In 1973, archeologists in China excavated the tomb of King Ma who lived in the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - 24 AD). In this tomb at Mawangdui, on the outskirts of the city of Changsha in Hunan Province, they discovered medical manuals, compilations, and a silk scroll on which were drawn 44 humans in various poses or postures. Under each pose, or Dao-yin diagram, was a caption with the name of an animal or the name of the disease that the posture might help cure. Enthusiasts for the Eight Section Brocade exercises can find some of their exercises in this 2100 year old document.
- The Wonders of Qigong, 1985, pp. 13-17.
The so-called Daoyintu is also refereced to as source of our beloved 5 animals frolic. We even got a new book out in Chienese, where you find pics of the frolics with pics from the Daoyintu for explanation.
ReplyDeleteHope your health has improved as winter is around. Got the 1st cold front with 12°C, but training and gardening go full throttle now, without too much sweat, lol.
Happy holidays! (We have to wait till end of Jan. for Chinese New Year of the dragon!)
I agree that many Five Animal Frolics moves are seen the Daoyintu.
ReplyDeleteI hope your health improves, and you cold abates. The cold weather is a health challenge. In Red Bluff, California, we have been having early morning weather of 36F (2C) and at noon we are around 55F (13C).
It took me six months (July-Nov) to heal from 3 surgeries and negative pressure wound therapy on my upper left thigh to remove tumors or hematoma. My right middle toe is still ulcerated and I'm wearing an orthopedic shoe and going to the Mercy Hospital Wound Clinic in Redding. My walking and taijiquan training have been very limited.
Best wishes,
Mike
Happy holidays to you.