| title | Chanke Xinfa |
| dynasty | Qing, written in 1780 AD |
Chanke Xinfa was written by Wang Puzhai, a renowned physician of the Qing Dynasty. Wang, a native of Xin'an, was considered by his contemporaries as a "master of Qi Huang, capable of reviving even those who seemed beyond help, and was hailed as the reincarnation of Bian Que across the Yangtze River regions." Specializing in gynecology, he summarized his lifelong medical experiences in his later years, compiling this book. As he stated in his preface: "Having devoted decades to research and practice, I have achieved efficacy, with insights realized in the mind and manifested in practice," indicating that the book is rich in practical experience. The book is divided into four categories: fertility, prenatal, parturition, and postnatal. The section on fertility includes some content related to sexual life: "Generally, there are four conditions that make it difficult to conceive: First, insufficient qi. During intercourse, one cannot ejaculate far, and without ejaculation, semen cannot enter the Zigong (EX-CA1). If semen does not enter the Zigong (EX-CA1), how can pregnancy occur? Moreover, strong qi generates semen, while weak qi results in less semen. Second, thin semen. Blood deficiency leads to thin semen, which cannot coagulate, making conception difficult. Third, lack of endurance. During intercourse, ejaculation occurs before penetration or shortly after, without sufficient engagement. The Zigong (EX-CA1) has not yet opened to receive, the woman's arousal is just beginning, while the man's has already ended?what substance is there to form a fetus? Fourth, cold semen. Cold semen does not coagulate upon entry. For yin-yang interlocking to occur, the male semen must be warm, and the vaginal orifice must be warm, with both partners' ministerial fire strong, their desires aligned. Only then can conception occur naturally. Just as spring warmth brings forth life and winter cold causes withering, this is the natural principle of yin-yang in the universe. Those afflicted with the aforementioned conditions will find it difficult to have offspring."
The above are some general principles, but the book also cites the "Fertility Song," providing detailed explanations, clarifications, and guidance: "'Thirty hours make two and a half days, twenty-eight or nine you must calculate. When the ground is covered with fallen red, it is the best time, but after the golden water passes, it is empty cholera. Empty cholera means wasted effort, searching for remnants on the tree's top and bottom. To know that fallen flowers bear fruit first, why worry about osmanthus not clustering?' This poem is found in ancient texts but was not explained in detail. I have elucidated it: thirty hours indeed make two and a half days, but counting from the onset of menstruation, beyond thirty hours, one may engage in intercourse, but within thirty hours, one must refrain, as it may cause illness in women. Hence, 'twenty-eight or nine you must calculate' means that intercourse should not occur before thirty hours have passed. 'When the ground is covered with fallen red is the best time' means that after thirty hours, one need not wait for the bleeding to stop completely to attempt conception; even forty hours is acceptable. People often wait until the bleeding stops completely before intercourse, by which time the Zigong (EX-CA1) may have closed, or if not, the conception is likely to result in a female fetus. Hence, the following lines clarify: 'After the golden water passes, it is empty cholera, empty cholera means wasted effort, searching for remnants on the tree's top and bottom.' This explanation emphasizes that conception is more likely when there is still some residual bleeding, as the semen can be enveloped by the residual blood to form a pregnancy. Once the bleeding stops completely, the Zigong (EX-CA1) becomes empty, making it difficult for semen to stay, except in young, vigorous women where new blood may quickly replenish. But why is it likely to be a female fetus? I say: this is because blood rushes into the semen, dispersing it, and the blood enters internally, forming the image of the Li hexagram. Human conception is merely the coagulation of semen and blood in a moment, at the peak of pleasure during ejaculation, whether a fetus is formed or not, the genders have their own perceptions, all depending on the alignment of the essential qi of the mind and spirit. If the mind is distracted, conception will not occur. Why? Because the mind and spirit are not aligned. The latter part of the poem says: 'To know that fallen flowers bear fruit first, why worry about osmanthus not clustering?' also implies that one need not wait for the end. Observe lotus, balsam, pomegranate, and all fruiting flowers?their petals have not completely fallen, yet the center has already borne fruit. However, the key is to engage in intercourse after midnight, during the yang phase of the Zi hour, which is sure to result in a male child. Moreover, when couples sleep until midnight, they are both warm, their qi and blood harmonized, making this the ideal time for intercourse to ensure a precious child. It is even better if the woman's menstruation occurs before the middle of the month. I have often taught this method to others, and many have successfully conceived, proving its efficacy."
