaos). The notes and commentary are by the Ming author Lu Zhigang. This edition was published in 1593 (the 21st year of the Wanli reign period of Ming dynasty). The book is in three juan, each devoted to a separate set of practices: Jin qi long (Brocade of the Dragon), Jin qi hu (Brocade of the Tiger) and Jin qi long hu jiaogou (Brocade of the Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger). Altogether, it describes 36 poses. The techniques of Jin qi hu comprise 12 poses: Chu dong hu (Tiger emerging from the cave) is the second of these.

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Tiger, 2

Jinshen jiyao is a manual of daoyin (therapeutic exercise, lit. 'guiding and pulling'). According to the preface, it was originally composed in the Tang period by Deng Xixian, and subsequently transmitted to Hundun Zi (Master Chaos). The notes and commentary are by the Ming author Lu Zhigang. This edition was published in 1593 (the 21st year of the Wanli reign period of Ming dynasty). The book is in three juan, each devoted to a separate set of practices: Jin qi long (Brocade of the Dragon), Jin qi hu (Brocade of the Tiger) and Jin qi long hu jiaogou (Brocade of the Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger). Altogether, it describes 36 poses. The techniques of Jin qi long hu jiaogou comprise 12 poses: Hu chui long di (The Tiger plays on the Dragon's flute)

Daoyin exercises: The Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger, Pose 1

Illustration of practice named 'Single-Pass Windlass' (dan guan lulu) from a manuscript copy of Weisheng hebi (Harmonious Assemblage of Preserving Life) made in 1914 (3rd year of the Chinese Republic, Jia Yin year). Weisheng hebi is a compendium of 'nourishing life' (yang sheng) literature. It draws on more than 20 texts, ancient and modern, some of which are reproduced in their entirety, and includes explanations and notes on obscure passages. Method for 'Single-Pass Windlass': In this technique, one must bow the head and swing the shoulder and arm like a windlass, 36 times on the left, 36 times on the right, and 36 times on both sides together.

Chinese Qigong practice, from early C20 illustrated MS

Jinshen jiyao is a manual of daoyin (therapeutic exercise, lit. 'guiding and pulling'). According to the preface, it was originally composed in the Tang period by Deng Xixian, and subsequently transmitted to Hundun Zi (Master Chaos). The notes and commentary are by the Ming author Lu Zhigang. This edition was published in 1593 (the 21st year of the Wanli reign period of Ming dynasty). The book is in three juan, each devoted to a separate set of practices: Jin qi long (Brocade of the Dragon), Jin qi hu (Brocade of the Tiger) and Jin qi long hu jiaogou (Brocade of the Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger). Altogether, it describes 36 poses. The techniques of Jin qi long comprise 12 poses: Bi xi long (Dragon holding its breath) is the seventh of these.

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Dragon, 7

Illustration of 'Technique for strengthening the body and driving away disease', finely executed colour painting from Daoyin tu (Diagrams of Therapeutic Movement [daoyin]), by Kun Lan (Qing period, 1644-1911), MS dated 1875 (1st year of the Guangxu reign period of the Qing dynasty). Daoyin tu contains explanations and illustrations of 24 daoyin techniques. They comprise 9 seated techniques, 6 standing techniques, 6 recumbent techniques, 2 squatting techniques, and one kneeling technique.

Daoyin strengthening technique to banish disease, C19 Chinese

Illustration of 'Technique for curing abdominal pain', finely executed colour painting from Daoyin tu (Diagrams of Therapeutic Movement [daoyin]), by Kun Lan (Qing period, 1644-1911), MS dated 1875 (1st year of the Guangxu reign period of the Qing dynasty). Daoyin tu contains explanations and illustrations of 24 daoyin techniques. They comprise 9 seated techniques, 6 standing techniques, 6 recumbent techniques, 2 squatting techniques, and one kneeling technique.

Daoyin technique to cure abdominal pain, C19 Chinese MS

Illustration of technique named 'The immortal strikes the lyre' (Xianren fu qin) from Shouyang congshu: Xiuzhen miyao (Compendium of Longevity and Cultivation Practices: Arcane Essentials of Cultivating Perfection), a text on daoyin (therapeutic gymastics) and Qigong, describing 49 daoyin techniques. The original author of this work is unknown; supposedly, it was discovered in 1513 (8th year of the Zhengde reign period of the Ming dynasty) by Wang Zai, who published it with an introductory essay.According to the text, this daoyin technique treats chronic, longstanding huangzhong ('Yellow swelling'; oedema with jaundice). Method: As shown in the illustration, place both hands on the knees; concentrate the attention and hold the breath; circulate Qi for 49 breaths. Thus the Qi will be unblocked, the blood will liquefy, and the illness will clear up spontaneously.

C16 Chinese woodcut: Daoyin technique for 'Yellow swelling'

Jinshen jiyao is a manual of daoyin (therapeutic exercise, lit. 'guiding and pulling'). According to the preface, it was originally composed in the Tang period by Deng Xixian, and subsequently transmitted to Hundun Zi (Master Chaos). The notes and commentary are by the Ming author Lu Zhigang. This edition was published in 1593 (the 21st year of the Wanli reign period of Ming dynasty). The book is in three juan, each devoted to a separate set of practices: Jin qi long (Brocade of the Dragon), Jin qi hu (Brocade of the Tiger) and Jin qi long hu jiaogou (Brocade of the Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger). Altogether, it describes 36 poses. The techniques of Jin qi hu comprise 12 poses: Fei hong hu (Tiger flying over the rainbow) is the third of these.

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Tiger, 3

Jinshen jiyao is a manual of daoyin (therapeutic exercise, lit. 'guiding and pulling'). According to the preface, it was originally composed in the Tang period by Deng Xixian, and subsequently transmitted to Hundun Zi (Master Chaos). The notes and commentary are by the Ming author Lu Zhigang. This edition was published in 1593 (the 21st year of the Wanli reign period of Ming dynasty). The book is in three juan, each devoted to a separate set of practices: Jin qi long (Brocade of the Dragon), Jin qi hu (Brocade of the Tiger) and Jin qi long hu jiaogou (Brocade of the Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger). Altogether, it describes 36 poses. The techniques of Jin qi long hu jiaogou comprise 12 poses: Di long tian hu (Earthly Dragon and celestial Tiger) is the sixth of these.

Daoyin exercises: The Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger, Pose 6

Jinshen jiyao is a manual of daoyin (therapeutic exercise, lit. 'guiding and pulling'). According to the preface, it was originally composed in the Tang period by Deng Xixian, and subsequently transmitted to Hundun Zi (Master Chaos). The notes and commentary are by the Ming author Lu Zhigang. This edition was published in 1593 (the 21st year of the Wanli reign period of Ming dynasty). The book is in three juan, each devoted to a separate set of practices: Jin qi long (Brocade of the Dragon), Jin qi hu (Brocade of the Tiger) and Jin qi long hu jiaogou (Brocade of the Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger). Altogether, it describes 36 poses. The techniques of Jin qi hu comprise 12 poses: Na quan hu (Tiger accepting the coin) is the tenth of these.

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Tiger, 10

Illustration of practice named 'Belaying' (gou pan) from a manuscript copy of Weisheng hebi (Harmonious Assemblage of Preserving Life) made in 1914 (3rd year of the Chinese Republic, Jia Yin year). Weisheng hebi is a compendium of 'nourishing life' (yang sheng) literature. It draws on more than 20 texts, ancient and modern, some of which are reproduced in their entirety, and includes explanations and notes on obscure passages.

Wellcome uses cookies.

More filters

Active filters:

Daoyin technique to nurture the heart, C19 Chinese MS

Daoyin exercises: Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger, Pose 12

Daoyin technique to cure seminal emission, C19 Chinese MS

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Tiger, 4

Daoyin technique to cure debilitation, C19 Chinese MS

Daoyin technique to nurture Qi and blood, C19 Chinese MS

Daoyin technique to cure chills and fevers, C19 Chinese MS

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Tiger, 6

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Dragon, 3

C16 Chinese woodcut: Daoyin technique for abdominal pain

Daoyin technique to rectify blood stasis, C19 Chinese MS

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Dragon, 10

Daoyin technique to nurture Normal Qi, C19 Chinese MS

GGraphic from Ming Chinese longevity text, woodcut

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Tiger, 2

Daoyin exercises: The Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger, Pose 1

Chinese Qigong practice, from early C20 illustrated MS

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Dragon, 7

Daoyin strengthening technique to banish disease, C19 Chinese

Daoyin technique to cure abdominal pain, C19 Chinese MS

C16 Chinese woodcut: Daoyin technique for 'Yellow swelling'

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Tiger, 3

Daoyin exercises: The Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger, Pose 6

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Tiger, 10

Chinese Qigong practice, from early C20 illustrated MS

Stay in the know

Wellcome collection

Finding us:

Opening times:

Today's opening times

Wellcome uses cookies.

Search the collections

More filters

Active filters:

Daoyin technique to nurture the heart, C19 Chinese MS

Daoyin exercises: Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger, Pose 12

Daoyin technique to cure seminal emission, C19 Chinese MS

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Tiger, 4

Daoyin technique to cure debilitation, C19 Chinese MS

Daoyin technique to nurture Qi and blood, C19 Chinese MS

Daoyin technique to cure chills and fevers, C19 Chinese MS

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Tiger, 6

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Dragon, 3

C16 Chinese woodcut: Daoyin technique for abdominal pain

Daoyin technique to rectify blood stasis, C19 Chinese MS

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Dragon, 10

Daoyin technique to nurture Normal Qi, C19 Chinese MS

GGraphic from Ming Chinese longevity text, woodcut

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Tiger, 2

Daoyin exercises: The Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger, Pose 1

Chinese Qigong practice, from early C20 illustrated MS

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Dragon, 7

Daoyin strengthening technique to banish disease, C19 Chinese

Daoyin technique to cure abdominal pain, C19 Chinese MS

C16 Chinese woodcut: Daoyin technique for 'Yellow swelling'

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Tiger, 3

Daoyin exercises: The Intercourse of Dragon and Tiger, Pose 6

Chinese woodcut: Daoyin exercises, Brocade of the Tiger, 10

Chinese Qigong practice, from early C20 illustrated MS

Stay in the know

Wellcome collectionWellcome Collection

Finding us:

Opening times:

Today's opening times

Wellcome collection