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Yuan Liaofan said: The heaven and earth nurture all things, there must be a specific time; the transformation and generation of all things must also have a time of joyful nurturing. Even for small animals like cats and dogs, when they are about to conceive, the female will inevitably cry out wildly and jump around, because she is touched by the "Qi of joyful nurturing" and cannot stop herself. This is the natural rhythm and the true mechanism of biological generation. People speaking of conception times say: "Thirty hours plus two and a half days, you must calculate twenty-eight or twenty-nine." This merely states a general rule, not an exact determination. The Alchemical Scriptures state: In one month, there is only one day; in one day, there is only one hour. Whenever a woman menstruates once a month, there must be one hour within which a specific sign appears: at this time, Qi steams and generates heat, causing dizziness and stuffiness, with an unbearable desire for intercourse. This is the exact fertile window. If one acts against nature (in the context of alchemy) at this moment, elixirs are formed; if one follows nature and engages in sexual intercourse, pregnancy is conceived. The phrase "the three-day moon appears at Geng" and the description "the lead cauldron is warm, light penetrates the curtains" both refer to these phenomena. When passion is intensely aroused, inside the uterus, something resembling the stamen of a lotus flower naturally protrudes from the vagina, just as a lotus bud first opens. After washing the lower body, a woman can know this by touching it herself, though she may be too shy to speak of it. The man should secretly inform her beforehand, prompting her to describe the sensation, so that conception occurs on the first attempt.

The Treatise on Nurturing the Fetus states: When the supreme essence transforms and the single Qi condenses, the embryo is initially received and gradually takes shape. The fetus in the womb hears what the mother hears. Since pregnancy begins, one must walk and sit upright and solemnly, maintain a gentle and happy disposition, dwell often in quiet rooms, listen mostly to beautiful words, have others read poetry and books, and discuss rites and music. Let the ears not hear evil sounds, let the eyes not see ugly sights. Thus, the sons and daughters born will possess abundant fortune and longevity, and be loyal, filial, and wise. Otherwise, the children born will likely be lowly, short-lived, foolish, and obstinate. This is called "external images affecting internal sensations." In the past, Tai Ren, while pregnant with King Wen, did not listen to evil sounds, did not look at evil colors, and did not utter evil words. The way of prenatal education handed down in the world refers to this.

Xu Zhicai said: In the first month of pregnancy, it is named "Tai Pei" (Embryo). Food should be fine and well-cooked; sour soups are easily tolerated. It is suitable to eat barley, but avoid fishy, pungent, and spicy foods. This is called "Cai Zheng" (Initial Uprightness). During this month, the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. The Foot Jueyin belongs to the Liver, which governs sinews and blood. In the first month, blood circulation is sluggish; one should not engage in physical labor, sleep must be quiet, and fear or fright should be avoided.

In the second month of pregnancy, it is named "Shi Gao" (Beginning Paste). Avoid pungent and fishy-smelling foods; dwell in quiet places; men should avoid exertion; the pregnant woman's joints may ache, marking the beginning of the fetus. During this month, the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. The Shaoyang belongs to the Gallbladder, which governs essence. In the second month, the fetus's essence forms in the uterine cavity; it must be carefully protected and not disturbed.

In the third month of pregnancy, it is named "Shi Tai" (Beginning Fetus). At this time, there is no fixed form; it transforms according to what is seen. Those wishing for a boy should handle bows and arrows; those wishing for a girl should play with pearls and gems; those desiring beautiful offspring should frequently view jade; those desiring virtuous offspring should sit upright in clarity and emptiness. This is referred to as "external images affecting internal sensations." During this month, the Hand Shouyin Pericardium Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. It belongs to the Heart. Do not allow sorrow, excessive thought, or agitation.

In the fourth month of pregnancy, the fetus begins to receive Water Essence to form blood vessels. Diet should include rice and fish. This is called "Sheng Xue Qi" (Abundant Blood and Qi), used to open the senses and circulate through the meridians. During this month, the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. Internally connected to the Sanjiao. At this time, the fetus's six fu organs are smoothly formed; the body should remain still, the mind harmonized, and diet regulated.

In the fifth month of pregnancy, the fetus begins to receive Fire Essence to form its Qi. One should rise late for sleep, bathe and wash clothes, dwell in deep quarters, wear thick clothing, eat rice and millet, consume beef and mutton soup, season with zanthoxylum, and harmonize the five flavors. This is called "Yang Qi" (Nourishing Qi) to stabilize the five zang organs. During this month, the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. It belongs to the Spleen. At this time, the fetus's four limbs are formed; avoid extreme hunger or fullness, dry foods, self-heating, and excessive fatigue.

In the sixth month of pregnancy, the fetus begins to receive Metal Essence to form its sinews. The body should engage in slight labor and not remain idle; go out to the wild. Diet should include meat of birds of prey and fierce beasts. This is called "Bian Cou Li" (Changing Pores) and "Ren Jin" (Binding Sinews) to cultivate strength and strengthen the back. During this month, the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. It belongs to the Stomach, governing the mouth and eyes. At this time, the fetus's mouth and eyes are formed; harmonize the five flavors, eat sweet and delicious food, and avoid overeating.

In the seventh month of pregnancy, the fetus begins to receive Water Essence to form its bones. Labor the body and shake the limbs; do not stay still. Move and bend/extend to circulate blood and qi. Dwelling must be dry; diet should avoid cold. Eat rice and millet to tighten pores. This is called "Yang Gu" (Nourishing Bones) to harden teeth. During this month, the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. It belongs to the Lung, governing skin and hair. At this time, the fetus's skin and hair are formed; avoid excessive talking and crying, bathing, wearing thin clothes, and drinking cold liquids.

In the eighth month of pregnancy, the fetus begins to receive Earth Essence to form skin and flesh. Harmonize the mind and rest quietly; do not let Qi reach extremes. This is called "Mi Cou Li" (Tightening Pores) to brighten complexion. During this month, the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. It belongs to the Large Intestine, governing the nine orifices. At this time, the fetus's nine orifices are formed; avoid dry foods, irregular eating, and holding back bowel movements.

In the ninth month of pregnancy, the fetus begins to receive Stone Essence to form skin and hair. The six fu organs and hundred joints are fully prepared. Drink sweet wine and eat sweet foods, loosen the belt, support oneself, and wait. This is called "Yang Mao Fa" (Nourishing Hair) and "Zhi Cai Li" (Developing Vitality). During this month, the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. It belongs to the Kidney, governing connections. At this time, the fetus's meridional connections are formed; avoid damp and cold environments, and do not wear heated clothes.

In the tenth month of pregnancy, the five zang organs are complete, and the six fu organs are fully connected. Heaven and Earth Qi are drawn into the Dantian. Thus, joints and spirit are all prepared, awaiting only the time for birth. During this month, the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. It belongs to the Bladder. It is suitable to take Slippery Fetus Medicine (parturition-promoting herbs).