The Five-Animal Exercises, which many people who have studied Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and health preservation know about, were the secret exercises of the renowned physician Hua Tuo.
In the Three Kingdoms era, Hua Tuo was a remarkable medical expert as well as an extraordinary specialist in health preservation. It is said that even when he was killed by Cao Cao, he still had sharp hearing and vision, with a full head of black hair! His disciples, Wu Pu and Fan A, both lived to be 100 years old. So, what was Hua Tuo's secret to health preservation? There is a story: it is said that when Hua Tuo was young, he went to Gongyi Mountain to gather herbs. When he climbed halfway up the mountain, he discovered a cave. Out of curiosity, he was about to enter when suddenly he heard voices inside discussing medical principles. He stood outside the cave and listened intently. As he listened, he heard those two people talking about him, which frightened him greatly. Just as he was about to turn and run, he suddenly heard someone call out, "Since Brother Hua has come, why not come in for a chat!" Reluctantly, Hua Tuo walked in and found two white-haired, long-bearded immortals. They taught Hua Tuo many wondrous medical techniques and also passed on to him a set of fitness exercises: mimicking the movements of tigers, deer, bears, apes, and cranes. These are the famous "Five-Animal Exercises." After Hua Tuo descended the mountain, he followed their teachings and not only treated many patients but also improved his own health.
From the perspective of TCM, the five animals—tiger, deer, bear, ape, and crane—are associated with the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, and correspond to the five organs: heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. People mimic...