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The principle of Yin and Yang is that when they combine, they gather; when they do not combine, they separate. When they combine, success is achieved; when they do not, failure ensues. This applies to both the Way of Heaven and human affairs, but it is most evident in the matter of procreation. There are ten pivotal mechanisms regarding combination and non-combination; if one can grasp them, the initiative lies with oneself.

First is Opening and Closing (referring to the timing of sexual intercourse), which is the motive force for female conception. When Qi is calm, it is "Closing"; when Qi is active, it is "Opening". The movement arises from the arrival of Qi, as swift as a whale drinking from a river or a large goblet being emptied drop by drop. At this moment, inhalation is natural, and entry occurs without conscious awareness. Therefore, there is no instance where opening does not receive, nor where reception fails to result in pregnancy. However, this opportunity exists only in an instant. If penetration occurs before opening, it is too early; if after closing, it is too late. At this juncture, there are subtle influences and states that can be intuitively understood but not fully expressed in words. Only the attentive person can perceive them. Like rain and clouds bestowing fertility, few will fail to conceive.

Second is Slowness and Speed, which concerns the timing of union between man and woman. Slowness should accommodate slowness; speed should manifest speed. However, the constitutional qualities of Yin and Yang vary among individuals. Those who are solid tend to be slow; those who are not solid tend to be fast. If the slow partner dislikes speed, it is like hunger waiting for food, yet unable to swallow when it arrives. If the fast partner fears slowness, it is like adding cups to a drunkard, wanting to vomit but unable to do so. If slowness and speed are incompatible, they cannot harmonize. To meet speed with slowness, one should employ surprise tactics and take shortcuts, avoiding premature display of strength. To meet slowness with speed, one should remain calm and self-possessed, teasing before engaging. By reversing the dynamic, one can catch the right moment.

Third is Strength and Weakness, which relates to the dynamics of fear and dominance in intercourse. If Yang is strong and Yin is weak, the female may flee as if fearing stinging insects or weapons. If Yang is weak and Yin is strong, the male may collapse as if defeated by wind or dust. When strength and weakness clash, it is rare for their paths and intentions to align. However, soothing the weak requires a method: one must dwell in Benevolence and follow Righteousness, striving to win the heart. Overcoming the strong is difficult; unless one gathers spirit and focuses the mind, how can one seize their soul? Thus, the strong need not be overly feared, nor the weak overly worried about; it depends entirely on how the practitioner acts.

Fourth is Distance and Proximity, which pertains to the mechanics of meeting. Some rely on physical stature to force entry, but such rudeness is unbearable. Others merely peek through the door gap, daring not to enter the inner chamber. If rejection is impossible yet acceptance is unattainable, separated by barriers, how can success be achieved? Restraining one's form is temporary; extending influence relies on cultivating Qi. Form can be controlled for a moment, but Qi cultivation takes time. Without long-term planning for nourishment and education, one will likely lack the vigorous energy needed to penetrate defenses and occupy the nest (a metaphor for possessing the female).

Fifth is Fullness and Emptiness, which represents the vital potential for generation. The stomach has fullness and emptiness: full when sated, empty when hungry. The Kidney has fullness and emptiness: full when storing essence, empty when releasing it. Prosperity and decline stem from this, as do success and failure. If one does not know how to utilize this, one may achieve lucky results but lose consistency.

Sixth is Labor and Rest, which governs the Qi mechanism. Labor scatters Qi, leading to timidity; rest gathers Qi, leading to firmness. This can serve as military strategy for breaking enemy lines or as agricultural tools for planting. When movement is appropriate, victory is common.

Seventh is Emotional State, which is the emotional catalyst for union. When emotions align, there is union; when they conflict, there is separation. Joy follows Yang, so those with abundant Yang are often joyful. Depression and anger follow Yin, so those with abundant Yin are often angry. Abundant Yang generates life-giving Qi; abundant Yin generates killing Qi. These life-giving and killing energies are the mechanisms determining whether offspring will be wise or foolish. If one does not know which path to follow, how can one succeed?

Eighth is Silent Miscarriage (occult abortion), which represents the man's failure to seize the opportunity. Do not think that because you are strong, you need not worry about heirs. Do not assume that because you are young and vigorous, indulgence causes no harm. Ignorance leads to missing the opportune moment. The strong may find no pleasure, and losses occur immediately after gain, often without realizing the cause. From once to twice, from twice to thrice, the situation deteriorates accordingly.