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Qigong (Breath Regulation) Method: To practice Qigong, lie flat with feet straight. First, tap the teeth thirty-six times to expel turbid and foul qi (vital energy). Then, roll the abdomen up and down seven times, and do the same on the left and right sides, each for seven repetitions. This is called "Refining Qi" (Lianqi), which eliminates myriad diseases. Next, hold the breath so it neither exits internally nor enters externally, distend the abdomen until full of qi. Swallow three to five times as one rest period; swallowing more is better. With each swallow, use intention to guide the qi to the Lower Dantian (Lower Elixir Field), located three cun below the navel, also known as the Sea of Qi (Qihai). After ten rest periods, the qi gradually becomes unobstructed; after twenty rest periods, there will be significant movement in the abdomen. Reducing food intake is highly beneficial. From Zi hour to Si hour (midnight to 11 a.m.), these six hours belong to Yang Qi, where generating qi is external; from Wu hour to Hai hour (noon to 9 p.m.), these six hours belong to Yin Qi, where generating qi is internal. When expelling turbid qi during Yang hours, gently inhale external air through the nose, extend it deeply, fill the Lower Dantian, hold the breath to the limit, and gently exhale through the mouth, then resume normal breathing. During Yin hours, simply close the mouth and swallow internally until full, then resume normal breathing. If suffering from other ailments, adjust according to the Six Qi (Six Climatic Factors). In cases of severe Yin conditions, heavy fog, or thunderstorms, only swallow internally and do not inhale external air.

For Qigong practice, leading with Daoyin (Guiding and Pulling exercises) is best. Swallowing thirty to fifty portions of saliva daily is superior to taking various medicines. When circulating qi, imagine it flowing continuously like water dripping from a leaking roof, directed to the diseased area. For epidemic fevers or miasma, introducing external air and exhaling forcefully can produce immediate effects.

When practicing Qigong, drink one or two he of warm water, as water is the mother of qi. Drinking a small amount of warm water before each meal helps build resistance to cold and heat over time; drinking more is harmless.

Practitioners must cleanse their mouths and hands, avoid indulging in emotions, reduce rich flavors, prevent physical exhaustion, avoid shouting, extreme anger, joy, sorrow, or exposure to cold and heat, in order to reverse aging and regain youth.

Initially, maintain a calm mind without doubt or fear; fear hinders qi flow. If the four limbs are harmonious, the mind naturally rejoices, free from worldly desires, improving day by day with boundless joy. Suppress thoughts of food; if cravings arise, restrain them. Failure to restrain may allow pathogenic factors to interfere. In such cases, boil Ficus pumila (Bili) soup with ginger and consume it; honey-ginger tea is also effective. Self-restraint allows one to face delicacies without distress.

Maintain proper timing and keep the Dantian full; do not neglect practice despite daily affairs. With long-term practice, temporary lapses go unnoticed. Once proficient, one feels energetic even without active practice. The Lower Dantian remains full; speaking or chanting does not deplete strength. Walking briefly helps sink the qi. Eating does not obstruct qi once proficiency is achieved; qi circulates freely to the Dantian.

With prolonged practice, intestinal waste clears, facilitating qi movement. Mental endurance leads to spiritual changes and stronger limbs. Closing eyes and visualizing internally reveals the five Zang organs clearly, allowing them to settle and protecting the Shen (Spirit). One may discern good and evil, see inside as outside, and direct the spirits of the five Zang organs to treat diseases. Internal breathing requires sustained practice; alcohol and rich foods hinder success. For chronic illnesses, focus intention and qi on the affected area; recovery occurs within three to five days. For limb ailments, visualize qi attacking the disease, causing it to dissipate. Initial treatment may expel pus of five colors, which is normal.

Facial swelling during Qigong results from drinking light water rising upward, causing qi stagnation. Avoid coriander, rapeseed, wormwood, garlic chives, wild leeks, spinach, onions, and garlic, as they damage the Spleen and disrupt qi. Anger harms the Hun (Ethereal Soul); sudden grief startles the Po (Corporeal Soul). Sages avoid crying; if unavoidable, sit calmly in a clean place, expel bad qi with breath, then replenish Yuan Qi (Original Qi) and Dantian qi.

Long intestines retain qi easily; short ones do not. If intestines rumble, lie on the right side, bend the left leg with the left hand, straighten the body and right leg, and swallow qi into the right foot to clear the intestines. Long-term practice produces sounds circling intestinal bends. One remembers the bends and the sound's flow. There are twenty-four "nodes" (Kan) in the intestines. Original Qi and external Qi must not mix; swallowed wind must exit quickly.