About the author

Ma Qi's biographical information is very limited in publicly available sources; neither his nationality nor his dates of birth and death are clearly recorded, and the main basis for knowing him is the three works that survive under his name. Judging from their titles and content—Sheng Shen Mi Zhi (Secret Essentials of Nourishing Life), Lu Di Xian Jing (Scripture of the Earthly Immortal), and Xiu Kun Lun Zheng Yan (Verified Experiences in Cultivating Kunlun)—Ma Qi's writing centers on traditional health cultivation, guided breathing and bodily practice, and is commonly classified under medicine and health, wellness, and related subjects. Such texts tend to state methods and principles of care in concise, itemized language, emphasizing practical applicability rather than elaborate theorizing. On present evidence his output is small, yet it holds a place in the lineage of health-cultivation classics and offers some reference value for understanding traditional views of the body and everyday health practices. Owing to the scarcity of historical records, Ma Qi's personal experience, intellectual background, and circle of associates remain to be further investigated.

Written (3)

Publishers

Traditional Chinese Medicine Ancient Books Publishing HouseChina Medical Science Press