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The function of the rubbing method lies in tempering and strengthening the sinews and bones. "Tempering" refers precisely to the action of rubbing. The practice is divided into three stages, each lasting one hundred days. First, rubbing must adhere to seasonal timing. For instance, when initiating practice in spring, if spring chills are present, nakedness should be avoided; one may only unbutton the robe. Practice should proceed by mid-February, when heavenly conditions gradually harmonize, allowing the body to be exposed for practice. Only when warmth becomes prevalent and flow is unobstructed can it be performed freely. Second, rubbing follows a fixed directional pattern. In the human body, the right side governs Qi (vital energy) and the left side governs Blood. Therefore, in all rubbing methods, it is appropriate to push from the right side of the body toward the left, aiming to drive Qi into the Blood aspect to ensure smooth circulation. Additionally, since the Stomach resides on the right, rubbing helps widen the stomach's capacity, enabling greater intake of Qi. Furthermore, as the right palm typically possesses greater strength, using it is effective yet less fatiguing. Third, rubbing should be light and superficial. Although rubbing is a manual technique, it should emulate the principles of Heaven and Earth: the creation of all things by nature is gradual, not abrupt; when Qi arrives, life generates spontaneously, and when the time is ripe, things mature naturally. Rubbing should follow this principle, merely pushing and sweeping gently, moving slowly back and forth, without excessive force or depth. With long-term persistence, results will naturally arise. If the force is too heavy, it will inevitably damage the skin, potentially causing rashes or prickly heat. If too deep, it will injure the muscles and fascia, potentially causing heat and swelling; thus, caution is essential.

The essence of Taiyang (Greater Yang) and the radiance of Taiyin (Greater Yin), through the blending of these two Qi energies, give birth to all things. Ancient masters who excelled in gathering and swallowing Qi eventually attained immortality. This method is secret, unknown to the world; even those who know it, if lacking firm resolve and perseverance, waste their efforts, and few achieve success through it. Those engaged in internal cultivation, from initial practice until success, and throughout their lives, regardless of busyness or leisure, must avoid external distractions. If the功 (practice) of gathering and swallowing Qi is uninterrupted, the Dao of immortality is not difficult to attain. The reason for gathering and swallowing Qi is to absorb the essence of Yin and Yang, benefiting the spirit and intellect, thereby gradually dissolving stagnation and allowing clarity and spiritual purity to grow, preventing myriad diseases, which brings great benefit. The method is as follows: On the day of the New Moon (Shuo), when the moon and sun align at the beginning of the month, the Qi is fresh and new, suitable for collecting Solar Essence. On the day of the Full Moon (Wang), when the metal and water elements are full and abundant, the Qi is vigorous, suitable for collecting Lunar Radiance. If rainy weather occurs on the Shuo or Wang days, or if one is occupied, one may collect on the second or third day after the New Moon, or the sixteenth or seventeenth day after the Full Moon, still allowing for focused supplementation. If more than these six days pass, the sun sets and the moon wanes, becoming deficient and unsuitable for collection. To collect Solar Essence on the Shuo day, face the sun silently from a high place during the Yin or Mao hours (3:00–7:00 AM). Regulate nasal breathing evenly, inhale the brilliance finely, fill one mouthful, hold the breath and concentrate the spirit, then swallow carefully, using intention to guide it to the Middle Palace (the Spleen/Stomach region). This constitutes one swallow. Perform this seven times, remain quiet for a moment, then rise and move, attending to social interactions without hindrance. To collect Lunar Radiance on the Wang day, follow the same method, gathering and swallowing seven times during the Xu or Hai hours (7:00 PM–11:00 PM). This is a natural benefit of Heaven and Earth, accessible only to those with perseverance and usable only by those with faith. This is a major component of the method; do not neglect or err in its practice.