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The methods of Yin and Yang refining for Qiushi (Calcined Human Urine Salt) cannot be judged as superior or inferior. Why is it that people in the world fail to understand the principles? Some claim that in the Yang refining method, the salty taste is not removed, so the original nature of the substance remains; others argue that in the Yin refining method, clear Yang is mixed and lost, resulting in insufficient Zhengqi (Upright Qi). Both of these opinions are excessive. It is unknown that the difference between these two methods lies in the application of retaining or discarding the salty taste, which is a matter of principle and necessity that cannot be neglected. However, if one wishes to retain its salty taste, the Yang refining method must be used, which represents "Yin within Yang"; if one wishes to remove its salty taste, the Yin refining method must be used, which represents "Yang within Yin". Without these two methods, Qiushi cannot be produced. Why? The Yang refining method uses fire to preserve the form; its taste is salty, its texture is heavy, and its therapeutic effect is rapid. By concentrating its salty taste and heavy texture, it possesses the functions of resolving phlegm, descending fire, nourishing the Kidney, and generating fluids, similar to the properties of Haishi (Fossilia Osseus) and Qingyan (Halite) as described in materia medica. The Yin refining method uses water to wash the body; its taste is bland, its texture is light, and its nourishing function is pure. By concentrating its bland taste and light texture, it achieves the effects of returning essence to nourish the brain, assisting Qi, and regulating Shen (Spirit), similar to the properties of Fushen (Poria with Hostwood) and Hupo (Succinite) as described in materia medica. Furthermore, some say that "Yin within Yang" corresponds to the Li Trigram (Fire), and "Yang within Yin" corresponds to the Kan Trigram (Water). There should be a combination of both methods for simultaneous use, embodying the meaning of "Kan and Li interacting." In this way, the distinction between superiority and inferiority becomes clear! Therefore, I have recorded both the Yin and Yang refining methods in this collection for those who cultivate health to refer to and correct.

Take ten jin (approx. 5 kg) of clear Chuanpi Xiao (Natrii Sulfas from Sichuan), one dou (approx. 10 liters) of water, and four jin (approx. 2 kg) of radish. Slice the radish and boil together until soft. Remove the radish. Filter the Xiao solution through paper into a porcelain vessel and leave it exposed to the air overnight. Early the next morning, pour off the floating liquid into another container. Take up the solid precipitate at the bottom, add fresh radish and clear water, and boil again, clarifying by exposure as before. On the second subsequent day, take up the substance. Decoct two liang (approx. 75 g) of Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) and two liang (approx. 75 g) of Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) in ten bowls of water. Dissolve Xuanmingfen (Mirabilite processed by calcination) in this decoction, filter, and leave exposed overnight. The following day, pour out the liquid. Decoct twice more with the Fangfeng-Gancao decoction, then boil once with radish decoction, and leave exposed overnight. The remaining Xiao should be clarified as above. Allow the Xiao to dry in the wind, place it in a jar, and apply fire distillation using the same method as for making Qiushi, as desired. According to the principle of preparation: Xiao has a particularly salty taste, which is restrained and resolved by radish. Its nature tends to descend. If used to clear fire from the head and eyes, there is a risk that it may not reach the upper part effectively while descending. Therefore, Fangfeng is used as a guiding herb to direct the action upward, and Gancao is used as an assistant to moderate the action. Fearing that its cold nature might damage the Stomach Qi with long-term use, the process of fire refining embodies the principle of "Yang growing and Yin diminishing," avoiding injury to the Spleen and Stomach from cold, thereby achieving the effect of clearing the upper and purging the lower.