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The *I Ching* (Book of Changes) states: "One closing and one opening is called change; coming and going without end is called penetration; closing, opening, coming, and going are nothing but the Dao." Human life takes Qi (vital energy) as its root, respiration (breath) as its origin, the Heart (organ) as its foundation, and the Kidney (organ) as its stalk. Heaven and Earth are separated by 84,000 li, while the distance between the human Heart and the Kidney is 8 cun 4 fen. This Kidney refers to the inner Kidney, located 1.3 cun below the umbilicus. In the middle, there is a vessel that connects to the floating and sinking of the heavenly breath. Respiration governs all hundred vessels. One exhalation opens all hundred vessels; one inhalation closes all hundred vessels. The creative process of Heaven and Earth also does not go beyond the two characters of "opening and closing." Human respiration is precisely the opening and closing of Heaven and Earth. This arises between the Heart and the Kidney, corresponding to the principle of the ascending and descending of Yin and Yang in Heaven and Earth. If humans can understand this and nurture themselves naturally, then Qi and Blood will follow their proper tracks, requiring no tedious manipulation or guiding exercises. How would hundred diseases arise? If one has an illness but understands this principle and regulates it accordingly, the disease will recede spontaneously without treatment.

The key to beginning practice must first be to evenly regulate respiration. To evenly regulate respiration, one must first shut out external distractions, adapt to the appropriateness of warmth and coolness, and clarify the differences between dryness and dampness. Sit with eyes closed in an upright posture before a bright window and clean desk, wash away distracting thoughts, and clear the mind. Clench teeth thirty-six times to gather the spirit and mind. Then, use the back of the thumb to rub the Laogong point (PC8, Pericardium-8) on the palm until extremely hot, and use it to wipe the inner and outer canthi of the eyes nine times each. Also rub both sides of the nose nine times each. Then rub both hands until hot, close the mouth and nose to retain breath, and then massage the face. The number of repetitions is unlimited, with more being better. This is named the "True Person's Daily Routine Method." Next, lick the upper palate with the tongue, stir the Hua Chi (area under the tongue containing Jinjin and Yuye acupoints) in the mouth, collect saliva, rinse, and refine it one hundred times. Wait for the fluid to become clear, divide it into three parts, and swallow it in one gulp. This is named "Red Dragon Drawing Water." It is also called the "Jade Fluid Refining Self Method," which best irrigates the five Zang organs, brings luster to the face and eyes, moistens the lungs, and stops coughing, with effects as if divine. When practicing, there is no need to be restricted to Zi hour or Wu hour. It is best practiced after midnight when vital energy begins to generate, or upon waking from sleep. It can also be done during leisure time in the day.

For any Qi circulation method, one should sit quietly with eyes closed, inhale pure air through the nose down to the Dantian (energy center), turn it past the Weilu point (GV1, Governing Vessel-1), and then raise the Qi as if holding back defecation. Let it penetrate upward from the Shuangguan points at Jiaji (spinal region) until reaching the Niwan palace (top of the head). Turn down through the Queqiao (throat area), and then swallow it, returning it still to the Dantian. When initially practicing, limit the session to burning one incense stick, gradually increasing to three sticks, and stop after seven days of practice. Those who are bedridden should use thick mats, cotton quilts, warm curtains, and heavy clothing. Regardless of cold or heat, during the first three days of practice, profuse sweating will occur to attack Yin pathogenic factors. Consume hot porridge to provide resources for sweating. If thirsty, rinse with jade fluid (saliva) and swallow it; if hungry, cook and eat hot porridge. Eat only when hungry, without restricting the number of meals. By maintaining such continuous practice without removing clothes for one month, conditions such as paralysis, consumptive diseases, abdominal distension, and diaphragmatic obstruction, which have kept patients in bed for three, five, or seven years, can be cured within a specified period. If the illness is in the upper body, focus the gathered Qi on that area; if the illness is in the lower body, also focus the gathered Qi on that area. Released Qi returns to the Dantian. If the illness pervades the whole body, distinguish whether the meridians belong to the upper or lower part, and apply the circulation method accordingly. For women practicing, first lift the water gate (perineum/anus area), then attend to the valley door (anus), following the circulation method as described above.

(My commentary: Human Qi is the Qi of Heaven and Earth. Therefore, if Heavenly Qi does not interact with Earthly Qi, Qian and Kun would almost cease to function. The reason humans ought to circulate their Qi is also to embody the meaning of the harmonious interaction between Heaven and Earth. First, lift the anus to prevent leakage. From the back to the top of the head, allow the Qi to intersect. Visualize the Dantian to make the Qi return to its root. This not only has therapeutic effects for curing diseases but also significantly extends longevity. How much more so for those without illness? Or for those with minor illnesses? This is named cultivation and nourishment.)