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Whenever matters concern oneself, people invariably cherish and care for them. Yet, regarding the most subtle and crucial aspects, they fail to exercise such care; this refers to sexual desire. When a man reaches sixteen (two times eight), his essence becomes abundant; when he reaches sixty-four (eight times eight), his essence is exhausted. This describes the normal physiological course. To exhaust one's essence through lust and dissipate one's true qi through indulgence is to act against nature.

One fails to realize that this True Yin (Zhen Yin, the fundamental yin substance of the body) is endowed by congenital endowment (Xian Tian), varying in abundance or deficiency; it is nourished by acquired constitution (Hou Tian), varying in thickness or thinness. Moreover, it is subjected to the dual assault of emotional desires and physical labor, resulting in more loss than gain. How can it withstand endless depletion? Therefore, those without disease may fall ill due to indulgence, and those already ill may die from transgressing sexual restraint. Su Dongpo stated that many things harm life, but those who love beauty/sex will surely perish. As for those who chase after singers and dancers, engage in improper acts, ruin their virtue, lose their integrity, neglect their duties, and bring about the collapse of their families, they are condemned by both gods and men. The hidden, difficult-to-ask-about sufferings are even more indescribable. Even if one possesses exceptional innate constitution and enjoys abundant nourishment, sufficient to enjoy pleasure without fatigue, why not devote this energy to establishing virtue, merit, and words to benefit future generations? Instead, squandering it on useless pursuits for momentary pleasure shows extreme thoughtlessness.

The Way of Medicine is of great consequence, not trivial. People entrust their lives and deaths to physicians, and our responsibility lies in balancing Yin and Yang. Among all things under heaven, nothing is heavier than human life. Once entrusted to us, we must carefully manage supplementation and purgation, the cold and warm properties of flavors, and the benign and toxic nature of herbs. If administered correctly, we can raise the fallen, flesh the skeletal, and strengthen the frail, thereby usurping the power of creation, which is no exaggeration. Conversely, if observation is imprecise and understanding is not refined, any error may harm others, and thus harm ourselves. The parents and wives of patients are no different from our own. We cannot bear to listen to their wailing, nor should we assume that illness is always incurable or that fate is absolute.

Therefore, treating a patient is more critical than facing an enemy. Just as a good general wins battles from within the command tent, a good physician drives away the "Two Vermin" (Er Shu, a metaphor for disease) through decisions made in the blink of an eye. Observation of complexion must be precise; listening to voice must be detailed; palpating the pulse must be calm; differentiation of symptoms must be meticulous. One must assess what exists and what does not; consider the origin and anticipate the outcome; understand the routine and adapt to changes. The goal is to ensure benefit without harm, satisfying oneself while offending no one, thereby accumulating hidden virtue and avoiding heavenly retribution. Alas, these words are hard to speak.