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Vaccination (Smallpox inoculation) must rely on the variolous matter (seed), and what makes the seed reliable lies in the communication of Qi (vital energy). If exposed to heat, the Qi will dissipate; if stored for a long time, the Qi will become weak; if touched by filth, the Qi will not be pure; if stored uncleanly, the Qi will not be upright. This is why the method of storing the seed must be handled with extreme caution. When good seed is obtained, it must be stored in a new porcelain bottle, covered tightly with an object, and placed in a clean and cool location. For seeds stored in spring, scabs from one month can be used for inoculation; in winter when the cold is severe, scabs from forty or fifty days can still be used. This is because cold causes Qi to store and conserve, while heat causes Qi to easily scatter, hence the difference in timeframes. However, before collecting the seed, one must clearly explain these principles to the family whose child has had smallpox, so that they willingly comply without doubt or fear, thereby ensuring careful collection and storage without any delay.

The success of vaccination depends on adhering to the appropriate season. One should inoculate when the timing is right and refrain when it is not. The most favorable season is spring, the time when all things begin to grow. The weather is mild, neither too cold nor too hot. Inoculating at this time allows the vaccine to develop naturally in accordance with the seasonal Qi. This is why the second and third lunar months are suitable for inoculation. After entering summer, the Yang Qi of the six channels emerges fully above ground, and human Yang Qi also floats outward. The summer heat scorches Metal (referring to the Lung system), leading to widespread illness. At such times, how could children endure inoculation? Therefore, the fourth, fifth, and sixth lunar months are absolutely unsuitable for inoculation. As for autumn, the weather is clear and crisp, representing a time of contraction. Although there may be children suitable for inoculation, there are no tools to guide the toxin out (or: lacking the means to facilitate the process); thus, the seventh, eighth, and ninth lunar months are circumstances where inoculation is not feasible. By the tenth lunar month, known as "Little Spring," inoculation is possible. However, at this time, cold Qi is consolidated, and Pure Yin dominates. It is better to wait until after the Winter Solstice when a single Yang Qi begins to stir, borrowing its life-generating power, which makes inoculation very auspicious. Thus, the tenth month is suitable, though not as ideal as the eleventh and twelfth lunar months. Nevertheless, even during the period designated for revaccination, there are times when it should not be done. For example, if spring should be warm but turns cold, summer should be hot but turns cool, autumn should be cool but turns hot, or winter should be cold but turns warm. When the season does not match the climate, this constitutes the aberrant Qi of Heaven and Earth. Ordinary people infected by this will contract epidemic diseases. How much less can we consider inoculating children who cannot even manage their daily care? If such conditions occur, one should temporarily avoid inoculation and wait for the climate to stabilize before discussing it again, to ensure absolute safety. There are also cases where the initial timing was correct, but after inoculation, sudden fluctuations in cold and warmth occur due to irregular human circumstances or unexpected changes in Qi. In such instances, one should adjust the indoor temperature to harmonize with the external climate, frequently burn incense to dispel foulness, and exercise greater caution in diet and daily routine to ensure safety. Practitioners of inoculation should carefully examine and understand these factors.