According to Hua Tuo, each animal's characteristic movements improve a specific function of our body. Regular practice of the Five-Animal Routine can strengthen muscles and bones, limber up joints, nourish viscera and balance yin and yang. In traditional Chinese medicine, yin and yang produce the impetus to keep the systems that coordinate bodily functions in balance. The yang organs like the stomach absorb energy whereas the yin organs such as liver and kidney transform the energy into fundamental substances and store them. Disease is believed to be the result of disorder of homeostasis, or imbalance of yin and yang.

    Bowing and swaying clockwise like a clumsy bear results in massages of stomach and spleen and strengthens the legs. Stretching arms forward and upward the way a tiger catches its prey works the spine so that the vital energy can circulate smoothly between coccyx and head. To simulate a deer, one tucks in the middle and the ring fingers while keeping the other fingers erect in a shape of deer antler. With arms protracted and body bent sideways, the person is in the position of a deer butting up against its opponent, and in doing so, the strain of lumbar muscles is relieved.

    The monkey routine requires one to shrug shoulders, while clasping the hands in front of the chest and lifting the heels. This is meant to steer the energy flow toward the heart and head. Mimicking a playful monkey that is looking around and reaching out for fruit demands more than flexible legs and arms but also swift rolls of eyeballs that enhance the development of facial muscles.

    The crane might be the most challenging since the practitioner must pose standing on one foot while arms stretch up and down as if a crane is flapping its wings. It is an ideal way to make knees stronger and obtain a better sense of balance.

    All actions must be done symmetrically on both left side and right side or upside and downside, combining with breath conditioning that is in line with the TCM concept of "discharging the stale energy and taking in new." The synchronization of breath and body movements is good for the respiratory system.

    The Five-animal Routine has proved to be an effective non-intrusive remedy for a number of chronic diseases including hypertension, neurasthenia and arthritis. One may perform the five-animal movements as a set; or can pick one or two for regular practice according to individual health conditions.

    Wu Pu, one of Hua Tuo's disciples, practiced the Five-Animal Routine for decades and lived for over 100 years. He inherited his mentor's medical theories and wrote them up in his works.

    According to Wu Pu's work, Hua Tuo attached equal importance to peaceful mind and healthy body. For that reason, he designed the Five-Animal Routine not only for physical exercise, but also as a psychological treatment. To enhance these benefits, one has to call up empathic connections in the process. For instance, a practitioner is supposed to vent his anger and depression through the tiger play but gradually regain tranquility when shifting to the deer or the crane.

    The coda of the practice is another meditation, which prompts the nurture of personal courage, renewal of spirit and finally achievement of an inner peace. On top of that, Hua Tuo believed that humans were instinctually connected to nature, which means one was probably capable of imitating animals spontaneously just to make oneself comfortable and at ease.

    Over centuries of development, the Five-Animal Routine has played a significant role in the physical regimen common to the culture. It was practiced by both the masses and royal families. What's more, the essence of the routine was passed down over generations embedded in other forms such as Wushu and Taichi.

    Today, the modern way of life poses significant stress on people. Doing the Five-Animal Routine continues to be used to relieve modern pressures while rejuvenating our bodies. In recent years, this bionic choreography is growing in popularity both at home and abroad. People in Southeast Asia and in the West practice the animals routine as a kind of dynamic qigong. In June 2011, the Five-Animal Routine was approved as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Chinese government, and it is one of the main courses required of students majoring in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).