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The "Shanggu Tianzhen Lun" (Treatise on the Heavenly Origin of Antiquity) states: People in ancient times, those who understood the Dao, modeled themselves after Yin and Yang, harmonized with Shu Shu (methods and numbers for preserving life), had regulated diet and drinking, regular daily routines, and did not engage in reckless exertion. Therefore, they could maintain the unity of Form (Xing) and Spirit (Shen), thus completing their natural lifespan, living to a hundred years before passing away.

People today are different. They treat wine as if it were water, make recklessness their norm, have intercourse while drunk, exhaust their Jing (Essence) through desires, and dissipate their Zhen Qi (True Energy). They do not know how to maintain fullness, nor do they manage their Shen (Spirit) at appropriate times. They seek only immediate gratification, going against the joy of life preservation, and have irregular daily routines; thus, they begin to decline by half their age (around fifty).

The teachings of the ancient sages to the people were: Avoid empty evils and thieving winds when necessary; remain tranquil and void of artificial desires, so that Zhen Qi follows; keep the Jing and Shen guarded within, and how could disease arise? Thus, one's will is leisurely with few desires, the heart is peaceful without fear, the body labors but does not become fatigued, Qi flows smoothly, all wishes are fulfilled, and everything is obtained as desired. Therefore, sensual desires cannot weary the eyes, and licentiousness cannot confuse the mind. This is why they can all reach a hundred years of age and their movements remain vigorous; it is because their De (Virtue/Ethical Integrity) is complete and they are not endangered.

Regarding women: At seven sui (years old), Kidney Qi becomes abundant, teeth change, and hair grows. At fourteen sui, Tian Gui (Heavenly Water/Menstrual Essence) arrives, the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) becomes unobstructed, and the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) becomes prosperous; menstruation occurs regularly, enabling conception. At twenty-one sui, Kidney Qi is balanced, wisdom teeth grow, and physical development reaches its peak. At twenty-eight sui, sinews and bones are strong, hair reaches its maximum length, and the body is in robust health. At thirty-five sui, the Yangming Meridian begins to decline, the face starts to wither, and hair begins to fall out. At forty-two sui, the three Yang meridians decline above, the face completely withers, and hair begins to turn white. At forty-nine sui, the Ren Mai becomes deficient, the Chong Mai declines, Tian Gui is exhausted, the "earthly pathway" (menstruation) ceases, the form deteriorates, and childbearing ends.

Regarding men: At eight sui, Kidney Qi becomes solid, hair grows, and teeth change. At sixteen sui, Kidney Qi is abundant, Tian Gui arrives, Jing essence overflows and is discharged, Yin and Yang harmonize, enabling conception. At twenty-four sui, Kidney Qi is balanced, sinews and bones are powerful, wisdom teeth grow, and physical development reaches its peak. At thirty-two sui, sinews and bones are luxuriant, muscles are full and strong. At forty sui, Kidney Qi begins to decline, hair falls out, and teeth wither. At forty-eight sui, Yang Qi衰竭 (depletes) above, the face withers, and temples turn gray. At fifty-six sui, Liver Qi declines, sinews cannot move freely, Tian Gui is exhausted, Jing is scarce, Kidney Qi declines, and the entire form reaches exhaustion. At sixty-four sui, teeth and hair fall out.

The Kidney governs water and receives the essence of the five zang and six fu organs to store it; therefore, only when the five zang are abundant can the Kidney discharge essence. Now, when the five zang all decline, sinews and bones loosen, Tian Gui is exhausted, hair and temples turn white, the body feels heavy, walking is unsteady, and childbearing ceases.

There are those who are old yet still have children; this is due to excessive natural longevity, constant flow of Qi and vessels, and surplus Kidney Qi. However, even if such individuals have children, men do not exceed the limit of 8x8 (64 sui), and women do not exceed the limit of 7x7 (49 sui); the essence and Qi of Heaven and Earth are fully exhausted.