Ge Hong's Health Preservation - Treasure Essence

The term "Baojing" actually refers to the art of the room. During the Qin and Han dynasties, the theories and methods related to the study of health preservation and longevity could roughly be divided into four schools: the medical school, the Taoist school, the immortal School, and the Room School. Medical practitioners focus on medical theory and practice, aiming to live up to their natural years by preventing and treating diseases. Taoism emphasizes self-cultivation and guiding the flow of qi. Immortals refine elixirs and take medicine in pursuit of immortality. The family in the room takes the art of the Room as the main means of achieving immortality. The so-called "sexual intercourse techniques" actually refer to the methods of sexual intercourse between men and women. They have always been kept secret and passed down orally by masters, so there are few extant books on them, and the details of the methods are also unknown. Ge Hong, having learned from his master, mastered the methods of more than ten households. Some aimed at healing injuries, some at treating diseases, some at nourishing Yin and Yang, and some at prolonging life. He summarized the common key points as "restoring essence and nourishing the brain". Regarding the views on sexual relations between men and women, Ge Hong believed that two extremes should be avoided: one is to "cut off Yin and Yang", and the other is to indulge in unrestrained desires. "Cutting off Yin and Yang" means forcibly suppressing one's sexual desire and cutting off sexual intercourse. He believes that cutting off sexual activity for the sake of the precious essence is actually harmful to health, because "cutting off Yin and Yang" goes against human physiological needs and can cause blockage diseases, leading to a short life and premature death. On the other hand, indulging in excessive desires and giving away without restraint can deplete one's true essence and even lead to physical harm and death. Therefore, the key to the art of sexual intercourse lies in achieving a harmonious balance between restraint and indulgence. One should neither abdicate from sexual desires nor indulge in them, but maintain a moderate, harmonious and fulfilling sexual life. This view is undoubtedly very correct.