Chinese Qigong practice, from early C20 illustrated MS

Illustration of practice named 'Tapping the Teeth to Assemble the Spirits' (kou chi ji shen) 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 'Tapping the Teeth to Assemble the Spirits': First one must sit cross-legged with eyes shut and fists closed, and enter a meditative state. One taps the teeth together 36 times to assemble the spirits. Then, with fingers entwined at the back of the neck, one breaths deeply in and out 9 times. The breathing must be inaudible. One then covers both ears with the palms of the hands, and breaths in and out 9 times, counting silently in one's mind. After this, pressing with the second finger on the middle finger, one strikes the back of the head 24 times.

Heading: Explanatory diagram of 'Tapping the Teeth to Assemble the Spirits' (kou chi ji shen)