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I have heard that pine trees possess the solidity of a thousand years, whereas snow lacks even momentary firmness. If a pine tree is planted in rotten soil, it will inevitably be infested by insects within a month; if snow is stored in the shade of a mountain, it may remain undissolved for many years.

Violating their nature causes what is solid to become brittle; following their principles allows what is transient to endure. Since this applies to all things, how could human affairs be any different? Therefore, can the art of regulation and preservation be neglected? I have privately reviewed books on life preservation written by predecessors, which often contain too many taboos and overly complex details, making them difficult to practice, especially for those of noble status who find them particularly hard to follow. Being prone to illness in my youth, I paid close attention to health preservation. After long research, I compiled this work. The methods are simple and can be practiced during spare time. First, one seeks to consolidate the Zheng Qi (Correct Qi / Upright Vital Energy); second, to regulate the limbs. Regarding clothing, dwelling, medicinal prescriptions, the natures of fruits, vegetables, poultry, and fish: beneficial items are recorded, while non-beneficial ones are omitted. Errors in ancient prescriptions are clarified; common practices that deviate from correctness are rectified. This book is titled *Bao Sheng Yao Lu* (Essential Record for Preserving Life). Although it may not aid in comprehending the Great Dao, it offers some assistance in maintaining health. I presumptuously submit it, feeling deep trepidation and anxiety. Pu Qianguan respectfully prefaces.

Ji Kang (courtesy name Shuye) said: "Seeking sweat through medication may sometimes fail. But if feelings of shame or distress scorch within, sweat will naturally flow profusely."

Understanding that emotions originate internally and manifest externally, one realizes that joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness, if unregulated, surely harm the body. Thus, if the Shen (Spirit/Mind) is not disturbed, it will not fatigue; if the Shen does not fatigue, the Qi (Vital Energy) will not become chaotic; if the Qi is not chaotic, the body will be peaceful and lifespan extended.

Those who practice health preservation should engage the body in slight labor, avoiding extreme exhaustion. Just as flowing water remains clear while stagnant water becomes foul, practitioners wish for their blood vessels to circulate continuously, like flowing water. One should not sit until weary, nor walk until exhausted. Frequent movement is good, but it should be moderate and slow; this is the method of slight labor. Therefore, hands and feet should frequently flex and extend; arms should pull left and right, as if drawing a bow. Or both hands push outward simultaneously, as if pushing a stone. Or double fists strike the air lightly; or arms swing gently left, right, front, and back; or the head and neck look left and right; or the waist and hips rotate left and right, bending forward and backward alternately; or hands twist and rub each other finely, as if washing hands; or palms are rubbed together until hot, then used to cover the eyes and massage the face. These actions should be performed casually during spare time, about ten to twenty repetitions each. Practicing frequently daily ensures a light body, bright eyes, smooth meridians and joints, easy digestion, and no stagnation. Any minor discomfort in the body will resolve upon performing these exercises. Ancient Daoyin (Guiding and Pulling) methods were too cumbersome for nobles to execute. This new method requires no specific season or fixed count; it is done when convenient, yet yields rapid results.

Generally, before sleeping at night, one should massage the four limbs, chest, and abdomen with hands for about ten repetitions, known as Dry Bathing. When lying down, one should sleep on the side with knees bent to nourish vital energy. Turbid saliva should be spat out, while clear Jing Ye (Essence Fluids/Saliva) should be swallowed. Frequently press the tongue against the upper palate to gather clear fluids and swallow them. This moistens the Zang-Fu organs (Internal Organs), beautifies the skin, and promotes longevity without aging. The *Huang Ting Jing* (Yellow Court Classic) states: "The mouth is the Jade Pool and Palace of Great Harmony; swallowing spiritual fluids prevents disaster." It also says: "Closing the mouth and curling the tongue to ingest prenatal fluids enables cultivation and flight to immortality." Frequently clicking the teeth strengthens them and wards off evil. In spring and summer months, one should sleep late and rise early; in autumn, sleep early and rise early; in winter, sleep early and rise late. Rising should not be before the rooster crows, and sleeping should not be after sunrise. In heat, one should seek comfort and openness; in cold months, one should seek conservation and closure. This aligns with the appropriateness of the Four Seasons (Si Qi) for preserving the body and extending life.