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Wu Ziye said: Qianshi (Euryale ferox seed) is merely warm and neutral in nature, and originally cannot greatly benefit the human body. However, it is commonly referred to as "water sulfur" (Shui Liuhuang). Why? When people eat Qianshi, they invariably bite each piece individually and chew it thoroughly; there are few who swallow it in large mouthfuls or hastily. The tongue, cheeks, lips, and teeth chew all day long, yet Qianshi has no strong flavors, is rich but not greasy, thereby generating saliva (Jinye, bodily fluids/saliva). Thus, eating Qianshi enables the smooth circulation and mutual infusion of bodily fluids, accumulating its power; although this effect may surpass that of Ru Shi (mineral drugs like arsenic compounds), it is acceptable. From this, we know that if a person can eat blandly and chew slowly until full, they will derive significant benefits. While in Huanggang, I saw shepherds driving sheep to barren lands, saying that the grass is short but flavorful; when sheep chew it carefully, they become fat and free from disease. If sheep are so affected, how much more so for humans? (From *Liang Fang*)

The *Tai Su Jing* states: On the face, rub and wipe with both hands frequently until warm, making the complexion lustrous and preventing wrinkles and spots. First, rub both palms until hot, then use them to wipe the eyes; next, massage the hair along the hairline as if combing it; alternate massaging both arms with your hands. In this way, hair will not turn white, and the pulse will not float superficially. (From *Tai Su Jing*)

The son of the You family in Wuxi was young and indulged in wine and lust, subsequently falling ill. The illness persisted without cure, becoming critical. He suddenly told his family, "I often see two women dressed splendidly, only three or four cun tall, walking along my feet, rising slowly to my waist before disappearing." His family believed it was a demonic possession. Later, a renowned physician arrived from afar. Someone consulted him. The physician said, "This is actually the Shen (Spirit) of the Kidney. When Kidney Qi is exhausted, the Spirit does not reside within its house, thus the patient sees such visions." (From *Gui Zhi*)

The Spirit of the Heart manifests through the eyes, which is called seeing; the Spirit of the Kidney manifests through the ears, which is called hearing; the Essence of the Liver manifests through the nose, which is called smelling; the Po (Corporeal Soul) of the Gallbladder manifests through the mouth, which is called speaking. Therefore, reckless looking damages the Heart; reckless listening damages the Kidney; reckless smelling damages the Liver; reckless speaking damages the Gallbladder.

Spitting saliva far away depletes Qi; excessive spitting depletes Shen; excessive sweating depletes Blood; rapid walking damages the Tendons.

Essence is the root of Shen; Qi is the master of Shen; Form is the residence of Qi. Therefore, overuse of Shen leads to fatigue; overuse of Essence leads to exhaustion; overexertion of Qi leads to severance.

The *Wei Zhi* records: Wu Pu often sought guidance from Hua Tuo. Hua Tuo told Wu Pu, "The human body needs movement, but one should not drive it to extremes. If one moves regularly, the Qi from grain digests easily, and blood vessels flow smoothly, preventing disease. This is like a door hinge that does not rot because it is always moving, or running water that does not stagnate, due to constant motion." (From *Shi Ji*)

Scholars and officials who died after taking Dan Sha (Cinnabar) have been numerous. Among those I witnessed personally was Lin Yanzhen. He was robust in daily life, ate more than others, lived in the Wu region, and often boasted of his strength. A doctor named Zhou Gongfu told him he had obtained a secret recipe for Dan Sha from Song Daofang, which could extend life without harmful side effects. Song Daofang was a skilled physician from Gongzhou. Yanzhen believed him and took the medicine for three years. Eventually, a carbuncle developed on his brain/head. Initially, it appeared as millet-sized pustules at the hairline. Two days later, the skin around the beard, chin, chest, and back became flat and ulcerated. He died ten days later. When the condition was critical, the physician instructed someone to soak silk in the pus and blood from the ulcer, clear it in water, and observe sediment at the bottom. There was slight Cinnabar residue, likely accumulated internally and expelled along with the toxin. Xie Renbo, upon hearing that others kept Fu Dan Sha (prepared Cinnabar), regardless of the prescription, would seek it out and take it, fearing he did not take enough. That same year, he also developed a brain carbuncle. Someone conversed with him and saw his illness about to manifest; in an instant, his form and spirit changed drastically, though Renbo himself was unaware. Upon regaining consciousness, he seemed to have endured a night of wind and rain, and died the following evening. Having witnessed these two individuals over ten years, one can take this as a warning. (From Shi Lin Laoren's *Bushu Lu*)