Library

The essence of preserving life lies foremost in "Cunxiang" (Mental Visualization and Retention). "Cun" refers to retaining one's Shen (Spirit), while "Xiang" refers to visualizing one's own body. By closing the eyes to gather the mind and visualizing the body, keeping the mind and body united without injuring the Spirit, this constitutes the gradual practice of Cunxiang.

The void of heaven and earth is filled with Qi (Vital Energy), and the void within the human body is also filled with Qi. Therefore, exhaled turbid Qi is the body's internal Qi; inhaled clear Qi is the Qi of heaven and earth. Humans live within Qi, just as fish live in water. If a fish cannot have water enter and exit its belly, it dies; similarly, if a human cannot have Qi enter and exit, they die. The principle is the same. Those skilled in preserving life must understand the nature of Qi.

Those wishing to cultivate the art of regulating Qi should eat early, close the doors, prepare the bed and warm the mat, use a pillow about two cun high, lie supine with the body straight, close the eyes, hold the hands in Gu (a specific hand seal where the thumb presses into the palm/base of the ring finger), keep the feet five cun apart, and keep the arms five cun away from the body on each side. First, practice holding the breath: inhale through the nose until the abdomen feels full, then hold it until it becomes unbearable, and slowly exhale through the mouth, ensuring not to exhale all at once. Once the Qi settles, repeat the holding process. Start with ten cycles of respiration, or twenty; if unbearable, stop. As proficiency increases, the number gradually increases. If one can hold the breath for eighty cycles or more, clear Qi will permeate the viscera and the chest/diaphragm region. Upon reaching mastery, during the breath-holding phase, only short breaths of slightly over one cun are taken at the nose; the held Qi remains inside, steaming and moistening like fire, circling the Lung Palace. The body feels flexible like a snake, the Shen is externalized, and the joy and beauty are indescribable. This occurs because Qi flows freely, penetrating the interior and exterior, upper and lower. As the held Qi gradually dissipates, one returns to their normal state. This method gains merit through quantity; practicing twice daily (morning and night) for a long time will sharpen the ears and eyes, consolidate the Spirit, lighten the body, and eliminate myriad diseases.

In the initial stages of Qi regulation, one must ensure physical comfort and Qi harmony, avoiding conflict with intention. If not harmonious, pause and resume only when harmonious. Long-term practice without fatigue is ideal.

Holding the breath is like subduing dragons and tigers; one must comprehend its spiritual principles. The chest and diaphragm should remain empty, not full. If Qi stagnates and fails to circulate, detect it and use expulsion methods (such as the Six Healing Sounds: Chui, Xu, He, Xi, Yi, Hu) to remove it. Otherwise, the source will be blocked, leading to counter-flow and causing sores, ulcers, and abdominal fullness.

Furthermore, Su Shi's Health Preservation Method states: Every night from the third watch to the fifth watch, before dawn, sit cross-legged under covers facing southeast. Clench teeth thirty-six times, hold the Gu seal, close the eyes, support the waist and abdomen with both hands, hold the breath, and visualize the Heart as a bright, penetrating fire descending into the Dantian (Lower Elixir Field). When the abdomen is full and Qi reaches its limit, exhale slowly without making sound audible to the ears. Then, touch the teeth with the tongue to collect saliva (Huachi Water), swallow it with the head lowered into the Dantian, using intense focus to make the saliva and Qi produce a gurgling sound as they reach the Dantian. Repeat this. After prolonged breath-holding, swallow saliva three times to conclude. Then, rub hands until hot, massage the soles of the feet (Yongquan Acupoint and Kidney Hall on both sides of the spine) until heat penetrates. Next, massage the eyes, face, ears, and neck until extremely hot. Press and lift the bridge of the nose seven times left and right, comb the hair one hundred times, then sleep until morning.

Question: What is the way of health preservation and Qi refining?
Answer: Health preservation is the constant practice of moderation; Qi refining is a technique/art. Why? The Yuan Qi (Primal Qi) endowed at birth varies in length and strength. Since acquiring consciousness, greed and desire have eroded and damaged this Qi, shortening lifespans so that few reach their natural end. Thus, sages discuss health preservation, emphasizing: reduce thoughts, minimize desires, regulate diet, be cautious in daily routine, follow seasonal changes, harmonize Qi, and facilitate joints. Following this prevents the Six Evils (Pathogenic Factors) from causing injury and stops various diseases, allowing one to exhaust their heavenly Yuan Qi and die of old age. Without moderation, how could this be achieved? Hence, it is called the constant of moderation.

As for the art of Qi refining, there are profound principles. Essentially, the wonder of creation lies in the cooperation of Yin and Yang, giving rise to the Dao. Human life originates from Jing-Qi. Through breathing and rising/falling, movement and circulation occur without obstruction. Inhalation raises Qi; guide it with intention to the highest point. Exhalation lowers Qi; guide it with intention to the lowest point. Over time, the highest point fills the Marrow Sea (Brain), reaching all bones; the lowest point fills the Qi Sea, penetrating all meridians. This is the natural mechanism of creation. Without Yin-Yang cooperation, even if Void Qi rises and falls, it cannot transform into life. Hence: "Yang alone does not generate; Yin alone does not nurture." Also: "One Yin and one Yang is called the Dao."

However, Qi has no form or substance; how does it interact and transform? Answer: Qi interacts through emptiness and connection; similar types resonate. Like a magnet attracting iron needles through barriers, or smoke rising toward fire. This is natural heavenly mechanism, not forced by humans. This path moves up from below and down from above, circulating endlessly like a circle, conforming to Heaven. Hence: "Observe the Dao of Heaven, execute the actions of Heaven, steal the mechanisms of Heaven." Is this not a technique?

What about the method of ingestion/consumption? Answer: The *Can Tong Qi*, *Long Hu Jing*, and *Shi Han Ji* have already discussed this. These aim to unblock Couli (pores/skin interstices) and strengthen the constitution. Lice on heads become black; musk deer eating cypress become fragrant; goiters form in humid necks; teeth turn yellow in Jin region. This is due to the vaporization of food Qi transforming nature and shape, causing change without intent. This is profound truth. However, ingesting refined minerals/metals harms life instead.

Rain and snow are transformed from cloud Qi. Human Qi can also transform into fluids; thus, holding breath and hiding Qi allows one to survive without food. Turtles live long by swallowing Qi, which illustrates this. Modern doctors often treat tonifying Yin and nourishing Yin as the best method for benefiting Qi, not knowing that Blood requires Qi to be generated to become true Blood. Substances infiltrated by food and medicine are ultimately not the essence of Yuan Qi. Blood requires Qi to move. If Qi fails to move, Blood stagnates in the meridians, causing heat diseases and sores. Therefore, ancient preservers prioritized regulating Qi, making Yang the master of the body to control Yin, allowing Yin to naturally generate and transform. This differs greatly from the views of worldly physicians. (From *Ya Shu*)