Guided Health Practices Ming Dynasty – Hu Wenhuan (1368-1644)
The author of the book “Guided Health Practices” is unknown, but it was edited by Hu Wenhuan. This work is a specialized text on using guidance and massage methods for health and disease treatment. The book lists twenty-seven methods of guidance for conditions such as stroke, wind bi (wind-damp), lower back pain, spleen and stomach issues, eye problems, and various types of hemorrhoids. The content mainly selects health guidance methods from the “Treatise on the Origins of Various Diseases” by the Sui Dynasty physician Chao Yuanfang. The sections on tonifying methods and those for the elderly contain the most guidance techniques, including methods for guiding qi, frog qi guidance, turtle and tortoise qi guidance, goose qi guidance, dragon qi guidance, Mr. Ning’s qi guidance method, Peng Zu’s ancient lying guidance method, Wang Ziqiao’s eight divine guidance methods, the five animal play method, the method of inhaling and exhaling qi, and the six-character formula from the “Book of Cultivating Truth”. Many selections are derived from the Daoist text “Yunji Qiqian”.
Text
1. Stroke Section
Original Text: Fourteen Methods: Extend both legs upwards. This treats numbness and coldness in the shins.
Explanation: Lifting both legs upwards can treat numbness and coldness in the calves.
Summary:
This first section describes the guidance treatment for stroke. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that wind is the qi of the four seasons, distributed in all directions, and is responsible for nourishing all things. Normal wind does not harm people; however, when the body’s righteous qi is insufficient or the climate changes suddenly, the body can be invaded by evil wind, leading to illness.
Ancient people referred to diseases caused by the invasion of evil wind as “stroke”. As stated in the “Treatise on the Origins of Various Diseases”, “Stroke occurs when wind qi invades a person.” This includes various diseases caused by wind evil entering the body, such as wind bi, wind dampness, stroke (hemiplegia), numbness from stroke (numbness of limbs), crooked mouth (facial droop), and more. The modern understanding of stroke refers to sudden fainting, loss of consciousness, difficulty speaking, facial droop, and hemiplegia, which is roughly equivalent to what Western medicine refers to as cerebrovascular accidents, including cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral thrombosis, cerebral vasospasm, cerebral embolism, and their sequelae. The guidance methods in this section are very beneficial for the rehabilitation of post-stroke sequelae. The guidance methods proposed for stroke include static exercises, dynamic exercises, and a combination of both. The postures include leaning against a wall, sitting, lying down, and standing. The breathing methods include the “non-breathing” method, “inhaling qi” method, and “guiding qi” method, with comprehensive discussions on the methods of guiding qi, precautions, and key points for guiding qi, making the content very rich. The following discusses the breathing methods:
1. Non-breathing Method: The non-breathing method, also known as the closed-breath method, is a practice where one holds their breath for a moment after inhaling before exhaling. Ancient practitioners believed that “breathing in essence” guided health, and they thought that “true qi is received from heaven and fills the body along with the essence of food.” Inhalation and exhalation must allow the inhaled essence to remain in the body for sufficient absorption to nourish health. This is referred to as “receiving qi” and “eating qi”. As stated in the “Record of Nurturing Life and Extending Life”: “When lying down properly, closing the eyes and holding the breath in the heart, counting to two hundred, then exhaling through the mouth, the breath increases daily. If one can hold their breath for two hundred and fifty breaths, the lung (Hua Gai) becomes clear, and when the lung is clear, the ears and eyes become sharp, and the body is free of disease, and evil cannot invade.” The “Emergency Essentials of the Thousand Gold” states: “The method of harmonizing the spirit and guiding qi should be practiced in a quiet room, with closed doors and a warm bed, with a pillow raised two and a half inches, lying down properly, closing the eyes, holding the breath in the chest, and placing a feather on the nose without moving. After three hundred breaths, one hears nothing with the ears, sees nothing with the eyes, and thinks of nothing with the heart, then cold and heat cannot invade, and bees and wasps cannot poison, living for three hundred sixty years, this is close to the true person.” This shows that ancient practitioners placed great importance on the non-breathing method, believing it could eliminate diseases and prolong life, with specific practice methods detailed in the “Emergency Essentials of the Thousand Gold” in the “Volume 27 of the Qi Regulation Method”.
2. Inhaling Method: The inhaling method, also known as the exhaling method, can be done by inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth or vice versa. As stated in this section, the eleventh method states: “Inhale through the nose, and exhale through the mouth for seven breaths.” The twelfth method states: “Inhale through the mouth, and vibrate the abdomen for seven breaths.” The “Eight Divine Guidance Methods of Wang Ziqiao” believes that the key to inhaling is: “Do not have any thoughts, focus your mind, and then slowly inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth, each reaching its respective organ, and then repeat, wanting to stop first reach the extreme and then stop, do not force long breaths, with long practice it will naturally lengthen.” The inhaling method requires that inhalation be done slowly and steadily, calming the mind and eliminating distractions, focusing on inhaling to reach the abdomen, creating a feeling of the diaphragm descending, and the qi sinking to the lower dantian, which is referred to as “filling the abdomen”, “vibrating the abdomen”, “expanding the abdomen”, and “the qi rising peacefully within the abdomen” is the feeling and manifestation of qi sinking to the lower dantian.
3. Guiding Qi Method: The guiding qi method is also known as the guiding qi method. As stated in the first method: “Guide qi from the head to the feet.” The third method states: “Guide qi from the head, intending to reach the toes and the soles of the feet. You can guide three times, waiting for the palms to feel as if they are receiving qi. This means guiding qi from the head to the feet and reaching the Yongquan point.” The thirteenth method states: “Each time you guide qi, focus your mind on sending it, making the toes release qi.” This is a method of using consciousness to guide the “internal qi” along a specific route, such as from the head to the feet, from the lower dantian to the spine, and so on, based on intention and qi. The Daoist “Greater and Lesser Circulation” and the Buddhist “Guiding Qi Method” are similar to this. The “Jifeng Pujifang” believes: “The mind is the guide of qi, where the mind goes, the qi follows. Whenever there is discomfort, gently close the breath and guide the qi to the area of discomfort to attack it, and it will surely heal.” The guiding qi method is a method of using intention to guide qi to attack diseases and eliminate ailments, with specific practices including three types: (1) Guiding qi to attack diseases. As stated in the “Record of Nurturing Life and Extending Life”: “Whenever guiding qi to eliminate a hundred diseases, think of where the discomfort is. If there is a headache, think of the head; if there is foot pain, think of the foot, and the qi will go to attack it, and it will naturally dissipate.” This section’s “Guide qi from the head to the feet” can cure sores, hernias, great wind, hemiplegia, and various wind bi.
(2) Guiding qi operation method. For example, “Guide from the head to the Yongquan point”. The Yongquan point is an acupoint located in the depression of the front third of the sole of the foot. The “Huangting Neijing” states: “The brain is the root of the spirit.” The Yongquan point is the acupoint located in the depression of the front third of the sole of the foot. The method is to visualize oneself from head to foot, and then from foot to lower dantian, up the spine, and into the brain, imagining the qi like clouds passing through the brain (“Tian Yinzi”). This method is a common practice used by ancient practitioners for overall qi guidance, which later developed into the “Greater and Lesser Circulation” methods.
(3) Guiding qi outward method. For example, “Each time you guide qi, focus your mind on sending it from the toes.” The “Shengji Zonglu” states: “Visualize the qi coming out from the ten toes, and over time you will feel the qi flowing through your hands and feet, and it will not stop, and the body will feel light and strong, and the qi channels will be smooth, and the nourishment will be balanced.” This shows that guiding qi outward mainly uses intention to visualize the “internal qi” exiting, and this method has a role in harmonizing the nourishment and promoting health.
4. Wind Bi Section
Original Text: One method: One says: Use the right heel to hook the left big toe to eliminate wind bi; the second says: Use the left heel to hook the right big toe to eliminate cold bi; the third says: Use both hands to alternately pull the feet and place them on the knees to eliminate body bi.
Explanation: The first method: Using the right heel to hook the left big toe can treat wind bi; the second method: Using the left heel to hook the right big toe can treat cold bi; the third method: Using both hands to alternately pull the feet and place them on the knees can treat body bi.
Original Text: Second method: Lie down, bring the two knees together, turn the feet, stretch the waist, and inhale through the mouth, expanding the abdomen, and hold for seven breaths. This eliminates bi pain and heat pain, and allows the two shins to move freely.
Explanation: Lying down, bringing the two knees together, stretching the feet, stretching the waist, inhaling through the mouth, and expanding the abdomen, holding for seven breaths. This can eliminate bi pain, heat pain, and allow the legs to move freely.
Original Text: Third method: Sit and stretch the waist, using both hands to pull the heels, inhaling through the nose, holding for seven breaths, and placing both hands on the knees. This eliminates bi and vomiting.
Explanation: Using the sitting position to stretch the waist, using both hands to grasp the heels, inhaling through the nose, holding for seven breaths, and placing both hands on the knees can eliminate bi and stop vomiting.
Original Text: Fourth method: Lying down, extending both hands and feet, inhaling through the nose, holding for seven breaths, and shaking the feet thirty times and stopping. This eliminates cold in the chest and feet, and relieves bi and coldness throughout the body.
Explanation: Using the lying position, extending both hands and feet, inhaling through the nose, holding for seven breaths, and shaking the feet thirty times and stopping can eliminate cold in the chest and feet, and relieve bi and coldness throughout the body.
Original Text: Fifth method: Stand against the wall, do not breathe, and guide qi from the head to the feet. This cures great wind, hemiplegia, and various bi.
Explanation: Standing with the back straight against the wall, do not breathe, guide qi from the top of the head down to the soles of the feet. This method can treat great wind, hemiplegia, and various bi.
Original Text: Sixth method: Use both hands to support the ground, pulling the waist upwards for five breaths. This eliminates weakness and benefits the nine orifices.
Explanation: Using both hands to support the ground, pulling the waist upwards for five breaths can eliminate weakness and benefit the nine orifices.
Original Text: Seventh method: Lying down, pointing both feet, holding for five breaths. This treats back pain, hemiplegia, and improves hearing. With long practice, the eyes and ears will be free from obstruction.
Explanation: During qi guidance, lying down, lifting both toes, holding for five breaths can treat back pain, hemiplegia, and improve hearing. With long practice, the eyes and ears will be free from obstruction.
Original Text: Eighth method: Sit, stretch the right foot, and use both hands to hold the left knee, stretching the waist, inhaling through the nose, holding for seven breaths. This eliminates difficulty in bending, kneeling, and rising, and relieves pain in the shins.
Explanation: Using the sitting position to stretch the right foot, using both hands to hold the left knee, stretching the waist, inhaling through the nose, holding for seven breaths can eliminate difficulty in bending, kneeling, and rising, and relieve pain in the shins.
Original Text: Ninth method: Raise both arms, do not breathe for nine times. This treats arm and foot pain, fatigue, and wind bi.
Explanation: Using both arms raised, do not breathe for nine times can treat arm and foot pain, fatigue, and wind bi.
Original Text: Tenth method: If a person often feels stiffness in the back and head, lying on the back, raising the shoulders upwards, moving the head left and right, doing this twenty times, pausing for a moment, waiting for the blood and qi to circulate, then begin again. Start slowly and then gradually increase speed, do not rush.
Explanation: If a person often feels stiffness in the back and head, lying on the back, raising the shoulders upwards, moving the head left and right, doing this twenty times, pausing for a moment, waiting for the blood and qi to circulate, then begin again. Start slowly and then gradually increase speed, do not rush.
Summary:
Bi refers to the meaning of blockage and obstruction. When the body’s meridians are invaded by external evils, the qi and blood cannot flow smoothly, leading to pain, soreness, heaviness, numbness, and dysfunction in the limbs, joints, and skin, which are collectively referred to as bi syndrome in TCM. The “Treatise on the Origins of Various Diseases” states: “Bi occurs when wind, cold, and dampness mix together, forming bi… The disease in the yang is called wind, in the yin is called bi, and when both yin and yang are affected, it is called wind bi.” Here, the term “wind bi” refers to a more severe bi syndrome caused by both the yang and yin channels being invaded by wind evil, not solely caused by wind evil leading to “moving bi”.
This section discusses the guided health practices for wind bi syndrome, advocating for the selection of different guidance methods based on the varying conditions of wind bi syndrome. Generally, for wind bi and body bi, one can use the method of alternating the heel to hook the big toe several times. For those with difficulty moving and experiencing pain throughout the body, one can adopt a lying position or stand against a wall, guiding qi without breathing, and shaking the feet. For waist and lower limb bi, one can adopt a sitting position, holding the knees, stretching the waist, or using both hands to support the ground, pulling the waist upwards, combined with inhaling and exhaling qi for practice. For upper limb bi, one can raise both arms in front of the chest, guiding qi without breathing. For spinal and neck pain, one can adopt the position of lying on the back, raising the shoulders, and moving the head left and right, along with the inhaling and exhaling method. It is also pointed out that the practice time should be arranged during the early morning, noon, and sunset, with each session performed fourteen times, gradually increasing speed.
3. Abdominal Pain Section
Original Text: One method: Lying down, extending both legs and arms, raising the toes, inhaling through the nose, holding for seven breaths. This eliminates sharp abdominal pain.
Explanation: Lying down, extending both legs and arms, raising the toes, inhaling through the nose, holding for seven breaths can treat sharp abdominal pain.
Original Text: Second method: Lying down, inhaling through the mouth, exhaling through the nose, eliminating internal urgency. Swallowing air several times, warming the middle, expelling cold, and relieving vomiting and abdominal pain.
Explanation: Lying down, inhaling through the mouth, exhaling through the nose can eliminate internal urgency and bloating. Swallowing air several times can warm the middle, expel cold, and relieve vomiting and abdominal pain.
Original Text: Third method: Lying down, extending both legs and arms, inhaling through the nose for seven breaths. This eliminates sharp abdominal pain.
Explanation: Lying down, extending both legs and arms, inhaling through the nose for seven breaths can eliminate sharp abdominal pain.
Summary:
In TCM, abdominal pain refers to pain in the area below the sternum, including the stomach and abdomen. The “Treatise on the Origins of Various Diseases” states: “Abdominal pain occurs due to weakness of the viscera, with wind and cold invading the area (referring to the area between the heart and abdomen). When the evil qi acts, it clashes with the righteous qi, causing pain in the heart or abdomen, leading to abdominal cramping and pain.” It is believed that abdominal pain is caused by weakness of the viscera, with wind and cold lingering in the area between the heart and abdomen, and the evil qi clashing with the righteous qi, leading to pain. Treatment should focus on warming the middle and supporting the righteous qi, regulating qi and expelling cold.
This section’s methods are all based on lying down, extending the arms and legs, which can help relax the whole body and make the abdomen comfortable. The breathing method involves inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth, or inhaling through the mouth and exhaling through the nose, allowing the qi to press against the abdomen, making the lower abdomen feel full, and after reaching a certain level, one can also feel warmth.
Thus, it can warm the middle, expel cold, regulate qi, and stop pain, treating abdominal pain, vomiting, and qi stagnation. Practical experience has shown that abdominal breathing methods have good effects on digestive diseases such as gastric ulcers, gastric spasms, allergic colitis, and constipation.
This section also introduces the “swallowing air” method and the abdominal massage method. The “swallowing air” method, later known as the “swallowing qi” or “eating qi” method, involves swallowing air into the stomach and then expelling it, or guiding the qi through the stomach and intestines, expelling it through the anus. This method can directly regulate the peristalsis of the stomach and intestines, allowing the qi to flow smoothly, dissipating accumulation, and is effective for stomach pain, abdominal pain, indigestion, and constipation. The “swallowing air” can start with deep inhalation and exhalation, gradually allowing the qi to stay in the stomach, descend to the intestines, and finally be expelled through the anus. The abdominal massage method is an important method for regulating gastrointestinal function, which the ancients also referred to as “massaging the navel” or “massaging the life gate”, believing that “the abdomen should be massaged regularly” is one of the key points for health preservation. The method involves rubbing the hands together until warm, then stacking them (generally the right hand on top of the left hand), and using the palms to massage around the navel in a clockwise direction, making small circles, medium circles, and large circles, each for twelve times. When experiencing abdominal pain, massaging the abdomen can help regulate qi and stop pain, while those without illness can regularly massage the abdomen to regulate the spleen and stomach, aiding digestion and strengthening the body.
4. Cholera Section
Original Text: One method: If cramps do not stop, men should hold their genitals; women should hold their breasts close to both sides.
Explanation: When cramps occur, men should hold their genitals, and women should hold their breasts on both sides.
Original Text: Second method: Lying down, extending both legs and arms, with the heels facing outward, also inhaling through the nose. This eliminates cold in the knees, pain in the shins, and cramps.
Explanation: Lying down, extending both legs and arms, with the heels facing outward, inhaling through the nose can treat cold bi in the knees, pain in the shins, and cramps.
Original Text: Third method: Lying face down, looking to the side, with both heels raised, stretching the waist, and inhaling through the nose. This eliminates cramps.
Explanation: Lying face down, looking to the side, with both heels raised, stretching the waist, and inhaling through the nose can treat cramps.
Summary:
In TCM, cholera refers to sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramps (commonly known as “cramps”, referring to spasms and painful contractions of the limbs). This includes what is now referred to as “cholera” and “acute gastroenteritis”, but it is not equivalent to modern medical cholera. The “Treatise on the Origins of Various Diseases” states: “Imbalance of hot and cold, irregular diet, causes the yin and yang qi to mix, leading to chaos in the stomach and intestines, resulting in cholera. Cholera with cramps is caused by cold qi entering the muscles.” This indicates that cramps are mainly caused by cold qi entering the meridians. This section proposes three guidance methods for cholera and cramps: one is for men to hold their genitals, and women to hold their breasts; the second is to lie down, extend the arms and legs, and breathe in through the nose; the third is to lie face down, look to the side, and raise the heels, inhaling through the nose. These methods are all simple and easy to perform, and can be used to treat cholera and cramps.
5. Vomiting Section
Original Text: One method: Sit upright, with both hands behind the back, pulling the wrists, and pressing down to make the abdomen rise and fall seven times. This eliminates cold air in the abdomen and accumulated food in the stomach, causing vomiting.
Explanation: Sit upright, with both hands behind the back, pulling the wrists, and pressing down to make the abdomen rise and fall seven times can eliminate cold air in the abdomen and accumulated food in the stomach, causing vomiting.
Original Text: Second method: Lying down, extending both legs and arms, raising both feet, inhaling through the nose, and holding for seven breaths. This eliminates pain in the waist and stomach.
Explanation: Lying down, extending both legs and arms, raising both feet, inhaling through the nose, and holding for seven breaths can eliminate pain in the waist and stomach.
Original Text: Third method: Sit upright, stretching both legs, using both hands to pull both feet, doing this twelve times. This treats the stomach’s inability to accept food and vomiting.
Explanation: Sit on the ground, stretching both legs, using both hands to pull both feet, doing this twelve times can treat the stomach’s inability to accept food and vomiting.
Summary:
This section proposes three guidance methods for vomiting. The first method involves using the hands behind the back to make the abdomen move up and down, helping to eliminate cold air and accumulated food in the stomach. The second method involves lying down and raising the feet, which can help with abdominal pain. The third method involves sitting and pulling the feet, which can help with the stomach’s inability to accept food and vomiting. These methods can be used according to the patient’s condition.
6. Qi Section
Original Text: One method: Both hands behind the back, holding the waist upwards, shaking the elbows back and forth seven times. This treats the obstruction of qi in the chest and lungs.
Explanation: Both hands behind the back, holding the waist upwards, shaking the elbows back and forth seven times can treat the obstruction of qi in the chest and lungs.
Original Text: Second method: Both feet pointing towards each other, holding for five breaths, guiding qi into the heart and lungs. This eliminates qi counterflow.
Explanation: Both feet pointing towards each other, holding for five breaths can guide qi into the heart and lungs, eliminating qi counterflow.
Summary:
This section discusses the obstruction of qi in the lungs and counterflow of qi. The lungs govern qi and respiration, and are responsible for the circulation of qi in the body. The “Lingshu” states: “The lungs are the canopy of the five organs and six bowels.” The canopy metaphorically describes the lungs as being above, covering all things. The lungs govern the descent of qi, and only when the lung qi descends can the inhaled clean qi and the essence of grains be distributed to other organs, maintaining their normal activity. If the lung qi fails to descend, symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness will occur. Treatment should focus on regulating qi and descending counterflow. This section uses both dynamic and static methods to treat lung qi obstruction, primarily through shaking the elbows and guiding qi from the waist downwards.
7. Phlegm and Fluid Section
Original Text: One method: Lying on the left side, not breathing for ten breaths. This treats phlegm and fluid accumulation.
Explanation: Lying on the left side, not breathing for ten breaths can treat phlegm and fluid accumulation.
Summary:
Phlegm and fluid refer to the accumulation of water and fluids in the body, leading to various diseases. The ancients referred to phlegm and fluid in the stomach as phlegm, while those flowing under the ribs were called suspended fluid, and those overflowing into the limbs were called overflow fluid. Phlegm and fluid often occur due to the lungs failing to disperse and descend, and the spleen and kidney yang being deficient, leading to the retention of fluids in the stomach and intestines. The main symptoms include fullness in the chest and ribs, a rumbling sound in the abdomen, vomiting clear phlegm, thirst without desire to drink, dizziness, shortness of breath, and coldness in the back. Treatment for phlegm and fluid should focus on warming and transforming, as phlegm is a yin evil that accumulates in cold and disperses when warmed. This section advocates for the use of side-lying and non-breathing methods to treat general phlegm and fluid accumulation, suggesting that if there is fluid accumulation on the right side, one should lie on the right side, and if on the left side, one should lie on the left side. If there is phlegm that does not dissipate, one should not breathe and guide qi to expel it.
8. Accumulation Section
Original Text: One method: Place the left foot on the right foot to eliminate accumulation in the heart.
Explanation: Placing the left foot on the right foot can treat accumulation in the heart (referring to the stomach).
Original Text: Second method: Sit upright, stretch the waist, look up at the sun, slowly inhale through the mouth, and swallow thirty times, opening the eyes. This eliminates accumulation in the heart.
Explanation: Sitting upright, stretching the waist, looking up at the sun, slowly inhaling through the mouth, and swallowing thirty times can eliminate accumulation in the heart.
Original Text: Third method: Lying on the left side, extending the arms and legs, inhaling through the mouth, exhaling through the nose, repeating. This eliminates accumulation and discomfort in the heart.
Explanation: Lying on the left side, extending the arms and legs, inhaling through the mouth, exhaling through the nose can eliminate accumulation and discomfort in the heart.
Summary:
Accumulation refers to the formation of lumps or swelling in the abdomen, which can be painful or uncomfortable. It is generally believed that accumulation is a tangible lump that is fixed and painful in a specific area, while gathering is intangible qi that can disperse and is not fixed, with pain that is not localized. The occurrence of this condition is often due to emotional distress, dietary issues, and damage to the liver and spleen, leading to disharmony in the organs and stagnation of qi and blood. Treatment should focus on regulating qi, invigorating blood, and dispersing accumulation. This section proposes several special inhalation guidance methods for treating accumulation.
9. Spleen and Stomach Section
Original Text: If the spleen and stomach are not in harmony, one cannot eat. Leaning to one side, both hands to one side, stretch the body and head, and gradually pull together. The qi and strength will harmonize, and repeat to both sides three times. This eliminates discomfort in the stomach.
Explanation: To treat disharmony of the spleen and stomach, lean to one side, both hands to one side, stretch the body and head, and gradually pull together. The qi and strength will harmonize, and repeat to both sides three times. This can eliminate discomfort in the stomach.
Summary:
This section discusses the treatment of spleen and stomach disorders through movement and stretching, emphasizing the importance of harmonizing qi and strength. The methods proposed are effective for treating discomfort in the stomach and improving digestion.
10. Supplementation Section
Original Text: The guidance method of Mr. Ning is to eliminate a hundred diseases and prolong life.
Explanation: The guidance method of Mr. Ning can eliminate a hundred diseases and prolong life.
Summary:
This section emphasizes the importance of the guidance method of Mr. Ning for health and longevity, highlighting the need for regular practice and the benefits of maintaining a calm mind.
11. Peng Zu’s Valley Immortal Lying Guidance Method
Original Text: The guidance method of Peng Zu’s Valley Immortal eliminates a hundred diseases and prolongs life.
Explanation: The guidance method of Peng Zu’s Valley Immortal can eliminate a hundred diseases and prolong life.
Summary:
This section discusses the guidance method of Peng Zu, emphasizing its effectiveness in promoting health and longevity.
12. Five Animal Play Method
Original Text: The Daoist scriptures say: “Laozi said: The ancient immortals practiced guidance, able to stretch like birds, pulling and guiding the body, moving the joints, seeking to avoid aging, called the Five Animal Play. Pulling and guiding the hooves to perform guidance. When the body is uncomfortable, perform one of the animal plays, causing sweat to flow, thus stopping discomfort, making the body light. Practicing this widely, one can live over nine hundred years, with sharp hearing and bright eyes, and strong teeth. It is easy to guide, but rare to practice, alas!”
Explanation: The Five Animal Play is a guidance method based on imitating the movements of animals, designed to promote health and longevity.
Summary:
This section introduces the Five Animal Play method, emphasizing its benefits for health and longevity.
13. Breathing and Inhaling Method
Original Text: The character “zi” governs the lungs, which connect to the five organs. When exposed to wind, the nose becomes blocked, and diseases arise, which can be treated by inhaling and exhaling.
Explanation: The character “zi” governs the lungs, which connect to the five organs. When exposed to wind, the nose becomes blocked, and diseases arise, which can be treated by inhaling and exhaling.
Summary:
This section discusses the importance of breathing techniques in TCM, emphasizing their role in maintaining health and preventing disease.
14. Diabetes Section
Original Text: One method: When sleeping, do not open the mouth, as this can lead to diabetes and loss of color. Chi Songzi said: Lying down, closing the eyes, and not breathing for twelve breaths can treat undigested food.
Explanation: When sleeping, do not open the mouth, as this can lead to diabetes and loss of color. Chi Songzi said: Lying down, closing the eyes, and not breathing for twelve breaths can treat undigested food.
Summary:
This section emphasizes the importance of proper sleeping posture and breathing techniques in preventing diabetes and promoting digestive health.
15. Abdominal Distension Section
Original Text: One method: Squatting, focusing the mind, curling both hands towards the heart, shaking the arms left and right, leaning the body, and curling the head to the abdomen, pressing the hands along the meridian to the lower abdomen, repeating this three times. This gradually alleviates abdominal distension and discomfort, and aids digestion.
Explanation: Squatting, focusing the mind, curling both hands towards the heart, shaking the arms left and right, leaning the body, and curling the head to the abdomen, pressing the hands along the meridian to the lower abdomen, repeating this three times can alleviate abdominal distension and discomfort.
Summary:
This section discusses methods for alleviating abdominal distension and discomfort, emphasizing the importance of movement and breathing techniques.
16. Eye and Ear Section
Original Text: One method: Squatting, stretching the right foot, holding the left knee with both hands, stretching the waist, inhaling through the nose, holding for seven breaths. This eliminates difficulty in bending and rising, and relieves pain in the shins, wind in the eyes, and deafness.
Explanation: Squatting, stretching the right foot, holding the left knee with both hands, stretching the waist, inhaling through the nose, holding for seven breaths can eliminate difficulty in bending and rising, and relieve pain in the shins, wind in the eyes, and deafness.
Summary:
This section discusses methods for improving eye and ear health, emphasizing the importance of movement and breathing techniques.
17. Throat and Tongue Section
Original Text: One method: One hand stretches out, palms up, while the other hand holds the chin, pulling it outward, repeating this for fourteen times. This can relieve neck stiffness, headaches, throat pain, and shoulder cold.
Explanation: One hand stretches out, palms up, while the other hand holds the chin, pulling it outward, repeating this for fourteen times can relieve neck stiffness, headaches, throat pain, and shoulder cold.
Summary:
This section discusses methods for improving throat and tongue health, emphasizing the importance of movement and breathing techniques.
18. Mouth and Teeth Section
Original Text: One method: Regularly on one’s birthday, before combing hair, knock the teeth together nine times, reciting the incantation: “The Great Emperor scatters the spirit, the five elders return to truth; the mud ball of the mysterious flower preserves essence and longevity; the left turns to the moon, the right draws the root; the six harmonies cleanse, a hundred diseases are cured.” Swallow saliva three times, regularly practicing this will prevent tooth pain, keep teeth strong, and prevent headaches.
Explanation: Regularly on one’s birthday, before combing hair, knock the teeth together nine times, reciting the incantation: “The Great Emperor scatters the spirit, the five elders return to truth; the mud ball of the mysterious flower preserves essence and longevity; the left turns to the moon, the right draws the root; the six harmonies cleanse, a hundred diseases are cured.” Swallow saliva three times, regularly practicing this will prevent tooth pain, keep teeth strong, and prevent headaches.
Summary:
This section discusses methods for maintaining oral health, emphasizing the importance of regular practice and the use of incantations.
19. Nose Section
Original Text: One method: Sit facing east, not breathing for three breaths, using hands to pinch both nostrils, treating nasal diseases. Cross-legged sitting can also treat nasal diseases, clear nasal discharge, and allow for the sense of smell to return. Regular practice will enhance the sense of smell.
Explanation: Sit facing east, not breathing for three breaths, using hands to pinch both nostrils, treating nasal diseases. Cross-legged sitting can also treat nasal diseases, clear nasal discharge, and allow for the sense of smell to return. Regular practice will enhance the sense of smell.
Summary:
This section discusses methods for treating nasal diseases, emphasizing the importance of breathing techniques and regular practice.
20. Ear Section
Original Text: One method: Sit on the ground, crossing both legs, using both hands to reach into the bent legs, lowering the head and crossing the neck. This treats chronic cold that cannot warm itself and hearing loss.
Explanation: Sit on the ground, crossing both legs, using both hands to reach into the bent legs, lowering the head and crossing the neck. This treats chronic cold that cannot warm itself and hearing loss.
Summary:
This section discusses methods for treating ear diseases, emphasizing the importance of movement and breathing techniques.
21. Leakage Section
Original Text: One method: To treat nocturnal emissions and white discharge, during the time of Yin (7-11 PM), one hand should cover the external kidney, and the other hand should rub the lower abdomen eighty-one times, then switch hands, each hand doing nine times. After nine days, results can be seen; after eighty-one days, success can be achieved.
Explanation: To treat nocturnal emissions and white discharge, during the time of Yin (7-11 PM), one hand should cover the external kidney, and the other hand should rub the lower abdomen eighty-one times, then switch hands, each hand doing nine times. After nine days, results can be seen; after eighty-one days, success can be achieved.
Summary:
This section discusses methods for treating nocturnal emissions and related conditions, emphasizing the importance of timing and technique.
22. Urination Section
Original Text: One method: Lying down, placing both feet (should be hands) on the knees, with the heels placed at the buttocks, inhaling through the mouth, vibrating the abdomen, and exhaling through the nose. This treats urination issues, frequent urination.
Explanation: Lying down, placing both hands on the knees, with the heels placed at the buttocks, inhaling through the mouth, vibrating the abdomen, and exhaling through the nose can treat urination issues, frequent urination.
Summary:
This section discusses methods for treating urination issues, emphasizing the importance of movement and breathing techniques.
23. Hernia Section
Original Text: One method: Pulling both toes for five breaths, guiding the qi in the abdomen. This treats hernias and opens the orifices.
Explanation: Pulling both toes for five breaths, guiding the qi in the abdomen can treat hernias and open the orifices.
Summary:
This section discusses methods for treating hernias, emphasizing the importance of movement and breathing techniques.
24. Hemorrhoids Section
Original Text: One method: Use a high pillow, lying on the back, keeping the mind calm, and the swelling will subside.
Explanation: Lying on the back with a high pillow and a calm mind can help reduce hemorrhoid swelling.
Original Text: Second method: One foot on the ground, one knee bent, both hands holding the knee, pulling it towards the body. Alternate sides four times.
Explanation: One foot on the ground, one knee bent, both hands holding the knee, pulling it towards the body can help treat hemorrhoids and related conditions.
Summary:
This section discusses methods for treating hemorrhoids, emphasizing the importance of movement and breathing techniques.
25. General Summary
This article provides a comprehensive overview of various guided health practices in Traditional Chinese Medicine, emphasizing the importance of movement, breathing techniques, and mental focus in promoting health and treating various ailments.