Chinese Qigong practice, from early C20 illustrated MS

Illustration of practice named 'Rubbing the Kidney Mansion' (mo shen tang) 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 'Rubbing the Kidney Mansion': Having breathed in fresh air (Qi) through the nose, hold the breath, while simultaneously rubbing the hands together until they become extremely hot. With one's hands behind one's back, rub the kidney area while exhaling very gradually.