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A friend's second wife had a robust and obese physique. Although her menstrual cycles were regular, she never conceived. She instructed her servant to obtain a prescription that would apply medicines to transform and shift the body's vital mechanisms. Although this is not recorded in ancient medical texts, the principles can be explained.

There are five types of mountains unsuitable for burial: barren hills (without vegetation), broken hills (with fissures), rocky hills (exposed stone), isolated hills (standing alone), and windy hills (exposed to drafts). Even with a master geomancer, there is no way to apply pruning and layout techniques. Similarly, infertility caused by unique congenital endowments, as recorded in medical books as being beyond human alteration, need not be discussed further.

However, if one's congenital endowment is unremarkable but conception is hindered solely by physical obesity, yet offspring are eventually born, there are countless such examples throughout history. The subtle miracle of natural union between husband and wife is something even sages cannot fully transmit, which is why medical books lack detailed records on this.

Let me attempt to explain. The earth's nature is heavy and dense, but when enveloped and lifted by heavenly Yang Qi (vital energy), life continues endlessly. In regions where Yin cold freezes and sunlight is obscured, the generation of things is rare. In the human body, abundant muscle indicates flourishing Blood (Xue), which is generally a good thing. However, excessive Blood can lead to Qi deficiency; over time, this imbalance becomes more apparent.

Qi and Blood are mutually attached. Why does one become deficient while the other becomes excessive? Generally, when Qi is dominant, Blood flows; when Blood is dominant (i.e., Blood is excessive and Qi is weak), Qi fails to flow. This is not because True Qi (Zhen Qi) is truly deficient, but because stagnant Qi resembles deficiency. Therefore, all tonifying Qi medicines should not be used. Instead, medicines that dissipate Qi may be applied. Because Qi, when tonified, becomes more entrenched and blocked; it is better to dissipate it to assist its flowing momentum. Over time, Blood will return to being controlled by Qi.

Princess Huyang of the Han Dynasty was obese yet conceived, but could not deliver. The Emperor summoned imperial physicians to consult. A wise physician prescribed a formula to "injure the fetus" (here referring to consuming excess peripheral flesh/fat to facilitate delivery, rather than modern abortion). After taking dozens of doses, delivery became smooth, and both mother and child were unharmed. This is because in an obese body, the fetus is surrounded with no space. Thus, medicines that "injure the fetus" (consume peripheral fatty tissue) only consume the outer flesh and blood, without harming the inner True Yuan (Original Essence). This is the subtlety of medication.

I imitated this idea to formulate a prescription, preparing the ground for conception in advance. Was this fabricated without basis? Sincerity can move metal and stone. For a woman to be conducive to bearing sons, she must first calm her mind. When the mind is harmonious, Harmonious Qi arises; when Harmonious Qi arises, it flows and fills easily. Secondly, one must regulate diet. Clear skin in immortal realms often comes from fasting (Bigu); slender waists in palaces result from enduring hunger. Focused intention moves Qi; what cannot be achieved? Furthermore, one should purify the heart and accumulate virtue, using spiritual teachings to supplement the limitations of herbal medicine. Would there not be a response from Heaven and Man? I always enjoy discussing tales like seeking pearls in Hepu or planting jade in Lantian.

Mr. Hu Youchen said: Reading this treatise, one need not ask for the specific formula to understand its intent. It breaks through ordinary conventions. Truly innovative, truly innovative.