Chinese woodcut: Qigong exercise to treat boils and ulcers

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 po qi fa (Ancestor Lü's technique for breaking stagnant Qi), a technique used to treat boils and ulcers. It is practised as follows: One sits upright and cross-legged, with the left fist against the left side, and the right hand resting on the knee. Concentrating the attention, one circulates Qi through the affected part, for six breaths on the right side and six on the left.

PICTURE TITLE: Lü zu po qi fa (Ancestor Lü's technique for breaking stagnant Qi), 2