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Tian Yinzi said: I consider that "proper dwelling" does not refer to magnificent halls, deep houses, or layered broad beds. Rather, it lies in sitting facing south and sleeping with the head towards the east, ensuring a balance of Yin and Yang, and a harmony of light and darkness. Houses should not be too high; if high, Yang Qi will be excessive and brightness will be too much. Houses should not be too low; if low, Yin Qi will be excessive and darkness will be too much. Therefore, excessive brightness damages Po (the corporeal soul associated with Metal/Lungs), and excessive darkness Hun (the ethereal soul associated with Wood/Liver). The Hun is Yang, and the Po is Yin. If light and dark are imbalanced, diseases will arise. This is why even the room of one's residence can cause such effects. How much more so the Qi of Heaven and Earth, which includes hyperactive Yang attacking the skin and muscles, and excessive Yin invading the body? One must certainly guard against this carefully. Those who cultivate their bodies, if they do not follow these principles, are not practicing the way of proper dwelling.

He further said: In my residence, there are windows on all four sides. They are closed when wind blows and opened when the wind ceases. In my residence, there are curtains in front and screens at the back. When the light is too bright, I lower the curtains to harmonize the internal reflection; when it is too dark, I roll up the curtains to let in external brightness. Internally, this calms the mind; externally, it calms the eyes. When both mind and eyes are calm, the body is safe. Even the regulation of light and dark is thus important; how much more so excessive thinking and excessive desires, which cannot possibly bring peace to the interior and exterior?

The *Bao Sheng Yao Lu* states: In human dwellings, if the soil is thick and the water source is abundant, residing there prevents disease. Wherever people reside, regardless of direction, they should seek thick soil and abundant water. The soil should be firm, moist, and yellow; the water should be sweet, beautiful, and clear. The place where one frequently sits should be surrounded by tight structures without any small gaps, preventing wind from entering. People often fail to notice this, but wind causes the most severe injury. Initially, there is no sensation, but over time, it penetrates the person. Wind is the Qi of Heaven and Earth; it generates all things but can also harm humans, because there are correct winds and evil winds. Initially, wind enters the Couli (interstices of the skin and hair follicles), gradually reaching the skin and muscles, then transmitting internally through the Jingluo (meridians) to reach the Zang-Fu organs. Once the transmission is deep, the harm is significant. Thus, the *Su Wen* states: The sages of antiquity taught the common people to avoid Xu Xie Zei Feng (deficiency evils and thief winds) at appropriate times. Furthermore, the *Yang Sheng Shu* states: Avoid wind as one would avoid arrows. If one resides in a house open at both ends during the height of summer, or in narrow alleys where wind swirls and feels cool, the harm is particularly severe. Those who practice health preservation must be cautious.