Qigong, as an art of healing and health preservation, is thought to have originated as early as four thousand years ago in the Tang Yao times as a form of dancing. Lu's Spring and Autumn Annals or Lu's History (Lu Shi Chun Qiu) records: In the beginning of the Tao Tang Tribes, the sun was often shut off by heavy clouds and it rained all the time; turbulent waters overflowed the rivers' banks. People lived a gloomy and dull life and suffered from rigidity of their joints. As a remedy dancing was recommended. From the experience of their long-term struggle with nature, the ancients gradually realized that body movements, exclamations and various ways of breathing could help re-adjust certain bodily functions. For example, imitating animal movements such as climbing, looking about and leaping was found to promote a vital flow of Qi. Pronounced "Hi" it was found to either decrease or increase strength, "Ha" could disperse heat, and "Xu" could alleviate pain. In this way, Qigong was brought into being.