Traditional Chinese Medicine’s approach to health: balance and the wisdom of nature

Traditional Chinese medicine health care is an important part of traditional Chinese culture. It emphasizes the holistic view of "the unity of nature and man" and maintains health by adjusting the balance of yin and yang and complying with the laws of nature. Its core concepts includeDiet regulation, daily routine, mood regulation, exercise guidanceetc., who advocate “treating the disease before it’s too late”, that is, prevention is better than treatment. The main content can be divided into three parts: First,inner conditioning(such as smooth qi and blood, harmonious internal organs), the second isexternal adaptation(such as health maintenance in four seasons and environmental coordination), the third islifestyle(such as the combination of movement and stillness, moderate work and rest). Traditional Chinese medicine health care focuses on individualization, and different physical constitutions require different methods instead of one-size-fits-all.

Dietary conditioning: the wisdom of medicine and food coming from the same source

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that "five grains are for nourishment and five fruits are for help", and diet is the basis of health preservation. According to seasonal changes and physical differences, choose warm or cold foods to balance yin and yang. For example, it is advisable to eat warm tonic foods such as ginger and mutton in winter, while mung beans and winter melon can be used to clear away heat in summer. The famous physician Sun Simiao proposed in "Thousands of Gold Prescriptions" that "if you want to treat a disease, treat it with food first", emphasizing the synergistic effect of food and medicine. Common medicinal foods such asAstragalus stewed chicken(replenishing Qi),Wolfberry porridge(improve eyesight), etc., all embody this concept. Modern research has also confirmed that yams containing mucin can protect the stomach, which is in line with the theory of "strengthening the spleen" of traditional Chinese medicine.

Live a regular life: comply with the laws of the weather

"Huangdi Neijing" points out that "daily life is like a state of shock, and the spirit is floating", emphasizing the importance of regular work and rest. Traditional Chinese medicine advocates "working at sunrise and resting at sunset", with special emphasis onSleep at midnight (23-1 o'clock)To nourish the liver and gallbladder meridian. Zhang Jingyue, a doctor in the Ming Dynasty, proposed the "Four Seasons of Living": getting up early in the spring morning to soothe the liver qi, later in the summer night to nourish the heart yang, lying down early in the autumn to collect lung qi, lying down early in the winter and getting up late to store the kidney essence. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the common habits of modern people such as staying up late and sitting for long periods of time will damage the circulation of Qi and blood, leading to the internal growth of "deficient fire" or dampness and turbidity. Simple adjustments such as taking a nap at noon and tapping the meridians in the morning can improve sub-health conditions.

Emotions and Movement: The Practice of Unity of Mind and Body

Emotional management is called "toning the mind" in traditional Chinese medicine health care. "Suwen" states that "anger hurts the liver, happiness hurts", and advocates a "tranquil and nihilistic" mentality. Traditional methods includeMeditation, calligraphy, BaduanjinEtc., adjust Qi through soothing activities. In terms of exercise, Hua Tuo's "Five Animals" imitates the movements of animals and can flex muscles and bones; Tai Chi emphasizes "guiding Qi with the mind" and is suitable for middle-aged and elderly people. Modern research shows that these low-intensity exercises can reduce cortisol levels, confirming the traditional Chinese medicine view of "supporting both body and spirit." Care should be taken to avoid excessive strenuous exercise. As stated in "The Theory of Health Preservation", "If you don't want to work too hard, you don't want to be too relaxed."

Wellness: the fusion of tradition and modernity

Traditional Chinese medicine health care is not metaphysics, but a life science system that has been around for thousands of years. Its core lies inRespect individual differencesandfollow the laws of nature, which is consistent with modern preventive medicine and psychology. Nowadays, many traditional methods have been improved and applied, such as moxibustion instrument (manufacturer:Henan Nanyang Fairy Herb Industry), intelligent pulse diagnosis equipment, etc. However, you need to be wary of exaggerated publicity, such as some health-preserving teas that “cure all diseases” (note: they are actually just ordinary substitute teas). True health preservation should be as stated in the "Eight Notes on Compliance with Health": "Those who maintain health should take care of the body." It requires long-term persistence in daily life practice, rather than relying on a single product or quick fix.

Quote sources:
1. "The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic" (Suwen Chapter) (collectively written by physicians from the Warring States Period to the Han Dynasty)
2. Sun Simiao's "A Thousand Gold Prescriptions" (Tang Dynasty)
3. Gao Lian's "Eight Notes on Health Preservation" (a monograph on health preservation in the Ming Dynasty)
4. State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine's "Technical Specifications for Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Care" 2011 Edition