Modern medicine believes that a calm and happy mood can ensure the brain's activity and the coordination of various organs and systems in the body, enabling men to have abundant energy and greatly improve their physical and mental labor efficiency. Positive emotions can also increase the body's immunity, which is consistent with the traditional Chinese medicine principle of male health maintenance, which emphasizes the preservation of essence, nourishing qi, and regulating the mind. So, what does it mean to preserve essence, nourish qi, and regulate the mind?
1. Preserving Essence
Preserving essence means nurturing the kidney essence. According to Chinese medicine, men should not "exhaust their yang too early" or indulge in excessive sexual activities. The key to preserving essence in men is to control sexual activities to avoid depleting the kidney essence. Men can also nourish the essence through diet. The Huangdi Neijing states that "essence is generated from grains." Only by continuously receiving the essence of water and grains can the kidney essence be ensured. Medications are the main way for men to preserve and nourish their essence. Ye Tianshi, a medical expert from the Qing Dynasty, pointed out that animal products are excellent for nourishing essence, such as deer antler glue, ox bone, purple river cart, fish maw, etc.
2. Nourishing Qi
Nourishing qi means protecting and enhancing yang energy. The first step to protect yang energy is to prevent cold. "Severe cold in winter is the killer of good energy." Men should pay attention to keeping warm in winter to protect their yang energy. In the spring and summer seasons, excessive indulgence in coolness should also be avoided to prevent damage to yang energy. The Yanxi from the Lao Lao Heng Yan once pointed out, "In the spring, the lower body should not be overly relaxed, while the upper body can be slightly reduced. This is how to nurture the vitality of yang." Spicy and warm foods can also protect qi and nourish yang. The Su Wen has stated that "spicy and sweet flavors disperse and promote yang." Therefore, men can consume more onions, ginger, garlic, peanuts, lamb, and other foods.
3. Regulating the Mind
"Cultivate the spirit above all, then cultivate the body." Regulating the mind plays an important role in health preservation. Men should first focus on self-cultivation, eliminate negative desires, emotions, and distractions, and not let "riches, honors, beauty, and fame" exhaust their mental energy. Secondly, men should engage in reasonable lifestyle adjustments. They should not only control sexual activities and adapt to the changes of the four seasons but also develop good habits of rest. Good rest can influence men's mental state. Regulating the mind in men primarily involves self-cultivation and nurturing the mind. "Be calm and peaceful, and true energy will follow. With a calm mind, one will not be troubled. Even with physical labor, one will not tire. By following the energy, one can fulfill one's desires." Only by achieving harmony in the mind can the preservation of essence and qi be promoted. Otherwise, essence and qi may be depleted.
