夫病之所由来，因放逸其心，逆于生乐，以精神殉智巧，以忧患殉得失，以劳苦殉礼节，
以身世殉财利。四殉不置，心为之病也。极力劳形，躁暴气逆，当风饮酒，食嗜辛咸，肝为
之病矣。饮食失节，温凉失度，久坐久卧，大饱大饥，脾为之病矣。呼叫过常，辨争陪答，冒
犯寒暄，恣食酸咸，肺为之病矣。久坐湿地，强力涉远，纵欲劳形，三田漏溢，肾为之病矣。
五病即作，故未老而羸，未羸而病，病至则重，重则必毙。呜呼！是皆弗思而自取之也。今既
病矣，而后药之，得非临渴掘井乎！然必以慎起居，戒暴怒，简言语，清心寡营，轻得失，收
视听，节饮食，忌肥浓、炙 、生冷。凡食勿顿而多，任可少而频，食不欲急，急则伤脾，法
宜细嚼缓咽，勿太热，勿太冷，又不得杂，杂则物性或有相反，则脾与胃不大可虑哉！苟能慎
之，服药自效。设仍率性任情，不守戒忌，岂特药力无功，而其疾更剧矣，是不可不慎。
慎用水。按方书所载。
长流水 即千里水，但当取其流长而来远耳。不可泥于千里之外者，以取其来远通达。
用以煎治手足四肢病，及通利二便之药也。
急流水 湍上峻急之流水也，以其急速而达下，取以煎利二便及足胫之风湿药也。
顺流水 其性顺而下流，故亦取治下焦腰膝之病，及二便之药也。
逆流水 慢流洄澜之水也，以其逆而倒流，取其调和发吐痰饮之药也。
半天河水 即长桑君授扁鹊饮以上池之水，乃竹篱藩头管内所盛之水也，取其自天而降
，未受下流重浊之气，故可以炼还丹、调仙药之用。
春雨水 立春日，空中以器盛接之水，其性始得春升生发之气，可以煎补中气及清气不
升之剂。古方谓妇人无子者，于立春日清晨，以器盛空中之雨水，或者日百草晓露之水，夫妻各
饮一杯，还房当即有孕，取其资始资生，发育万物之意耳。
秋露水 其性禀收敛肃杀之气，取煎祛祟之药，及调敷
虫疥癣疮风癞之用。
井华水 清晨井中第一汲者，其天一真元之气浮结水面，取煎滋阴之剂及修炼丹药之用。
新汲水 井中新汲未入缸瓮者，取其无所混浊，用以煎药为洁。
甘澜水 以器盛水，又以器扬濯之，使其珠沫盈于水面，约以百次为度，取其性变温柔，
能理伤寒阴症。
潦水 即无根水，山谷中无人处，新坎中水也，取其性止而不流，且有土气，清者可煎
调脾胃补中气之剂。
冬霜水 阴盛则露结而为霜，霜能杀物，性随时异也。解酒毒，治热病。收霜法，鸡羽刷
，贮瓶密封候用，一方治寒热症，秋霜一钱，热酒送下，奇效如神。
腊雪水 冬至后第三戊为腊，其水解时疫丹石毒。煎茶煮粥，止消渴，洗目赤如神，及调
和杀虫药用。
阴阳水 即生熟水，新汲水合百沸汤，和匀是也。入烧盐饮之，消醉饱过度。霍乱肚胀者
，饮一二升，吐出痰食即痊。凡霍乱呕吐，不能令纳食，其势危者，先饮数口即定。
菊英水 蜀中有长寿源，其源多菊花，而流水皆菊花香，居人饮其水者，寿皆二三百岁。故
渊明好植菊花。日采其华英浸水烹茶，期延年也。夫《本草》虽有诸水之名，而未及其用，今特表而
出之。
按《千金方》云∶煎人参须用流水，用止水即不验。今甚有宿水煎药，不惟无功，恐有虫毒，阴
气所侵，益蒙其害。即滚汤停宿者，浴面无颜色，洗身成癣。已上诸水，各有所宜，临用之际，宜细
择焉。
慎火候，按方书所载。
桑柴火 桑木能利关节，养津液，得火则良。《抱朴子》云∶一切仙药，不得桑煎不服
。桑乃箕星之精，能助药力，除风寒痹痛。久服不患风疾故也。
栎炭火 宜 炼一切金石之药，以其坚也。
金粟火 即粟米壳也， 炼丹药用。
炭火 宜烹煎焙炙百药丸散。
白炭 误吞金银铜铁在腹，烧红急为末煎汤呷之，甚者刮末一钱，井水调服，未效再服。又
解水银轻粉毒。
石炭 今西北所烧之煤即是，不入药用。
芦荻火 竹火 宜煎一切滋补药。
按火有文武。从容和缓，不疾不徐，文火也。恐炽焰沸腾，则药汁易涸，气味不全耳，并用纸蘸水
封器口煎之。如煎探吐痰饮之剂，当用武火，取其急速而发吐之也。
慎煎器。必用砂铫瓦罐。如富贵家，净银之器，煎之更妙。切忌油秽腥气，铜、锡、铁锅。或煎过
他药者，必涤洁净。器口用纸蘸水封之。
慎煎药之人。有等鲁莽者，不按水火，率意煎熬，或药汁太多而背地倾藏，或过煎太少而私搀茶水
，供应病患，惟图了事。必择谨慎、能识火候者，或亲信骨肉，按法煎造。其去渣必用新绢滤净，取清
汁服。
慎服药。凡病在胸膈以上者，先食而后药；病在心腹以下者，先药而后食；病在四肢血脉者，宜饥食
而在旦；病在骨髓者，宜饱食而在夜。在上不厌频而少，在下不厌频而
多。少服则滋润于上，多服即峻补于下，其药气与谷气不欲相逢，食气下则服药，药气退则进食，
有食前食后服，宜审此意。
疾病产生的根源，在于放纵心意，违背生命的乐趣，用精神去追逐智巧，用忧患去计较得失，用劳苦去迎合礼节，用身世去贪图财利。这四种“殉”（执着）如果不加节制，心就会生病。极力劳累形体，急躁暴怒导致气机逆乱，对着风口饮酒，嗜好辛辣咸味，肝就会生病。饮食没有节制，冷热失度，久坐久卧，过饱或过饥，脾就会生病。呼叫过度，争辩应酬，冒犯寒热变化，恣意食用酸咸食物，肺就会生病。久坐湿地，强力远行，纵欲劳累形体，导致下元精气泄漏，肾就会生病。这五种病一旦发作，所以人未老先衰，未衰先病，病重则必死。唉！这都是因为不思考而自取祸患啊。现在已经生病了，才用药治疗，岂不是临渴掘井吗！然而必须谨慎起居，戒除暴怒，简化言语，清心寡欲，看轻得失，收敛视听，节制饮食，忌食肥腻、炙烤、生冷食物。凡是进食不要一次性吃太多，宁可少量多次，吃饭不要着急，着急会伤脾，应当细嚼慢咽，不要太烫，不要太凉，而且食物不要混杂，混杂则药性可能相反而已，那么脾胃能不令人担忧吗！如果能谨慎对待这些，服药自然见效。如果依然任性妄为，不遵守禁忌，岂止药效无效，病情还会加重，这是不可不谨慎的。
谨慎选择用水。按照医书记载：
长流水，就是千里水，只要取其流长远而来路远即可。不必拘泥于必须是千里之外的水，目的是取其来源遥远、通达。用来煎煮治疗手足四肢疾病，以及通利大小便的药物。
急流水，是湍急陡峭的流水，因其急速而下达，取其来煎煮通利二便及治疗足胫风湿的药物。
顺流水，其性质顺应向下流动，所以也用于治疗下焦腰膝的疾病，以及通利二便的药物。
逆流水，是缓慢回流的水，因其逆流倒灌，取其来调和催吐痰饮的药物。
半天河水，就是长桑君传授给扁鹊饮用的高处之水，即竹篱笆头管内所盛接的天落水，取其从天而降，未受下方浑浊之气的影响，所以可以用来炼制还丹、调配仙药。
春雨水，立春那天，在空中用器皿承接的雨水，其性质刚开始获得春天升发生发之气，可以煎煮补益中气及清气不升的方剂。古方说妇人不孕者，在立春清晨，用器皿承接空中的雨水，或者是百草上的晨露，夫妻各喝一杯，回房当即能怀孕，取其资助始生、发育万物的意思罢了。
秋露水，其性质禀受收敛肃杀之气，取来煎煮驱邪之药，以及调制敷治虫疥癣疮风癞的药物。
井华水，清晨从井中打出的第一桶水，其中天一真元之气浮结在水面，取来煎煮滋阴的方剂及修炼丹药之用。
新汲水，井中新近汲取尚未倒入缸瓮的水，取其没有混浊，用来煎药最为洁净。
甘澜水，用器皿盛水，再用另一个器皿反复舀起泼洒，使水面珠沫满盈，大约一百次为限度，取其性质变得温柔，能调理伤寒阴症。
潦水，就是无根水，山谷中无人之处，新挖掘坑中的积水，取其性质静止不流，且带有土气，清澈的可以煎煮调理脾胃、补益中气的方剂。
冬霜水，阴气盛则露水凝结成霜，霜能杀伤万物，性质随季节不同而变化。可解酒毒，治热病。收霜的方法，用鸡羽毛刷取，贮存在瓶中密封备用，另一法治疗寒热症，秋霜一钱，热酒送服，奇效如神。
腊雪水，冬至后第三个戊日为腊日，这种水能化解时疫和丹石毒。煎茶煮粥，可止消渴，洗眼赤红肿痛如神，以及调和杀虫药物使用。
阴阳水，就是生熟水，新汲冷水与百沸滚水混合均匀即是。加入烧红的盐饮用，可消除醉饱过度引起的不适。霍乱腹胀者，饮一二升，吐出痰食即痊愈。凡霍乱呕吐，不能进食，病情危重者，先喝几口即能安定。
菊英水，蜀地有长寿源，源头多菊花，流水都有菊花香，居住的人饮用此水，寿命都达两三百岁。所以陶渊明喜欢种植菊花，每天采摘菊花浸泡水中烹茶，期望延年益寿。《本草》中虽有各种水的名称，但未详述其用途，现在特别列出。
按《千金方》说：煎人参必须用流水，用止水就不灵验。现在很多人用隔夜水煎药，不仅无效，恐怕还有虫毒，被阴气侵袭，更加受害。即使是滚汤放置过夜，洗脸面无血色，洗澡成癣。以上各种水，各有适宜之处，使用时应仔细选择。
谨慎掌握火候，按照医书记载：
桑柴火，桑木能利关节，养津液，得火则良。《抱朴子》说：一切仙药，不用桑木煎煮不服。桑是箕星的精华，能助药力，除风寒痹痛。久服不得风疾的缘故。
栎炭火，适宜炼制一切金石类药物，因为其坚硬。
金粟火，就是粟米壳，用于炼丹药用。
炭火，适宜烹煎焙炙各种丸散药物。
白炭，误吞金银铜铁在腹中，烧红后急研为末煎汤服用，严重者刮末一钱，井水调服，无效再服。又能解水银轻粉毒。
石炭，现在西北所烧的煤就是，不入药用。
芦荻火、竹火，适宜煎煮一切滋补药。
按火分文武。从容和缓，不快不慢，是文火。担心火焰炽盛沸腾，药汁容易干涸，气味不全，并用纸蘸水封住器口煎煮。如煎煮催吐痰饮的方剂，当用武火，取其急速而发吐。
谨慎选择煎药器具。必须用砂铫瓦罐。如果是富贵人家，用干净的银器，煎煮更好。切忌油秽腥气，以及铜、锡、铁锅。或者煎过其他药的，必须洗涤干净。器口用纸蘸水封住。
谨慎选择煎药之人。有等鲁莽的人，不按水火比例，随意煎熬，要么药汁太多而在背后倾倒藏匿，要么煎得太少而私自掺入茶水，供应病患，只图了事。必须选择谨慎、能识别火候的人，或者亲信亲属，按法煎造。去渣必须用新绢滤净，取清汁服用。
谨慎服药。凡是病在胸膈以上的，先吃饭后吃药；病在心腹以下的，先吃药后吃饭；病在四肢血脉的，宜空腹且在早晨服用；病在骨髓的，宜饱食且在夜晚服用。在上部的不厌其烦且量少，在下部的不厌其烦且量多。少服则滋润上部，多服则峻补下部，药气与谷气不想相逢，食气下行后服药，药气退去后进食，有饭前饭后服，应当审察这个意思。
The origin of diseases lies in indulging the mind, going against the joy of life, sacrificing spirit to pursue cleverness, sacrificing worry to calculate gains and losses, sacrificing labor to comply with rituals, and sacrificing one's existence to covet wealth and profit. If these four "sacrifices" (obsessions) are not restrained, the Heart will become diseased. Exhausting the body through overwork, irritability and anger causing Qi rebellion, drinking alcohol facing the wind, and craving spicy and salty foods will cause the Liver to become diseased. Irregular diet, improper temperature regulation, prolonged sitting or lying, excessive fullness or hunger will cause the Spleen to become diseased. Excessive shouting, arguing and socializing, exposure to cold and heat, and indulging in sour and salty foods will cause the Lung to become diseased. Sitting long on damp ground, forcing oneself to travel far, indulging desires and exhausting the body, leading to leakage of the Lower Yuan essence, will cause the Kidney to become diseased. Once these five diseases manifest, one becomes emaciated before old age, sick before emaciation; when the disease is severe, death is inevitable. Alas! These are all self-inflicted due to lack of reflection. Now that illness has occurred, treating it with medicine is like digging a well only when thirsty! However, one must be cautious in daily life: avoid violent anger, simplify speech, clear the mind and reduce desires,轻视 gains and losses, restrain sensory input, regulate diet, and avoid fatty, roasted, and raw/cold foods. Do not eat too much at once; it is better to eat small amounts frequently. Eating should not be rushed, as rushing injures the Spleen. One should chew carefully and swallow slowly. Food should not be too hot or too cold, nor mixed indiscriminately, as mixing may cause conflicting properties, worrying the Spleen and Stomach. If one can be cautious, medication will naturally be effective. If one continues to act recklessly and ignores taboos, not only will the medicine be ineffective, but the disease will worsen. This must not be neglected.
Be cautious in selecting water. According to medical texts:
Long-flowing water (Changliu Shui), also known as Thousand-Li Water, refers to water flowing from a distance. It is not necessary to strictly seek water from exactly a thousand li away, but rather to choose water with a distant source and smooth flow. It is used to decoct medicines for treating limb diseases and promoting urination and defecation.
Rapid-flowing water (Jiliu Shui) is swift and turbulent water. Due to its rapid downward flow, it is used to decoct medicines for promoting urination/defecation and treating wind-dampness in the lower legs.
Downward-flowing water (Shunliu Shui) flows naturally downwards. It is used to treat diseases of the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner), such as waist and knee pain, and for promoting urination/defecation.
Counter-flowing water (Niliu Shui) is slow, swirling water. Due to its逆流 nature, it is used to harmonize medicines that induce vomiting of phlegm-fluids.
Half-sky River Water (Bantian He Shui) refers to the high-altitude water given by Chang Sang Jun to Bian Que. It is rainwater collected in bamboo tubes or fences. Being fallen from the sky, it has not absorbed heavy turbid qi from below, making it suitable for refining elixirs and preparing immortal medicines.
Spring Rainwater (Chunyushui) is rainwater collected in an open vessel on the day of Lichun (Start of Spring). It possesses the rising and generating Qi of spring. It is used to decoct formulas tonifying Middle Qi or lifting sinking Clear Qi. Ancient texts state that women infertile can drink this rainwater or morning dew on Lichun morning with their husbands to conceive, symbolizing the nurturing of life.
Autumn Dew (Qiulushui) carries the contracting and肃杀 (astringent/killing) Qi of autumn. It is used to decoct anti-parasitic medicines and for topical application on sores, tinea, and leprosy-like conditions.
Well-water First Drawn (Jinghua Shui) is the first bucket drawn from a well in the early morning. The primordial Qi of Heaven floats on the surface. It is used to decoct Yin-nourishing formulas and for alchemical purposes.
Freshly Drawn Well Water (Xinji Shui) is well water freshly drawn but not yet stored in jars. It is considered pure and unadulterated, ideal for decocting medicines.
Ganlan Water (Ganlan Shui) is made by pouring water between vessels repeatedly until foam covers the surface (about 100 times). Its nature becomes gentle, suitable for treating Cold syndromes in Shaoyin/Taiyin.
Rainwater/Puddle Water (Lao Shui), also called Rootless Water, is stagnant water in new pits in uninhabited valleys. It is still and contains Earth Qi. Clear versions are used to decoct formulas regulating the Spleen/Stomach and tonifying Middle Qi.
Winter Frost Water (Dongshuang Shui) forms when Yin Qi condenses dew into frost. Frost kills living things, and its nature varies with seasons. It resolves alcohol toxicity and treats febrile diseases. To collect: brush with chicken feathers, store in sealed bottles. For chills and fever, take one qian of autumn frost with warm wine; it is miraculous.
Lunar Month Snow Water (Laxue Shui) is snow collected after the third Wu day following Winter Solstice (La month). It resolves epidemic toxins and mineral drug toxicity. Used for tea/congee to treat thirst, washing red eyes, and mixing with insecticidal herbs.
Yin-Yang Water (Yinyang Shui) is a mixture of fresh cold well water and boiling water. Adding burnt salt and drinking it resolves overeating/drinking. For cholera with abdominal distension, drinking 1-2 sheng induces vomiting of phlegm/food, curing the condition. For severe cholera/vomiting preventing food intake, a few sips stabilize the patient.
Chrysanthemum Water (Juying Shui) comes from sources in Shu where chrysanthemums grow abundantly, imparting fragrance to the water. Locals drinking it live 200-300 years. Tao Yuanming planted chrysanthemums and steeped flowers in water for tea to prolong life. Although Bencao lists these waters, their uses were not fully detailed; here they are presented.
According to Qianjin Fang: Ginseng must be decocted with flowing water; stagnant water is ineffective. Using overnight water not only fails but may introduce parasites or Yin pathogenic factors, worsening harm. Even boiled water left overnight causes dull skin and tinea when used for bathing. Each water type has specific applications; choose carefully.
Be cautious with fire control. According to medical texts:
Mulberry Wood Fire (Sangchai Huo): Mulberry benefits joints and nourishes fluids. When burned, it is excellent. Baopuzi states: Immortal medicines are ineffective unless decocted with mulberry wood. Mulberry is the essence of the Ji Star, aiding medicinal power and dispelling wind-cold bi-pain. Long-term use prevents wind diseases.
Oak Charcoal Fire (Lic Tan Huo): Suitable for smelting metallic/mineral drugs due to its hardness.
Millet Husk Fire (Jinsu Huo): Millet husks, used for alchemy.
Charcoal Fire (Tan Huo): Suitable for cooking/baking pills and powders.
White Charcoal (Baitan): For ingested metals (gold, silver, copper, iron), burn red, grind to powder, decoct and sip. Severe cases: take 1 qian powder mixed with well water. Repeated if ineffective. Also resolves mercury/calomel toxicity.
Stone Coal (Shitan): Coal from Northwest China, not used in medicine.
Reed Fire (Ludi Huo) & Bamboo Fire (Zhu Huo): Suitable for decocting tonic medicines.
Fire is classified as Wen (Civil/Gentle) or Wu (Military/Strong). Wen fire is slow and steady. To prevent rapid evaporation and loss of aroma, cover the vessel mouth with paper dipped in water. Wu fire is strong and fast, used for inducing vomiting of phlegm-fluids.
Be cautious with decoction vessels. Use clay pots or ceramic jars. Wealthy families may use clean silver vessels for better results. Avoid oil, grease, fishy smells, and copper, tin, or iron pots. Vessels previously used for other medicines must be thoroughly cleaned. Cover the vessel mouth with wet paper.
Be cautious with the person decocting medicine. Reckless individuals may ignore water-fire ratios, waste excess liquid, or dilute insufficient decoctions with tea. Select careful individuals who understand fire control, preferably trusted relatives, to follow methods strictly. Filter dregs using fresh silk gauze and consume only the clear liquid.
Be cautious with taking medicine. For diseases above the chest/diaphragm, eat first then take medicine. For diseases below the heart/abdomen, take medicine first then eat. For diseases in limbs/blood vessels, take on an empty stomach in the morning. For diseases in bone marrow, take after a full meal at night. Upper body treatments prefer frequent, small doses; lower body treatments prefer frequent, larger doses. Small doses moisten the upper body; large doses strongly tonify the lower body. Medicinal Qi and Grain Qi should not clash. Take medicine after food digestion begins, and eat after medicinal effects subside. Whether taken before or after meals, consider these principles.