Wu Qin Xi (frolics of five animals) was developed by Hua Tuo, the most famous doctor of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 A.D.). The exercises imitate the actions of animals based on the habits of the tiger, deer, bear, monkey and bird. They combine Tu Na (the art of expiration and inspiration) and Dao Yin (the movement of the limbs in Qigong) with theories covering the Viscera, Channels and Collaterals, Qi and Blood in traditional Chinese medicine. Its new adaptation for Health Qigong embodies the essences of traditional Wu Qin Xi, and combines physical actions with the body aesthetics and modern athletic science.

(China.org.cn February 14, 2008)