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*The Yufang Mijue* (Secrets of the Jade Chamber) records: The Yellow Emperor asked Su Nü, saying: The essence of the Dao lies not in abstaining from ejaculation, but in cherishing one's essence. If one seeks to conceive a child, how can one avoid ejaculation?

Su Nü replied: People vary in strength and weakness, and ages differ between old and young. One should follow their own qi and physical capacity, not striving for intense pleasure; striving too hard causes damage. Thus, at age fifteen, those who are robust may ejaculate twice a day, while those who are thin may ejaculate once a day; at age twenty, those who are robust may ejaculate twice every two days, while those who are emaciated may ejaculate once a day; at age thirty, those who are robust may ejaculate once a day, while those who are inferior may ejaculate once every two days; at age forty, those who are robust may ejaculate once every three days, while those who are deficient may ejaculate once every four days; at age fifty, those who are robust may ejaculate once every five days, while those who are deficient may ejaculate once every ten days; at age sixty, those who are robust may ejaculate once every ten days, while those who are deficient may ejaculate once every twenty days; at age seventy, those who are robust may ejaculate once every thirty days, while those who are deficient should not ejaculate at all.

It is also said: At age twenty, it is customary to ejaculate once every two days; at age thirty, once every three days; at age forty, once every four days; at age fifty, once every five days; after passing sixty years of age, one should no longer ejaculate.

*Yangsheng Yaoji* (Essentials of Health Preservation) records: The Daoist Liu Jing said: In the spring months (the first three months), one should ejaculate once a month; in summer and autumn, one should ejaculate twice a month; in winter, one should close the essence and not ejaculate. This follows the Heavenly Dao: in winter, yang energy is stored within. If humans emulate this, they can achieve longevity. One ejaculation in winter is equivalent to a hundred in spring.

*Qianjin Fang* (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) records: The method of Su Nü states: Those aged twenty should ejaculate once every four days; those aged thirty, once every eight days; those aged forty, once every sixteen days; those aged fifty, once every twenty-one days; those aged sixty should cease entirely, closing the essence and no longer ejaculating. However, if physical strength remains vigorous, one may ejaculate once a month.

Generally, people’s physical capacities vary, with some being exceptionally strong. Yet, even so, one must not forcibly suppress the urge; enduring too long without ejaculation can lead to *yongju* (carbuncles and sores). If one has passed sixty years of age and has not engaged in intercourse for several decades, and feels no strong desire, one may close the essence and refrain from ejaculation.

*Dongxuanzi* states: Whenever one wishes to ejaculate, one must wait until the female partner reaches climax, releasing the essence simultaneously. The male should withdraw shallowly, moving between the "qin strings" and "wheat teeth" (metaphors for the vaginal opening or sensitive areas). The depth of penetration should be like an infant sucking milk. Then, close the eyes and visualize inwardly, press the tongue against the lower palate, draw the spine to lift the head, open the nostrils, contract the shoulders, close the mouth, and inhale. The essence will then return from above. The degree of restraint depends on human control. Of ten parts, only two or three should be released.