In daily life, it is common to see many elderly people closing their eyes and resting. After a while, they seem to recover from fatigue and regain their energy. This is a self-care method spontaneously practiced by elderly people from ancient times to the present, both in China and abroad. Modern medicine believes that closing the eyes and resting is a kind of "recharge" for the body. Complete mental relaxation can lead to a series of physiological changes in the body: stable and rhythmic brainwaves, reduced energy consumption, slower heartbeat and breathing rate, decreased muscle tension and oxygen consumption, improved microcirculation, increased cerebral blood flow, decreased blood pressure, and a significant reduction in lactate, which is a fatigue metabolite, in the blood. After a period of deep silence, the brain will also release a substance called endorphin, which is 10 to 100 times stronger than heroin. Therefore, after silence, people will experience excitement and pleasure, and their minds will be particularly clear.
Silence and rest should be carried out in a quiet and comfortable environment. The key is to achieve silence, with eyes slightly closed and all muscles extremely relaxed. Once proficient, one can reach a state of selflessness and unity with the universe. When practicing silence, attention should be paid to avoiding cold and wind, keeping warm and preventing overheating. The recommended time for each session is 15 to 30 minutes, and it can be done 2 to 4 times a day. If elderly people can persist in practicing silence for a long period of time, they will definitely benefit from disease prevention, fitness, and longevity.
