Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Health Preservation
Health Preservation
Health Preservation
Health preservation in TCM refers to health care activities guided by TCM theories, aimed at enhancing physical fitness, preventing diseases, and prolonging life. It emphasizes comprehensive maintenance and regulation, starting from youth and persisting over time.
The concept of TCM health preservation is to align with nature, maintain yin-yang balance, and adapt to individual differences.
The four pillars of TCM health preservation are emotions, diet, lifestyle, and exercise.
The TCM philosophy of preventing disease before it occurs encompasses the entire process of health and illness, mainly including three stages: first, “preventing disease before it occurs”; second, “preventing changes in existing diseases”; and third, “preventing recurrence after recovery”.
Seasonal health preservation methods
Spring · Nourishing the Liver
Spring corresponds to the wood element in the five elements, and among the five organs in the human body, the liver is also associated with wood, thus spring energy connects with the liver.
Key points for spring health preservation
1
Ensure sufficient and effective sleep
2
Engage in “slow” exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming, etc.
3
Maintain a cheerful mood
4
Nourish the liver and detoxify by drinking goji berry tea, etc.
Summer · Nourishing the Heart
In summer, the heat and humidity are strong, thus the focus is on dispelling heat and extinguishing fire.
Key points for summer health preservation
1
Gentle exercises such as Tai Chi, health exercises, yoga, etc.
2
Deep breathing in the morning
3
Control and properly express irritability
4
Heart-nourishing foods such as watermelon, cucumber, bitter melon, etc.
Autumn · Nourishing the Lungs
Autumn refers to the 7th, 8th, and 9th months of the lunar calendar in China, including six solar terms: the beginning of autumn, end of heat, white dew, autumn equinox, cold dew, and frost descent.
Key points for autumn health preservation
1
Drink more water to keep the lungs moist
2
Foods that nourish the lungs include lily, pear, yam, white radish, etc.
3
Prevent cold and keep warm to avoid colds
4
Cold-resistant exercises such as climbing, washing face and feet with cold water, etc.
Winter · Nourishing the Kidneys
The kidneys belong to the water element in the five elements, representing yin. Winter is the best time to cultivate yin and protect yang, taking good care of the kidneys.
Key points for winter health preservation
1
Reduce salt intake and maintain a light diet
2
Drink more water instead of sugary drinks to promote detoxification
3
Goji berries for kidney nourishment
4
Avoid holding urine
Balance of Eating and Movement
Eating
Healthy eating greatly prevents diseases and promotes health, following the “three reductions and three healths” dietary principles.
Three Reductions
1
Reduce salt: daily intake ≤ 5g
2
Reduce oil: daily intake ≤ 25g
3
Reduce sugar: daily intake ≤ 50g
Three Healths
1
Healthy mouth: brush correctly, twice a day, three minutes each time,
change toothbrush every three months, regular dental check-ups
2
Healthy weight: Body Mass Index (BMI) = weight (kg) ÷ height^2 (m) normal range is 18.5-23.9, < 18.5 indicates malnutrition, 24-28 indicates overweight, > 28 indicates obesity
3
Healthy bones: eat calcium-rich foods, engage in outdoor activities three times a week, get sunlight to supplement vitamin D for calcium absorption
Movement
TCM health preservation advocates moderate exercise, with a preference for slight sweating rather than excessive sweating.
Key points for exercise health preservation
1
Choose exercise locations with beautiful scenery and fresh air
2
Do not drink cold beverages immediately after sweating from exercise
3
Running is the most convenient, suitable for all ages, with flexible speed,
and promotes sweating effectively
Health Preservation
Health Preservation
Spread the concept of health preservation, accumulate knowledge on health preservation, every day is a time for health preservation, as health is what makes life extraordinary.
TCM Constitution Health Preservation Song
If you have health needs, please call:
Xietan Township Health Center Office: 0717-2760054
Xietan Township Health Center TCM Physician: 13507201039
Xietan Township Health Center Therapist: 15927816845
Editor: Yan Xiaolong
Reviewer: Ding Yuan
Final Review: Zheng Ziming
Click the blue text to follow us