Qigong exercise to treat pain in the back, shoulders and arms

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 Lü zu xing qi fa (Ancestor Lü's method of moving Qi), a technique used to treat pain in the back, shoulders and arms. It is practised as follows: One stands upright ('like a column'), with the left hand and arm outstretched, and kneads the fleshy part of the arm with the fingers of the right hand. One circulates Qi for 22 breaths. One then does the same with the right arm.

PICTURE TITLE: Lü zu xing qi fa (Ancestor Lü's method of moving Qi)