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Human nature is such that no one does not desire longevity, yet people often conceal their illnesses and avoid seeking medical help. Who knows that the method to prolong life cannot achieve its effect without the aid of medicines and acupuncture/moxibustion (pharmaceuticals and physical therapies); moreover, the cause of illness mostly stems from imprudent diet and consumption, leading to errors by mediocre physicians who claim "using medicine is worse than not using it." This is akin to stopping eating altogether because one has choked on food.

Tracing back, Heaven and Earth generate all things with a heart devoted to nurturing life. Grasses, trees, minerals, stones, flying creatures, diving animals, and aquatic life can all be used to treat diseases, leaving the choice to individuals. Ancient sages, taking the nurturing intent of Heaven and Earth as their own, composed the *Suwen* (Basic Questions) and *Nanjing* (Classic of Difficult Issues), established the principles of Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi (Monarch-Minister-Assistant-Courier in herbal formulation), and awaited those who could utilize them skillfully. When applied properly, one becomes a good physician; drugs and formulas are at one's disposal. The number of years for longevity or premature death, and the count of glory or decline, are controlled by oneself, as certain as holding half of a tally contract. All this is due to the power of studying ancient texts.

Mediocre physicians do the opposite. They rigidly adhere to ancient prescriptions and methods, completely unaware of the origin of diseases, failing to distinguish between exterior and interior patterns, deficiency and excess patterns. Once they cause death, they fail to reflect upon themselves, instead blaming dietary taboos and trying to wash away their shame in books. This is the fault of those who fail to learn effectively from predecessors. Thus it is said: "A physician gains proficiency after three arm fractures," indicating that medicine requires practical experience; "Do not take medicine from a physician whose lineage does not extend three generations," implying that medical skills require proper transmission. If one possesses knowledge but does not practice it, or receives transmission but does not study it, one falls ill oneself. If one cannot even attend to one's own illness, how can one have time to treat others' illnesses? No wonder those who avoid doctors are so confused.

Zhang Jingyue from Yue is a hero. His ancestors rose to prominence through military merit, enjoying an income of a thousand households. He studied since youth, not confining himself to chapter-and-verse exegesis. Initially, he learned martial arts capable of defeating thousands, obtaining the secret of the Fish Belly Eight Arrays formation. He traveled as a knight-errant, frequenting Yan and Ji regions, harboring grand ambitions to seal Langjuxu Mountain and carve inscriptions on Mount Yanshan. His footsteps covered Yulin, Jieshi, Fengcheng, and Yajiang. He eventually cast aside his pen and abandoned military pursuits; the frontier lost its natural defenses. Discussing strategy and swords, he surpassed even the bravest warriors in demeanor. Encountering bad luck repeatedly, he never bowed his head to seek favor. Consequently, feeling out of place and difficult to match, he returned home with a free spirit, devoting himself to the learning of Qi Bo and Huang Di (Traditional Chinese Medicine) to support his parents. When encountering critical conditions where worldly physicians hung up their hands in despair, a single dose (a spoonful/bi) of his remedy would startle the patient into recovery. He often compiled his lifelong skills into the *Complete Works of Medicine*, totaling sixty-four volumes. He told his disciples: "A physician's use of medicine is like a general's use of troops. Treating disease is like suppressing bandits; knowing where the bandits are and attacking with elite troops allows victory without bloodshed." Therefore, his writings resemble the legacy of the Eight Arrays. Ancient prescriptions are the Classics (standard principles); new prescriptions are adaptations (flexible measures). Using classics and adaptations together, there are no difficulties in the world.

The book was completed, but limited by funds, it did not spread widely before he passed away. His manuscripts were entrusted to his grandson-in-law, Mr. Lin Riwei. Lin took the book southward, where he was first appreciated by Governor Lu. Governor Lu donated funds for printing. After the blocks were carved, he went north. Those who obtained the book regarded it as a precious manual kept at hand, rare in the world. I have always loved studying antiquities and focused specifically on the words of health preservation experts. This book is indeed a secret manual for health preservation. Regrettably, its circulation was not wide, so I used my salary to reprint it and made it public to the world. Those who read it well may avoid the blame of being misled by mediocre physicians; those who fear illness should not stop eating because of choking.

In the first month of Xinsi Year (1711 AD), during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, Jia Tang, Transport Commissioner of Liangguang from Yinghai, inscribed this at the Tuisi Hall of the official residence in Yangcheng.