Library

Sixian asked: I have heard that there are specific foods suitable for consumption when the moon resides in different constellations. I wish to be taught this method.

The True Man replied: For each position of the moon in the constellations, there are respective items suitable for consumption. If people select and eat these foods, they can also eliminate diseases and rashes. I now transmit this to you, so that future generations may also understand it.

*Yangsheng Lun* (Treatise on Health Preservation) states: On Mao days in the first lunar month, eating Fang fish (a type of freshwater fish) prevents one from contracting epidemic diseases.

At the Spring Equinox in the second lunar month, eating turtle meat prevents roundworms and promotes the proliferation of descendants.

When the moon passes through the Bi constellation in the third lunar month, eating Tun fish (tuna or similar large fish) prevents roundworms, beautifies the complexion, and increases physical strength. The rituals of sending off and welcoming [spirits] should each last two days.

During the three months of spring, eating large pieces of meat, and prior to that, eating sour wheat, prevents dental diseases. This is prepared according to Jia and Yi days (days governed by Wood in the Heavenly Stems).

When the moon passes through the Ang constellation in the fourth lunar month, eating chicken clarifies vision.

At the Summer Solstice in the fifth lunar month, eating cicadas; the rituals of sending off and welcoming should each last two days. Eating owls; the ritual of welcoming should last ten days.

When the moon passes through the Fang constellation in the sixth lunar month, eating pheasant increases Yang Qi, thereby facilitating the continuation of descendants.

During the three months of summer, eating chicken, pheasant, and bitter wheat prevents heat diseases. This is prepared according to Bing and Ding days (days governed by Fire in the Heavenly Stems).

In the seventh lunar month, eating wood-boring insects (dù) facilitates procreation; the rituals of sending off and welcoming should each last two days. "Dù" refers to the wood scorpion.

At the Autumn Equinox in the eighth lunar month, eating wood-boring insects prevents excessive pathogenic conditions; people fear them; the ritual of welcoming should last two days.

When the moon passes through the Jian star in the ninth lunar month, eating wild geese prevents heat diseases, brings auspicious times, strengthens bones and sinews, and the ritual of welcoming should last two days.

During the three months of autumn, eating horse meat and pungent foods prevents cold diseases. This is prepared according to Geng and Xin days (days governed by Metal in the Heavenly Stems).

When the moon passes through the Yingshi constellation in the tenth lunar month, eating various birds calms the mind, prolongs life, beautifies the complexion, and the ritual of welcoming should last two days.

At the Winter Solstice in the eleventh lunar month, eating rabbit meat prevents roundworms and keeps the legs flexible without stiffness.

On the eve of the twelfth lunar month (La Festival), holding Sichuan pepper while sleeping beside a well, without speaking to anyone, and placing the pepper into the well eliminates epidemic diseases.

During the three months of winter, eating pork and salty foods prevents foot diseases. This is prepared according to Ren and Gui days (days governed by Water in the Heavenly Stems). Generally, within that month, until the midnight of the third month, one should not eat until full.

The three months of spring are called "Fa Chen" (expelling the old to generate the new). Sleep late and rise early, restrain emotional desires to preserve the vital energy of life. Drink less alcohol to prevent rebellious fire Qi. Liver Qi is vigorous while Spleen Qi is weak; reduce sour flavors and increase sweet flavors. The Liver stores Hun (Ethereal Soul), has a benevolent nature, belongs to Wood, tastes sour, and resembles a hanging gourd. It has seven lobes; the one closest to the heart is smaller, with three lobes on the left and four on the right. Internally connected are the sinews, externally manifested are the nails. The eyes serve as the opening, and the Gallbladder serves as the Fu organ. Therefore, excessive consumption of pungent foods damages the Liver. To treat Liver disorders, use the "Xu" (Hissing) sound Qigong method. Place both hands overlapping on the shoulders, slowly and gently, twist the body left and right three times each. Alternatively, sit upright, interlace hands, and flip them towards the chest three to five times. This removes wind evil and toxic gases accumulated in the Liver, preventing disease onset. Throughout spring, morning and evening, one must constantly practice this without laziness to avoid alternating exposure and neglect, ensuring effectiveness.

In the first lunar month, Kidney Qi is prone to disease, and Lung Qi is weak. Reduce salty and sour flavors, increase pungent flavors to assist the Kidney and tonify the Lung, stabilizing Stomach Qi. Clothing should be thick at the bottom and thin at the top; do not suddenly remove clothes; avoid wind exposure to prevent summer ice-water consumption.

In the second lunar month, Kidney Qi is weak, and Liver Qi is vigorous. Avoid sour flavors and increase pungent flavors to assist the Kidney and tonify the Liver. Keep warm to induce slight sweating, dispersing latent pathogens from winter.

In the third lunar month, Kidney Qi has rested, Heart Qi is gradually arriving, and Wood Qi is vigorous. Reduce sweet flavors and increase pungent flavors to tonify essence and Qi. Do not dwell in licentious places; do not expose the body under direct sunlight.

The Gallbladder attaches to the Liver, located below the shorter lobes, externally corresponding to the pupils and the bridge of the nose. For Qigong, sit upright, press the soles of the feet together, raise the head, grasp the ankles with both hands to lift, and shake three to five times. Alternatively, sit with legs spread wide, place both hands on the ground, exert force to arch the waist and spine three to five times; this removes wind-toxic qi from the Gallbladder channel.

The three months of summer are called "Fan Xiu" (flourishing and beautiful). Sleep late and rise early. Yin Qi lies dormant internally; avoid raw and cold foods. Shen Qi tends to scatter; avoid sexual intercourse. Do not rage violently; do not face the wind directly to prevent malaria in autumn. Do not lie down during the day; do not binge drink, as this invites myriad diseases. Heart Qi is vigorous while Lung Qi is weak; reduce bitter flavors and increase pungent flavors. The Heart stores Shen (Spirit), has a ritualistic nature, belongs to Fire, tastes bitter, and resembles a hanging lotus stamen. Internally connected are the vessels, externally manifested are the complexion. The tongue serves as the opening, and the Small Intestine serves as the Fu organ. Therefore, excessive consumption of salty foods damages the Heart. To treat Heart disorders, use the "He" (Ah) sound Qigong method. Sit upright, make fists and exert force, striking left and right mutually in the air five to six times each. Then, press one hand against the thigh, extend the other hand upward into the void as if lifting heavy stone or rice, switching hands. Cross both hands and step on them with the feet five to six times each, coordinating with breath to remove wind evil and diseases from the chest and heart. After practicing for a long time, close the eyes, swallow saliva three times, click the teeth three times, and stop.

In the fourth lunar month, the Liver is diseased, and the Heart is strengthening; increase sour flavors and reduce bitter flavors to tonify the Kidney and assist the Liver, regulating Stomach Qi. This is a month of pure Yang; coitus is taboo.

In the fifth lunar month, Liver Qi is resting, and Heart Qi is vigorous. Reduce sour flavors and increase bitter flavors to benefit the Liver and tonify the Kidney, securing essence and Qi; sleep early and rise early. Known as the "Poison Month," gentlemen should observe abstinence. Eat bland food, restrain desires; during the plum rain season with humid heat, dry clothes thoroughly. Frequently burn Atractylodes lancea, frequently rub the Yongquan acupoint, and protect the feet with socks.

In the sixth lunar month, Liver is weak and Spleen is vigorous. Conserve diet, stay away from sensual pleasures. Yin Qi is hidden internally, summer toxicity steams externally. Do not wash with cold water; do not face the wind; do not seek coolness at night; do not fan while sleeping; cover the abdomen with a thin quilt; food must be warm. The Spleen stores Yi (Intellect), has a trustworthy nature, belongs to Earth, tastes sweet, and resembles a sickle. Internally connected are the Zang organs, externally manifested are the flesh. The lips and mouth serve as the opening, and the Stomach serves as the Fu organ. Therefore, excessive consumption of sour foods damages the Spleen. The Spleen is vigorous at the end of each of the four seasons, for eighteen days each. Regulate water and fire through respiration. Uniting the three families (Jing, Qi, Shen) generates all things, relying entirely on Spleen Earth; if the Spleen is healthy, the body is free from disease. To treat Spleen disorders, use the "Hu" (Blowing) sound Qigong method. Sit with legs spread wide, extend one leg, bend the other, pull back with both hands three to five times.

Alternatively, kneel, place both hands on the ground, turn the head and exert force as if looking like a tiger, three to five times each. This removes wind evil and toxic gases accumulated in the Spleen and aids digestion.

The three months of autumn are called "Rong Ping" (containing and leveling). Sleep early and rise early, gather and conserve Shen Qi. Prohibit vomiting and diaphoresis (sweating). Lung Qi is vigorous while Liver Qi is weak; reduce pungent flavors and increase sour flavors. The Lung stores Po (Corporeal Soul), has a righteous nature, belongs to Metal, tastes pungent. It resembles a hanging chime, named Huagai (Imperial Canopy). It has six lobes and two ears, totaling eight lobes; internally connected are the skin, externally manifested are the hair and fur. The nose serves as the opening, and the Large Intestine serves as the Fu organ. Therefore, excessive consumption of bitter foods damages the Lung. To treat Lung disorders, use the "Si" (Hissing) sound Qigong method. Sit upright, place both hands on the ground, shrink the body and curve the spine, thrust upward three times. Remove wind evil and chronic fatigue from the Lung channel. Also, strike the back with reversed fists, three times on each side. Remove wind-toxic qi from the chest and diaphragm. Practice for a long time, then close the eyes, swallow fluids, click the teeth, and rise.

In the seventh lunar month, Liver and Heart Qi are scarce, and the Lung is exclusively vigorous. Increase salty flavors and reduce pungent flavors to tonify Qi and sinews, nourishing the Spleen and Stomach. Maintain tranquility; do not expose oneself to extreme heat. Ensure fresh air; the feet and head should be slightly cool.

In the eighth lunar month, Heart Qi is weak, and Lung Metal is dominant. Reduce bitter flavors and increase pungent flavors to assist sinews and tonify blood, nourishing the Heart, Liver, Spleen, and Stomach. Do not eat ginger; do not expose yourself to autumn dew.

In the ninth lunar month, Yang Qi is declining, and Yin Qi is excessive. Reduce bitter flavors and increase sweet flavors to tonify the Liver, benefit the Kidney, and assist the Spleen and Stomach. Do not expose yourself to violent winds; do not indulge in drunkenness and overeating.

The three months of winter are called "Bi Cang" (closing and storing). Sleep early and rise late; keep feet warm and head cool. Sunbathe the back to avoid cold; do not let sweat emerge. Do not keep eyes near fire; wash feet frequently. Kidney Qi is vigorous while Heart Qi is weak; reduce salty flavors and increase bitter flavors. The Kidney stores Zhi (Willpower), possesses wisdom, belongs to Water, tastes salty. The left is the Kidney, the right is the Mingmen (Gate of Life). It aligns with the navel above and attaches to the lumbar spine. Internally connected are the bones, externally manifested are the teeth. The ears serve as the opening, and the Bladder serves as the Fu organ. Therefore, excessive consumption of sweet foods damages the Kidney. To treat Kidney disorders, use the "Chui" (Blowing) sound Qigong method. Sit upright, shrug and lift both hands, draw the ribs left and right three to five times. Place hands behind the knees, grasp the elbows, and twist the body left and right three to five times. Step forward and backward with the feet, dozens of times on each side. This removes wind evil and accumulation in the lower back and Kidneys.

In the tenth lunar month, Heart and Lung Qi are weak, and Kidney Qi is strong. Reduce pungent and bitter flavors to nourish Kidney Qi. This is a month of pure Yin; the developmental work of the year is embryonically formed here; coitus is strictly taboo.

In the eleventh lunar month, the Kidney is vigorously active, while Heart and Lung are weak. Increase bitter flavors and reduce salty flavors to tonify and regulate the Lung and Stomach. As Yang Qi begins to generate, stay away from curtains and conserve speech.

In the twelfth lunar month, Earth Qi is vigorous, and Water Qi does not flow. Reduce sweet flavors and increase bitter flavors to tonify the Heart, assist the Lung, and regulate Kidney Qi. Do not expose yourself to frost and snow; prohibit fatigue; prevent sweating.