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Those who are good at preserving health do not exhaust their spirit (Shen, 神) nor torment their form (Xing, 形). Since both spirit and form are peaceful, how could misfortune arise? Human life is based on blood and qi (Qi, 气). There is no disease that does not first injure qi or blood. In the world, there are unmarried men and women whose thoughts accumulate in the mind; excessive deliberation often leads to consumption (Lao Sun, 劳损). In men, the complexion and spirit scatter first; in women, menstruation closes first. Why is this so? Because worry and deliberation injure the Heart (Xin, 心). When the Heart is injured, blood becomes reversed and exhausted. Due to blood reversal and exhaustion, the complexion and spirit scatter first, and menstruation closes first. Fire (Heart) being diseased cannot nourish its child (Spleen/Stomach), leading to lack of appetite. When the Spleen is deficient, Metal (Lung) qi declines, causing cough. Once cough arises, Water (Kidney) qi is cut off, leading to dry limbs. Wood (Liver) qi is insufficient, leading to irritability, scorched hair, and flaccid tendons. When the pathological changes spread through all five Zang organs, death does not occur immediately, but eventually occurs. This type of consumption is the most difficult to treat among various consumptions because the disease originates within the five Zang organs with no end in sight, and medicinal power cannot reach it. If one can change one's mindset and use medicine to support and connect, then one might survive nine deaths out of ten. Taking this as an example, other types of consumption can be treated according to pulse and symptoms. (Same as *Leibian*)

An ordinary person breathes 13,520 times in a day and night without rest. Reducing one breath adds cold; increasing one breath adds heat. Disharmony of the Zang-Fu organs generates various diseases. Therefore, primordial Qi (Yuan Qi, 元气) requires preservation, and Gu Shen (Spirit/Nourishing Spirit, 谷神) requires guarding.

The sleeping place should not have the head near fire, otherwise eye diseases will inevitably occur. One should not sleep facing the wind, otherwise head wind diseases and others will arise. Wind striking the back causes cough. Only the chest has no prohibitions. Those skilled in regulation and preservation should not sleep long under wind or dew even in peak summer heat. (*Suosui Lu*)

If one labors the body, hundred diseases cannot form. Do not drink alcohol to drunkenness; various diseases will naturally not arise. After eating, walk one hundred steps and rub the abdomen with hands. On Yin and Chou days, trim nails; comb hair one hundred times. Stand when hungry; sit when needing to urinate. Do not face the wind after urinating. Living quarters should not have small gaps. Wash feet at night. Sleeping after a full meal is of no benefit. Deliberation injures spirit most; joy and anger injure qi most. Frequently remove nasal hairs; practice spitting on the ground less. When waking at dawn, get out of bed stepping with the left foot first. Thus, one day passes without disaster. Expelling evil and avoiding malice: practicing the Seven Star Step can make people long-lived and happy. Sour flavor injures tendons; bitter flavor injures bones; sweet flavor, if excessive, harms flesh; pungent flavor in excess destroys righteous qi; salty flavor in excess shortens lifespan. Do not indulge in any single flavor. In spring and summer, discharge essence sparingly; in autumn and winter, consolidate Yang. Solitary sleeping preserves Zhen (True Essence, 真); caution and stillness are most precious. Wealth has its allotted share; contentment is profit. Forced knowledge is one of the six disasters; few desires lead to no burdens. Calm spirit ensures constant peace; cultivating the Dao requires consistency. Write this on the wall to pass to gentlemen. (*Xiuzhen Mijue*)