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The *Suwen* (Basic Questions) states: The three months of spring are called "Fa Chen" (pushing out the old to bring forth the new). Heaven and earth generate together, and all things flourish. One should sleep late and rise early, take broad steps in the courtyard, let down the hair and relax the form, so as to allow the will to arise. Nourish life and do not kill; give and do not deprive; reward and do not punish. This is the response to the Qi of Spring. It is the way of nourishing life.

The three months of summer are called "Fan Xiu" (flourishing and beautiful). The Qi of heaven and earth intersects, and all things flower and bear fruit. One should sleep late and rise early, not be weary of the sun, keep the will from anger, allow the essence and brilliance to become秀 (elegant/showy), allow the Qi to be vented, as if what one loves is outside. This is the response to the Qi of Summer, and it is the way of nourishing life.

The three months of autumn are called "Rong Ping" (containing and leveling). The Qi of heaven becomes urgent, and the Qi of earth becomes clear. One should sleep early and rise early, rise with the chickens, keep the will peaceful and tranquil to缓 (slow down/mitigate) the punishment of Autumn. Collect and store the Shen (Spirit), make the Qi of Autumn peaceful; do not let the will go outward, making the Lung Qi refined. This is the response to the Qi of Autumn. It is the way of nourishing gathering (Shou).

The three months of winter are called "Bi Cang" (closing and storing). Water freezes and the ground cracks; do not disturb Yang. Sleep early and rise late, waiting for sunlight. Let the will be like hiding or lurking, as if having private intentions, as if already possessing virtue. Remove cold and seek warmth; do not let the skin pores open, allowing the Qi to reach its extreme depth. This is the response to the Qi of Winter. It is the way of nourishing storage (Cang).

The Yin and Yang of the four seasons are the root Qi of all things. Therefore, the sages nourish Yang in spring and summer, and nourish Yin in autumn and winter, to follow their roots. Thus, they float and sink with all things in the gate of growth.

The *Shengji Jing* (Sage Record Classic) states: The way of a day is full in the morning and hungry in the evening; the way of a month is not to lose track of waxing and waning; the way of a year is thin in summer and fat in winter; the way of a hundred years is to regulate grain and rice intake. The way of a thousand years is to have only men and no women. This is called long life and clear vision.

The *Yangsheng Yaoji* (Essential Collection for Nourishing Life) states: The Green Ox Daoist says: One should not desire excessive joy; those who are overly joyful do not live long. One should simply not exert oneself beyond what one's strength can bear, such as lifting heavy weights, pulling strong objects, or digging. If one continues working when tired, it leads to exhaustion of sinews and bones. However, excessive labor far exceeds the harm of excessive leisure and pleasure. If one can be active from morning till night, keeping the feet moving brings satisfaction. But when feeling extreme fatigue, rest; after resting, resume activity. This is no different from Daoyin (guiding and pulling exercises). Flowing water does not stagnate, and door hinges do not rot because of frequent movement.

It also states: The *Zhongjing* (Middle Classic) says: One should often look in the mirror, which is called "Cun Xing" (preserving the form). Form and Shen support each other; this is the meaning of looking in the mirror. If one focuses on admiring one's appearance, it is better not to look in the mirror at all.

It also states: When sweating profusely, apply powder immediately. Wearing sweat-soaked clothes causes sores and difficulty in urination and defecation.

The *Yangsheng Zhi* (Record of Nourishing Life) states: When fever comes, do not wash the face with water. If done, epilepsy may develop shortly, or dizziness upon rising.

It also states: If foot sweat enters water, it causes Gu Bi (Bone Bi syndrome), which is ominous.

The *Qianjin Fang* (Thousand Gold Prescriptions) states: One should desire slight labor, but avoid extreme fatigue and forcing oneself to do what cannot be endured.

It also states: Whenever there is profuse sweating, do not remove clothes immediately. This predisposes one to Pian Feng (Hemiplegia/Stroke), resulting in hemiplegia.

It also states: After sweating, do not hang feet off the bed edge. Over time, this leads to Xue Bi (Blood Bi syndrome), heavy legs, and lower back pain.

It also states: From the first day of August onwards, use mild fire to warm the feet; do not let them get cold. (The Master's intention is always to keep Qi below, not letting it escape upward.)

It also states: In winter, warm the feet; in summer, chill the feet; in spring and autumn, let the feet freeze. This is the common practice of ordinary people.

It also states: Do not raise feet towards fire.

It also states: Holding urine without urinating causes cold knees and Bi syndrome. Holding stool without defecating causes Qi Zhi (Qi Hemorrhoids).

It also states: Urinate while standing after sitting for a long time; urinate while sitting after standing for a long time.

It also states: When hungry, one must sit to urinate. When full, stand to urinate. Be careful. Without illness, this removes deficiency and damage.

It also states: Do not get angry while urinating; it causes coldness in both legs and knees.

It also states: Do not exhale forcefully during defecation, as that is forced anger. It causes lower back pain and dry eyes. It is best to let it happen naturally.

The *Yanlun* (Treatise on Eyes) states: To treat eye problems, regardless of severity, one must avoid wind, frost, rain, water, cold, heat, deficiency, severe labor, and sexual intercourse. Dietary taboos must not be violated.

The *Qianjin Fang* states: Those who are not careful in their youth will gradually experience dim vision by age forty. If one follows this caution, one can live to white hair. There is no other secret. Thus, after age forty, one must protect the eyes, not opening them unless necessary. This technique is the ultimate in protection and caution.

It also states: Eating raw five pungents (garlic, chives, leeks, scallions, and asafoetida), consuming hot food and drinks, pricking the head, and excessive bleeding.

Staring intensely into the distance, reading small print at night, staying long in smoky and fiery environments, copying texts for years, playing games without stopping, reading after sunset, drinking alcohol incessantly, eating hot wheat-based foods, carving fine foods, crying excessively, unregulated sexual activity, viewing stars and fireflies at night, frequently looking directly at the sun and moon, reading during the full moon, and gazing intently at mountains, rivers, trees, and grass.

These seventeen items (the character "bei" implies category/class) are all causes of blindness. Those engaged in nurturing life should study and be cautious about them.

It also states: Galloping hunting, braving frost and snow, chasing beasts against the wind, day and night without rest, are also mediums for injuring the eyes.

It also states: Do not wash the eyes with boiling water upon waking. It causes dry eyes, blindness, and excessive tearing.

It also states: Bear fat and pig fat should not be used for lamps. Smoke entering the eyes impairs distant vision.

The *Yangsheng Yaoji* states: The *Zhongjing* says: Washing eyes with cold water draws internal heat inward, causing premature blindness.

The *Yangxing Zhi* (Record of Cultivating Nature) states: Do not stare angrily at the sun and moon for long periods; it causes premature loss of sight.

The *Jin Shao Fu Shi Lun* (Treatise on Jin Shao Taking Minerals) states: When washing the head, do not let head dirt/grime enter the eyes; it causes premature blindness.

The *Book of Jin* states: Fan Ning, courtesy name Wu Zi, suffered from eye pain and sought a prescription from Zhang Zhan. Zhang replied with six methods: reduce reading one, reduce thinking two, focus on inner vision three, simplify external observation four, rise early and sleep late five, sleep early at night six. These six methods are "cooked" with divine fire, filtered by Qi, and stored in the chest for seven days. Then applied to the "square inch" (heart/mind). Not only does it brighten the eyes, but it also prolongs life.

The *Yangsheng Yaoji* states: The *Zhongjing* says: Hair is the culmination of Blood. Combing hair a thousand times prevents graying.

The *Qianjin Fang* states: In the morning, one should eat first, then wash and comb.

The *Tang Lin Hong Jiao Lun* (Treatise on Tang Lin's Gout) states: Frequently comb the head. Each time, comb over a hundred times. Combing greatly removes Qi stagnation.

The *Yanshou Chishu* (Red Book of Longevity) states: The *Daiji Jing* says: Hair combing should face the Ren direction (North). Change combs frequently; comb many places without causing pain. One may also have attendants comb it. More is better. Thus blood flow is not stagnant, and hair roots become firm. (Have attendants wash hands before combing. Otherwise, it pollutes the Heavenly Palace.)

It also states: The *Zhen Gao* says: Comb hair as much as possible. It promotes blood and Qi circulation and disperses wind-dampness. Changing combs frequently is superior.

It also states: The *Dan Jing* says: Massage hair alternately with hands and comb against the grain. Only heat is needed to prevent graying.

Yang Shangshan's commentary on the *Tai Su Jing* states: Teeth are the surplus of bones. Cleaning teeth with poplar twigs or similar materials keeps them fresh and good.

The *Yangsheng Yaoji* states: The *Zhongjing* says: Teeth are the culmination of bones. Clicking teeth morning and evening prevents decay.

It also states: After eating, rinse the mouth several times; otherwise, it causes dental caries. (The character "qu" refers to tooth decay. The *Shuowen* says: "Chi du ye" - worms in teeth.)

It also states: Mercury near teeth causes gum swelling and tooth loss.

The *Yan Shi Jia Xun* (Family Instructions of Master Yan) states: I once suffered from loose teeth wanting to fall out, and pain from hot and cold foods. Seeing in the *Baopuzi* that the method to firm teeth is to click them three hundred times in the morning. After practicing for a few days, it healed. I have persisted in this ever since. This minor art does no harm and can be cultivated.

The *Qianjin Fang* states: Rinse the mouth several times after eating to prevent teeth from decaying and keep breath fresh.

The *Yanshou Chishu* states: Zheng Du records: At night, one should beat the "Heavenly Drum" without limit. It repels ghosts and evil spirits. Ghosts fear the sound of teeth clicking, so they do not attack humans. (Note: The *Daqing Jing* says: Heavenly Drum refers to teeth.)

The *Yangsheng Yaoji* states: The *Zhongjing* says: Fingernails are the culmination of sinews. Frequent trimming allows sinews to renew.

The *Qianjin Fang* states: Trim fingernails on Yin days and toenails on Wu days. (Note: The *Tang Lin Hong Jiao Lun* says: Trim fingernails on Chou days and toenails on Yin days.)

The *Yangsheng Yaoji* states: The *Zhongjing* says: One should not bathe frequently. Frequent bathing disturbs blood vessels and draws in external Qi.

It also states: Bathing immediately after a full meal causes Tou Feng (Head Wind disease).

It also states: The Green Ox Daoist says: Do not lie exposed or bathe when sweating. It causes body tremors and alternating chills and fever, or wind-rash.

It also states: Do not lie down with wet hair after bathing. It causes heavy head, body heat, and Tou Feng with irritability and fullness.

It also states: The *Baopuzi* says: Bathe when the moon resides in the Well constellation. It grants longevity and freedom from illness.

It also states: Bathe on specific auspicious days: 10th of Jan at Ren Ding hour, 8th of Feb at Huanghun hour, 6th of Mar at Riru hour, 7th of Apr at Ri Die hour, 1st of May at Rizhong hour, 27th of Jun at Ri Shi hour, 25th of Jul at Xiao Shi hour, 25th of Aug at Richu hour, 20th of Sep at Ji San Ming hour, 18th of Oct at Ji Shi Ming hour, 15th of Nov at Guo Ye hour, 13th of Dec at Ye Ban hour, and mid-day during leap months. Bathing then gains divine grace and cures hundred illnesses.

It also states: Daoists observing fasts should bathe in orchid and chrysanthemum decoction to promote longevity.

It also states: Bathe in the morning of spring months using "Geng Sheng", summer using "Zhou Ying", autumn using "Ri Jing", winter using "Chang Sheng". Use Yin days for bathing. It adds 300 years of life, even without taking herbs. With herbs, life is extended endlessly. (Note: The *Daqing Jing* says: Geng Sheng is chrysanthemum sprouts; Zhou Ying is stems; Ri Jing is flowers; Chang Sheng is roots. Also, the *Xia Ma Jing* says: Jia, Bing, Wu, Geng, Ren are Yang days; Yi, Ding, Ji, Xin, Gui are Yin days.)

It also states: Ordinary people should bathe in Goji berry decoction on specific days: 2nd Jan, 3rd Feb, 6th Mar, 8th Apr, 1st May, 21st Jun, 7th Jul, 8th Aug, 20th Sep, 8th Oct, 20th Nov, 30th Dec.

It also states: One should not bathe frequently at home. Must use a sealed room, neither too hot nor too cold. Extreme heat or cold generates hundred illnesses. Winter bathing... [text incomplete]

It also states: After bathing, do not expose to wind, do not tie wet clothes, do not lie with wet head. It causes Tou Feng, dizziness, hair loss, facial pain, and toothache.

It also states: Washing head with hot starch water followed by cold water causes Tou Feng. Bathing hair when very full or very hungry also causes Tou Feng. Bathing hair at night and lying down without eating causes Heart deficiency.

The *Yangsheng Zhi* states: Ponds in deep mountains with stagnant water often contain sand lice; do not bathe in them.

The *Yangsheng Yaoji* states: On long journeys, do not wash the face in river water, or it will cause... [text incomplete]