《三洞珠囊》Vol. 10

This scripture primarily documents the Daoist cultivation method of tooth-tapping and saliva swallowing for health preservation, along with related incantations and their effects.

Before sleeping at night, one should gently tap the teeth twenty-one times (the number three times seven) while swallowing saliva twenty-one times, silently reciting the incantation: "The Nine Stars' supreme essence, the North Pole's True Lord, please nourish my vital essence (Jing) and strengthen my three ethereal souls. Draw in the solar essence from the left, absorb the lunar qi from the right. The yellow radiance between heaven and earth, the true primordial qi in the void, assist my ascension to immortality, elevating me to the Purple Mist celestial realm. The jade talisman bestowed by divine beings eternally guards the gate of life, subduing all malevolent influences."

Upon waking at dawn, one should also tap the teeth fourteen times (the number two times seven), swallow saliva fourteen times, and silently recite: "The celestial qi of heaven, the seven youths within the Northern Dipper, the purple qi essence of Shangqing all reside within me. The purple qi canopy of the Central Flowery Land, the Mysterious Palace of Great Simplicity, and the spiritual energy of the Later Sage all enter my Dantian (energy center), assisting my ascension to immortality into the golden and jade celestial palaces."

The Scripture of Five Talismans states: Bowing to rinse and swallow the five-flowered saliva can rejuvenate one's youth; looking up to absorb the three luminaries' essence (sun, moon, and stars) can maintain bodily health and longevity.

Tooth-tapping summons the internal deities, while qi-swallowing harmonizes the primordial energy. Swallowing saliva nourishes vital essence, just as drumbeats boost morale in battle—this too is a method to summon divine beings.

The Declarations of the Perfected records: When walking at night, frequently tap your teeth without counting the repetitions. Ghosts and spirits fear the sound of tooth-tapping and dare not harm humans. The effect is enhanced when combined with mouth rinsing, saliva swallowing, and silent incantation.

The immortal Liu Jing instructed Huangfu Long: Upon waking each morning, before washing, first sit upright and rinse the mouth. When the oral fluid (called "jade spring") fills the mouth, swallow it, then tap the teeth fourteen times. Repeat this multiple times. Tooth-tapping summons internal deities to pacify them and keeps teeth strong and unbroken. Swallowing saliva makes skin radiant and moist, enhances physical strength, brings rosy complexion, and eliminates the Three Corpses (Daoist concept of three harmful parasites in the body)—this is called "refining essence" and can lead to immortality. Lifelong practice of this may result in attaining the Dao and becoming an immortal.

The Supreme Hidden Scripture of the Cavern Spirit states: Dao cultivators need to "sound the celestial drum" to summon deities. Proper cultivation must prevent evil qi intrusion by gathering all internal deities for protection. Tapping left teeth is called "celestial bell," tapping right teeth "celestial chime," and upper and lower teeth tapping together "celestial drum"—typically performed three times.

This scripture elucidates the Daoist cosmological view of "numerical correspondences" and specific health cultivation methods. It first explains how different numbers correspond to the Three Realms of heaven, earth, and humanity: the number 36 corresponds to the Thirty-Six Heavens, Thirty-Six Kingdoms, and Thirty-Six Earthly Realms; 32 corresponds to the Thirty-Two Heavens; 27 represents the Nine Heavens (3×9=27); 24 matches the Twenty-Four Divine Beings; 12 aligns with the twelve double-hours; 9 symbolizes the Nine Origins; 7 signifies the Seven Origins; and 3 embodies the Three Origins. Practitioners can perform tooth-tapping rituals to summon deities according to these numerical patterns in different circumstances.

When facing danger or calamity, one should strike the "Celestial Bell" thirty times; when passing through mountains to expel evil influences, the "Celestial Chime" should be sounded; and when seeking communion with divine beings, the "Celestial Drum" must be resonated. Throat obstruction may cause mental disturbance—this requires swallowing saliva to nourish the body's hundred spirits while calmly guarding the "Three-One Deities" (referring to the deities of the upper, middle, and lower Dantian). The frequency of swallowing should follow the same rules as sounding the Celestial Drum.

The Secret Essentials for Ascending to Truth records a practice called "ingesting the Jade Maiden's Essence": visualize holding the sun and moon in one's mouth—the crimson sun with nine purple rays and the golden moon with ten white beams. These straight, bowstring-like radiations enter the mouth, and swallowing this luminous fluid requires regular secret practice. Previously mentioned ingestion methods all involve similar saliva-swallowing techniques.

The Declarations of the Perfected quotes the Scripture of the Great Simplicity's Cinnabar Radiance regarding facial massage: regularly rub the face with both hands until warm, following facial contours for full coverage. This maintains radiant complexion and prevents wrinkles. Five years of practice yields youthful, maiden-like beauty. The method involves first warming the palms, massaging the face, combing the hair, then alternately rubbing both arms—preventing gray hair and promoting blood circulation.

The Massage Chapter from the Perfect Scripture of the Great Cavern describes morning exercises: sit calmly with hands clasped behind the neck, tilting the head backward against the hands' resistance. Repeating this three or four times regulates essence, Qi, and blood while repelling pathogenic influences. Long-term practice eliminates illness and prolongs life. Follow with full-body movements—stretching limbs, arching the back, and rotating all joints three times each.

Upon waking or before sleeping, first wipe the neck and areas behind the ears with a thick towel or cloth until these areas feel slightly warm. Then gently massage the neck along the direction of hair growth, as if combing through it. Next, rub your hands together until they grow warm, and use the heated palms to massage your face. Consistently practicing this routine will brighten the eyes, ward off malign influences (Xieqi), and prevent the accumulation of impurities in the body. After completing the entire sequence, swallow saliva thirty times to promote the circulation of bodily fluids.

The Xiaomo Shangling Jing (Scripture of Dispelling Demons and Ascending Numinous Power) states: If feeling unwell, curl the tongue backward to press against the throat and repeatedly swallow saliva. Soon, the discomfort will dissipate, and the body will feel light and supple.

The first section of the Xiaomo Jing (Scripture of Dispelling Demons) records: Frequently pressing the areas on both sides of the ears, without limiting the number of repetitions, can improve hearing. This ear-massaging method is referred to in Daoist scriptures as "Cultivating the City Walls" (Yingzhi Cheng Guo) and is said to help one's name be inscribed in the immortal registers. Similarly, regularly massaging both sides of the nose (known as the "Central Peak" [Zhongyue] in Daoist terminology) can regulate and stabilize breathing. This practice is called "Irrigating the Central Peak" (Guan’gai Zhongyue) and also aids in achieving Daoist cultivation and realization.

The massage method recorded in the Taishang Lu Ting Fa Hua Jing (Scripture of the Most High on Recording Stillness and Emanating Radiance): At dawn (when Qi is vibrant), first swallow saliva fourteen times, then massage any painful areas while facing east and silently reciting the incantation:

"The Mysterious and Wondrous Three Spirits unite in truth,

The Six Blossoms of the Yellow Court resonate in harmony,

Illness and malign forces disperse, peace reigns in all directions,

Jade fluids flow freely, the hundred vessels unobstructed,

Internally harmonizing water and fire, externally warding off calamity,

Soaring to immortality, the body strong and healthy."

After reciting, swallow saliva fourteen more times. Whenever encountering a painful spot, swiftly massage it thirty-one times.

The Danzi Zishu Sanwu Shunxing Jing (Purple Book of the Cinnabar Characters on the Three and Five Moving in Harmony) states: During seated meditation, close the eyes and internally visualize (Neiguan) the five viscera and six bowels. With prolonged practice, one can perceive the internal state of the body with clarity. The Shijing Chizi Jing (Scripture of the Red Characters on Stone Radiance) records: Frequently cover the mouth and nose lightly with the hands, slightly close the eyes, and breathe slowly until moisture gathers in the palms, then massage the face. Persistent practice will make the body emit a fragrant aroma.

The inner vision method from the Zidu Yanguang Jing (Scripture of Purple Radiance and Flaming Light): Lie flat with eyes closed, regulate the breath until it becomes imperceptible to others, then inwardly gaze into the distance and listen to the farthest sounds. Long-term cultivation enables one to see things thousands of miles away, and with advanced practice, even a million miles. The ears may also hear celestial music (the sounds of gold, jade, strings, and bamboo), marking a profound level of attainment.

According to the Santong Zhunang's record of the Taishang Tian'guan San Tu Jing, this text presents a complete set of eye preservation and longevity cultivation methods:

Begin by massaging the acupoints around the eyes. Regularly press the inner corners near the nasal bridge (the two canthi) with both hands to promote Qi (vital energy) circulation. Cease when the Qi flows smoothly, then exhale and begin anew. Persistent practice will grant the eyes penetrative clarity akin to clairvoyance.

The specific method involves frequently pressing the small acupoints behind the eyebrows with both hands twenty-seven times (three cycles of nine). Then massage the orbital region above the cheekbones with palms and fingers, followed by thirty circular rubs of the ears. This massage can be performed anytime without limitation. Upon completion, push upward from the center of the forehead twenty-seven times, starting between the eyebrows up to the hairline while continuously swallowing the generated saliva.

Practicing this diligently for a year will make the eyes extraordinarily bright, even enabling nighttime writing. These movements can be practiced privately without disclosing specifics. Massaging beneath the eyes and above the cheekbones constitutes the essential technique for eye preservation that may reverse aging. The ear rotation belongs to the "Illumination Reflection Technique" that unblocks Qi and blood, prevents wrinkles, and makes eyes radiant with vibrant Shen (spirit).

Human aging typically begins with the ears and eyes, with the first signs appearing around the ocular region. When pressing the forehead, visualize the "Red Infant" (the primordial Qi within) residing in your body, making your eyes shine like sun and moon while the Upper Dantian (Upper Primordial) feels joyful. Stop after twenty-seven presses—this is called "Hands Paying Homage to the Three Origins," a method to consolidate brain marrow and strengthen hair.

Next, massage the head from all sides with both hands, combing through the hair—the more repetitions, the better. This promotes cranial blood circulation and prevents rheumatic accumulation. Finally, press the four corners of the eyes eighteen times (two cycles of nine) to enhance visual clarity. This tests ocular vitality; prolonged practice may even enable perception of divine beings. Diligent practice keeps hands frequently touching the face—even perfected Zhenren (True Humans) shouldn't neglect this.

Upon waking at night, knock teeth nine times, swallow saliva nine times, then massage around the nasal wings dozens of times. Simultaneously recite this invocation silently: "May the Supreme Dao Ancestor open the nine orifices, grant spiritual hearing and sight, harmonize the Qi of the Celestial Terrace (head), make eyes bright as a child's, ears keen, all meridians unobstructed, the five viscera robust, the seven Po (corporeal souls) purified, the three Hun (ethereal souls) tranquil, and the primordial Qi within remain with me—let none obscure my ears and eyes."

This scripture primarily discusses several Daoist health preservation methods and incantation rituals, divided into three parts: hair care, eye maintenance, and bedtime cultivation practices.

Regarding hair care: The method transmitted by the Supreme Venerable Lord (Taishang Laojun) states that when combing hair, one should face an auspicious direction (Wangdi) while silently reciting the incantation "Mud-pill Mysterious Radiance..." (Niwan Xuanhua...). After finishing, swallow saliva three times. Practicing this regularly prevents hair loss and promotes vigorous growth. Comb frequently but avoid irritating the scalp—another person may assist, as this improves blood circulation in the head and strengthens hair roots.

For eye maintenance: Before sleep, close the eyes and massage from the sides toward the crown of the head twenty-seven times using the base of the thumbs. Visualize three-colored clouds—purple, azure, and crimson—manifesting within the eyes, a sign of internal Jing (essence) and Qi nourishing them. Simultaneously, silently recite the forty-eight-character eye incantation "Pupils of Three Clouds..." (Yantong San Yun...), then swallow saliva fifty times before reopening the eyes. This practice isn’t limited to nighttime; performing it during Yang-rich hours for a year sharpens hearing and vision, while prolonged cultivation may even grant clairvoyant sight.

Concerning bedtime cultivation: Adepts should practice discreetly. The text mentions Perfected Shan Shiyuan, who cultivated Master Meng’s method by reciting the Huangting Neijing Jing (Scripture of the Inner Landscape of the Yellow Court) once nightly before sleep to stabilize the Hun and Po (ethereal and corporeal souls). Persisting for twenty-one years (accumulating ten thousand recitations) leads to transcendence. Lady Jiang of Northern Peak noted that regular recitation also dispels illness and prolongs life. A commentary adds that even if daily recitation is unfeasible, reading it three to four times nightly suffices.

The Sandong Zhunang (Three Caverns Pearl Pouch) scripture primarily discusses the Daoist cultivation method of tooth-tapping and saliva-swallowing, along with its miraculous effects.

When practicing supreme Daoist methods or reciting sacred scriptures, one should lick the lips and swallow saliva once or twice after every ten to twenty characters read; after every fifty to one hundred characters, tap the teeth two or three times. This connects the spirit (Shen) with celestial Qi, harmonizes blood and Qi, and keeps the mouth rich in saliva. Thus, primordial Qi is not dissipated, and vital essence (Jing) and blood are not depleted. Practitioners must avoid weeping or frequent spitting, as these actions deplete bodily fluids, leading to exhaustion of throat and brain essence. Therefore, genuine Dao cultivators regularly regulate the body's six fluids through breath regulation and saliva swallowing.

Particularly on one's benming day (the day corresponding to one's birth stem-branch), face the designated direction, tap the teeth three times, silently visualize paying homage, and softly recite: "The Great Unity (Taiyi) deity guards my life, three Qi streams merge as one, nurturing the fetal origin to reach the celestial court. The mother's dark Qi and father's primordial Qi nourish my five viscera and govern my spirit. Below, it irrigates jade fluid (saliva); above, it worships the Muddy Pellet Palace (upper Dantian). At night, cultivate the seven corporeal souls (Po); at dawn, harmonize the three ethereal souls (Hun). On the right, jade splendor protects; on the left, golden dawn accompanies. May I attain immortality, command spirits, keep essence and Qi flowing, and ascend through the ten heavens." After the recitation, bow to the four directions and tap the teeth three more times. This method is called the "Supreme Hidden Homage to Fetal Origin Life-Incantation." Regular practice stabilizes the soul, prolongs life, and achieves immortality.

The text then provides an example: A man named Bao Zhu from Jibei, originally ignorant of Daoist methods, suddenly suffered a stroke in his forties—his mouth twisted, teeth chattering incessantly day and night. Yet he lived to 127 and ultimately drowned. The Northern Emperor (a Daoist deity governing life and death) repeatedly dispatched soul-summoning envoys, but none dared approach. When questioned, the Celestial Execution Envoy explained: "This man's constant tooth-tapping acts like striking heaven's drum, alerting his inner deities. His spirit remains unbroken, ghostly Qi cannot invade, leaving us no opening to claim him." Thus, had Bao Zhu not drowned, he might have lived even longer.

This passage illustrates through concrete example how tooth-tapping not only strengthens the body but also repels ghosts and demons, achieving life extension.

Tooth Tapping (a Daoist health preservation method involving gentle teeth clicking) originated from the ancient observation that drowning victims' teeth would automatically chatter from cold, which was believed to ward off evil spirits. Practitioners who consciously perform Tooth Tapping while visualizing the "Heavenly Drum" (a cultivation technique combining teeth clicking with visualization) can activate the divine energies throughout their body. The Immortal Formulas records: regular swallowing of saliva combined with Tooth Tapping can restore youthfulness.

The Scripture of Purple Radiance and Flaming Light states: the optimal time for saliva swallowing is at dawn when Yin and Yang energies are still undivided. At this moment, visualize mysterious light illuminating both body and spirit (Shen), allowing vital essence (Jing) to naturally generate. Swallowing this essence preserves a jade-like complexion. Practiced consistently for three years, it can make one's face glow like jade, reverse aging, and strengthen teeth like tree roots. This is an immortal ascension secret transmitted by the Five Elders (the Five Directional Heavenly Emperors) and requires sincere cultivation. The method is as follows:

At dawn, calm the mind and focus the spirit (Shen), then tap the teeth twelve times. First, visualize the Azure Jade Maiden of the East holding blue immortal herbs and jade nectar, imagining sweet dew flowing throughout the body while silently reciting: "Eastern azure teeth drink morning dew, jade nectar and sweet springs moisten the six viscera, my body light as a swallow treading clouds." Then gently lick the outer surface of the upper teeth nine times with the tongue and swallow the saliva.

Next, visualize the Crimson Jade Maiden of the South holding red immortal herbs and jade nectar, imagining sweet dew flowing into the heart while reciting: "Southern crimson teeth drink sweet springs, vermilion herbs and jade nectar nourish the heart field, shedding mortal form to become true immortal." Lick the outer surface of the lower teeth eight times and swallow.

Then visualize the White Jade Maiden of the West holding white immortal herbs and jade nectar, imagining sweet dew flowing into the lungs while reciting: "Western white teeth drink divine liquid, jade water and mystic herbs pacify the ethereal soul (Hun)." Lick the inner surface of the upper teeth six times and swallow.

Finally, visualize the Black Jade Maiden of the North holding dark immortal herbs and jade nectar, imagining sweet dew flowing into the kidneys while reciting: "Northern black teeth consume mysterious nourishment, flying springs and jade syrup nurture the spiritual essence." This practice requires tranquil concentration to pacify the divine energies of the five viscera for full efficacy.

This scripture expounds the Daoist cultivation method of "swallowing saliva to preserve teeth" (yanye bao ya). During practice, one first visualizes the Central Yellow Primordial Maiden (a Daoist goddess) holding the Qi of Central Harmony and the Elixir of Yellow Water Lunar Essence. These refined essences flow into the practitioner's body, filling the Jade Hall Palace (upper Dantian). Simultaneously, one recites the incantation: "The central yellow teeth are pure white and firmly rooted, when hungry nourish yourself with jade elixirs, when thirsty drink from the yellow water lunar essence, let the five viscera overflow like rushing rivers, may my lifespan align with the sun, moon and stars."

The concrete practice involves repeatedly circling the tongue around all four surfaces (inner and outer) of both upper and lower teeth, then curling the tongue backward to stimulate the upper palate (xuanying). When the mouth fills with numinous saliva (zhiye), swallow it in twelve portions. This cultivation method was regularly practiced by the Central Yellow Elder Lord (a Daoist deity) and the Taiji Perfected Being (high-level immortal), and can make one's complexion resemble a child's, skin become jade-like, white hair turn black again, and teeth remain firmly rooted without falling out. Ultimately, it enables one to be registered among the immortals and ascend to the celestial realms.

The scripture also mentions other cultivation methods: stirring the tongue around the upper and lower central areas of the mouth until saliva fills the oral cavity, then swallowing in three portions to extend lifespan; when consuming the Eastern Green Teeth (green elixir), one must combine it with morning dew, licking the inner surface of upper teeth and lips three times before swallowing the accumulated saliva. These practices all require predestined immortal affinity to receive authentic transmission.