Kung-Fu, or Tauist Medical Gymnastics: Medicinal Kung: Extra Curative Kung without Prescriptions

Kung-Fu, or Tauist Medical Gymnastics, by John Dudgeon, [1895], at sacred-texts.com

Extra Curative Kung without Prescriptions.

In a work copiously and beautifully illustrated on Kung-fu, which apparently has been abstracted from my library but of which I made a translation and had the most striking illustrations copied and cut nearly 30 years ago, I find many of the illustrations and descriptions with unimportant variations in other and later works on the subject, some of which have already been presented to the reader. The titles of some of the kung are altered, and the positions slightly varied; the description of the exercises is very closely adhered to in all. The titles are in most cases very poetical and graphic, and are supposed to be suggested by the attitudes. To save space, incorporation has been attempted. Repetition both in letter-press and figures is sought to be avoided, and only the more striking ones are presented. These curative exercises are followed by prophylactic ones, including the Dragon and Tiger series.

No. 1.—The Patriarch Lü's Method for separating the Roads (the supposed vessels proceeding to the various viscera).—For the cure of weakness of the pulses of these vessels.

The Figure is similar to that for the middle of the Fifth month of the series for the Year.

No. 2.—The Patriarch Lü’s Method for distributing and regulating the air that has become stationary.—To cure spermatorrhœa.

This Figure is identical with that of the middle of the Ninth month of the Year's kung.

No. 3.—Pa Wang raising the Incense Burner. (If the cock crow at the first watch, fires are prevailing; if at the second, thieves).

The Figure is similar to that of the middle of the Fourth month of the Year's series.

p. 208

No. 4.—Ursa Major's Tail opening what is closed.—For the cure of all miscellaneous diseases.

Sit erect with both hands on the legs and bend the head and body, now to the right, and then to the left, and take in 14 breaths.

No. 5.—For the cure of chronic abdominal growths.

Sit straight, rub the ribs of both sides, and the part over the tumours; and while rubbing inspire 34 times.

No. 6.—The Etiquette of the Immortals.—For the cure of paralysis.

p. 209

Sit on a high seat, the left foot placed on the opposite thigh, and the right extended forwards; clasp both hands, and, with the head turned in the opposite direction, stretch out the clasped hands in the other, and vice versâ, inspiring 34 times.

No. 7.—For the cure of Lumbago and Sciatica.

Both hands together, bend them to the ground slowly; raise them up again quietly straight above the head; shut the mouth, and breathe through the nose 3 or 4 times.

No. 8.—For the cure of cold of the Kidneys, with pain in the back and limbs.

Both hands are made warm and pressed against the lumber region. (See Ornamental Sections, No. 4).

p. 210

No. 9.—Li Peh * enjoying the Moonlight.—For the cure of stoppage of the blood.

The position is like beating a serpent. Grasp the feet with the hands, reverse the hands, and take 12 breaths.

No. 10.—Moving the "Heavenly Pillar."—For the cure of headache, rheumatism and imperviousness of the blood vessels.

Place both hands on the knees, twist the head to both sides, and take 12 inspirations. (See Ornamental Sections, No. 2).

p. 211

No. 11.—The Patriarch Lü's Method for curing Disease, caused by the blocking up of the vessels with the blood and air.

Stand, and if on the left raise the left hand, and vice versâ.

No. 12.—For the cure of diaphragmatic dyspepsia.

Let the left hand be thrown to the left side, and let the fight hand follow it with the head thrown in the opposite direction, and vice versâ; to be repeated on each side 9 times. (The illustration resembles that of the Solar Term of the Tenth month).

No. 13.—The Patriarch's Lü's Method for separating the Air.—For the cure of stiffness of the body.

With closed fists press on both ribs on a level with the hollow of the breast (the ensiform cartilage at the bottom of the heart), and use strength internally in breathing on both sides 24 times.

No. 14.—To harmonize the blood vessels, the three divisions of the body (upper, middle and lower parts of the trunk, into which the Chinese divide the body), and to cure indistinctness of vision and weakness.

Sit cross-legged and rub the hands till warm, and then rub the soles of the feet; then press both hands on the knees, open the mouth, and inspire deeply 9 times.

No. 15.—Pa Wang's Walking Method.—For the cure of painful contraction of the whole body caused by cold.

Stand, and with the hands press closely upon the part above the crest of the ilium, first on one side, then on the other, in three positions, with one leg forward. Repeat 12 times. (See Dragon series, No. 2).

Footnotes

210:* Li Peh, the most widely celebrated among the poets of China. He derives his name, T‘ai-peh, from the planet Venus, which is said to have shot down and entered the bosom of his mother. The Imperial Courtier, Ho Che-chang of the T‘ang Emperor, on hearing of his remarkable talent, exclaimed—"This is indeed an Immortal banished to earth." (See the author's article on The Beverages of the Chinese, for further notice of the Poet).

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