Chinese health preservation is a part of the heritage of traditional Chinese medicine and a valuable treasure left by the Chinese nation to all of humanity. From ancient times to the end of the Qing Dynasty, it has become increasingly enriched and perfected over the course of more than two thousand years. Chinese health preservation methods are rich in content, with a systematic theory, numerous methods, and significant effects. They are also easy to master. In fact, it has been fully proven that those who are good at health preservation live longer, and those who want to live longer must practice health preservation. Chinese health preservation methods, after excavation and organization, have about a hundred different types, and can be divided into: mental and emotional well-being, dietary supplementation, lifestyle, medicinal supplementation, sexual health, physical exercise, and massage therapy.
1. Meditation and mindfulness help clear the mind. Meeting friends and sharing feelings. Appreciating flowers and raising fish can cultivate one's temperament. Brewing tea and listening to music can maintain an optimistic mood. Making friends and traveling, listening to birds and insects, experiencing the beauty of the country's mountains and rivers, can cultivate one's sentiments, bring joy to the body and mind, strengthen thinking, and eliminate various factors that are detrimental to physical and mental health. This is mental and emotional well-being.
2. Eating in moderation, not overeating, drinking when thirsty, overeating harms the spleen, and hunger harms the qi. If you overeat, do not lie down immediately, otherwise it can lead to various illnesses. Avoid overeating before sleep, rinse the mouth with warm water after meals to prevent tooth decay and bad breath. Do not suppress urination or defecation. Eat a variety of grains, pay attention to the combination of fine and coarse ingredients, balance meat and vegetables, and prioritize vegetables. Do not be picky or biased in food choices and maintain a balanced diet. This is dietary supplementation.
3. Regular routines and a disciplined lifestyle, waking up early and going to bed early, avoiding excessive fatigue in work, maintaining abundant energy, this is the meaning of "regular". It is important to maintain an optimistic mood, avoid extreme emotions, do not worry excessively, and eliminate negative emotions caused by worries and unhappiness. Older people also need to reduce mental stress, avoid mental and physical exhaustion. When the mind and body are at peace, diseases cannot take hold. This is lifestyle preservation.
4. Sexual health is one of the earliest emphasized aspects of health preservation in China. Many writings on "sexual practices" still have value in prolonging life and promoting well-being. Sexual activity is a complex physiological process and a source of spiritual enjoyment. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate all external disturbances and fully enjoy the pleasure of sex with concentration. Avoid sexual activity during adverse weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, extreme cold or heat, lightning and thunder, as they can lead to mental tension and affect the quality of sexual activity. Sexual activity is a private matter between couples. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the time and place of sexual activity, to avoid being seen by others, which can be detrimental to both the body and mind. It is also important to avoid excessive indulgence or complete abstinence, as they can lead to seminal leakage, urinary turbidity, impotence, premature ejaculation, frigidity, infertility, and menstrual disorders.
5. Exercise and physical activity have long been recognized by our ancestors as essential for longevity. "Heaven rewards the diligent", "movement with etiquette brings good fortune", "if the body does not move, the essence will not flow". The saying "life is in motion" illustrates the importance of exercise for health and longevity. Proper physical exercise is very beneficial for improving physiological functions, enhancing physical fitness, maintaining health, and prolonging life in older people. In addition to exercise (such as tai chi, walking, and qigong), it is also important to engage in appropriate labor activities, according to one's own health condition, to the point of slight fatigue. A person's lifespan not only depends on innate endowments and qualities, but also on finding one's own path to health preservation. Each person has individual differences, such as living conditions, environmental factors (climate, noise, air pollution, etc.), age, gender, occupation, educational level, personality, and level of spiritual cultivation. Many simple and practical health preservation methods may not have immediate ideal effects, but over time, their benefits are immeasurable, far surpassing the effects of medication. Some elderly people who enjoy good health and longevity simply follow the natural order, not violating the laws of nature, and adhere to the principle of "rising with the sun and resting with the sunset".
6. Dietary health preservation involves eating simple and nutritious meals. Regular exercise keeps the body strong. A cheerful mood, open-mindedness, and a smiling face contribute to mental well-being. A warm and harmonious environment, a happy and fulfilled family life, leads to happiness and contentment. As long as one finds the right path to longevity that suits oneself, maintaining the normal rhythms and functions of the body's various systems, life is essentially in one's own hands, and longevity is achievable, making late-life enjoyable.
