Hua Tuo was a renowned physician in China during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and the early Three Kingdoms period. He was killed by Cao Cao in the year 208. At that time, the country was in a state of war and plagued by epidemics, and the people were suffering greatly. Hua Tuo, seeing this, made the decision to resign from his official position and devote himself to the path of healing. He studied diligently, acquiring extensive knowledge in various medical fields including internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, and pediatrics. He was particularly skilled in anesthesia and made significant contributions to the field of medicine.
There is a story about the "Five Animal Play" associated with Hua Tuo. It is said that when Hua Tuo was young, he went to Mount Gongyi to collect herbs. While climbing halfway up the mountain, he discovered a cave. Curious, he wanted to go in, but then he heard people inside discussing medical techniques. He stood outside the cave and listened intently. As he listened, he heard them mention Hua Tuo, which frightened him. Just as he was about to turn and run away, he heard someone call out, "Hua Sheng has already arrived, why not come inside for a discussion!" Hua Tuo had no choice but to enter the cave, where he found two white-haired immortals. They imparted to him many marvelous medical techniques and taught him a set of exercises: imitating the postures of a tiger, deer, bear, ape, and crane. This became known as the famous "Five Animal Play." After descending the mountain, Hua Tuo followed their teachings. Not only did he treat numerous patients, but he also improved his own health.
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the five animals - tiger, deer, bear, ape, and crane - correspond to the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, as well as the five organs of the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. By imitating their postures in exercise, it indirectly exercises and strengthens the internal organs. The saying "beyond the image, within the realm" holds true. These five animals have different habits and movement styles - some are strong and vigorous, others are agile and nimble, some are steady and solid, others are unpredictable, and some can fly high independently. By imitating their various postures, all the joints and muscles of the body can be exercised. As Hua Tuo said, "The human body needs exercise, but it should not be excessive. By shaking, the valley energy is dissipated, blood circulation is enhanced, and diseases are prevented. It is like a well-preserved door hinge, never decaying. Therefore, the ancient immortals served as guides, imitating the movements of bears, looking around like hawks, pulling and twisting the waist, moving all the joints, in order to seek longevity." This clearly indicates the principle behind the Five Animal Play: promoting the circulation of qi and blood through bodily movement, dispelling illness, and promoting longevity.
Modern medical research has shown that the Five Animal Play is an effective form of exercise. It can enhance and improve the function of the nervous system, increase the brain's inhibitory and regulatory functions, and contribute to the repair and regeneration of nerve cells. It can also improve lung and heart function, increase myocardial oxygen supply, enhance cardiac contractility, and promote the normal development of organs and tissues. Additionally, it can enhance gastrointestinal activity and secretion, improve digestion and absorption, and provide nutrients for bodily activities. In Hua Tuo's time, although he did not understand these principles, he was able to develop a scientific method of exercise based on his extensive experience, which is truly remarkable.
Regarding the Five Animal Play itself, it is not simply a set of gymnastics exercises, but a high-level form of health qigong. Hua Tuo combined bodily movement with breathing, using qigong techniques to restore the disrupted flow of qi and blood in the body and promote health. Later generations developed tai chi, xingyi, bagua, and other forms of exercise that have some connection to the Five Animal Play. Undoubtedly, it has played a significant role in healthcare.
Due to Hua Tuo's dedication to practicing the Five Animal Play, his face appeared like bronze, his hair was full and black, his teeth were strong, and his gait was steady. Even when he reached nearly a hundred years old, he still had the appearance of a youth, was full of energy, and had agile movements and a nimble gait. His disciples, Wu Pu, Fan A, and others who followed his training methods, also lived beyond 90 years old with sharp hearing and clear vision. Therefore, Hua Tuo's longevity was entirely attributed to the practice of the Five Animal Play.
