Many traditional Chinese medicine practitioners enjoy longevity thanks to their emphasis on health preservation. The book "Leng Lu Yi Hua" refers to the long life of famous doctors as the "model of medicine," emphasizing that "doctors enjoy old age... they must have a deep understanding of the principles of exploring the essence of life, and be knowledgeable about the appropriate maintenance of health in order to maintain a long life." There are four principles to health preservation:
1. Maintain regular daily routines and engage in appropriate physical activity.
As stated in "Guan Zi - Xing Shi Pian," "When daily routines, dietary habits, and adaptability to cold and heat are appropriate, the body benefits and life expectancy increases." Sun Simiao proposed that "the way to health preservation lies in moderate physical labor," "the body should be moderately exerted, not excessively strained," and "excessive physical labor leads to the inability to contract various illnesses." Hua Tuo also pointed out that "the body needs labor, but it should not be excessive." All these indicate the importance of balancing physical activity and rest. This aligns with the concept in "Nei Jing" that excessive lying or sitting can harm the body. Labor and exercise are the keys to longevity.
2. Maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive indulgence.
"Guan Zi" states, "...maintain a balanced diet... and the body will benefit and life expectancy will increase... if the diet is imbalanced... it will lead to physical exhaustion and shortened life." This indicates the need for moderation and regularity in diet. "Su Wen - Zang Qi Fa Shi Lun" states, "grains are for nourishment, fruits are for assistance, animals are for benefit, and vegetables are for replenishment. Combine them according to their flavors and consume them to nourish essence and supplement qi." This suggests that food should be diverse and complementary. "Su Wen" also warns, "excessive consumption of salty food leads to thickened pulse and change in complexion," indicating that the diet should be light and not excessively salty.
3. Reduce worries and control emotions.
"Shang Gu Tian Zhen Lun" states, "without the trouble of thoughts, one should focus on being happy." Renowned physician Li Dongheng said, "anger, sadness, and fear all damage the vitality." "Yi Chao Lei Bian" states, "if one is constantly worried and anxious, the spirit will not be grounded, leading to premature aging." This indicates that excessive joy, anger, sorrow, and worry should be avoided.
4. Be cautious in sexual activities.
"Nei Jing" states, "excessive sexual activities will harm the kidneys," and indulging in desires and excessive consumption of essence will lead to premature aging at the age of fifty. "Qian Jin Fang" further states, "indulging in desires will result in a short life like morning dew."
In the Ming Dynasty, Gong Yingyuan summarized the principles of health preservation in a concise and comprehensive manner. The following is an excerpt from his "Warnings and Prohibitions": "Avoid extreme anger, distance oneself from excessive sexual activities, be cautious in daily routines, particularly avoid melancholy and depression, adapt to cold and warmth, regulate dietary habits without excessive talk, as hypocrisy is of no benefit. A slight imbalance will have detrimental effects."
The above points are the secrets to longevity in traditional Chinese medicine as summarized by later generations. Do you now understand the mysteries behind them? The secret to longevity in traditional Chinese medicine lies in the path of health preservation.
