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There is a famous saying in TCM: “When the righteous qi is within, evil cannot invade.” Only when the yin and yang in our body are balanced can the righteous qi exist properly. So how can we ensure the balance of yin and yang in our body? The following eight aspects are worth noting.
Adapt to Seasonal Changes
In daily life, one should adjust their lifestyle according to the seasonal climate changes. Following the health preservation principles of spring growth, summer flourishing, autumn harvesting, and winter storage, one should regulate their daily routines, maintain a balanced diet, and sleep on time. Combine this with the 24-hour organ cycle to enhance personal immunity.
Regulate Emotions
The mental state is an internal environmental factor of the body. A stable internal environment helps retain righteous qi, naturally boosting immunity. TCM emphasizes “tranquility and emptiness,” which highlights the importance of maintaining a peaceful mindset, treating everything with equanimity, avoiding anxiety and negative emotions.
Moderate Diet
Many people have a misconception about health preservation: “What can I eat to strengthen my weak spleen and stomach?” In fact, a balanced and regular diet, avoiding both hunger and overeating, is the best way to regulate the spleen and stomach. Eating should emphasize the balance of yin and yang. Dietary choices should be meticulous, from cooking methods to ingredient selection, and should align with seasonal changes, possibly incorporating medicinal food therapy.
Consistent Exercise
There are many forms of exercise; some people enjoy running and jumping rope, while others prefer yoga and dancing, and some men like to lift weights at the gym. The question arises: which exercise is most beneficial for health? Your body will quietly tell you the answer. Any exercise that leaves you feeling relaxed and can be sustained long-term is beneficial for health.
In ancient times, exercise was referred to as guiding movements. Practices like Ba Duan Jin (Eight Pieces of Brocade), Yi Jin Jing (Muscle-Tendon Change Classic), Wu Qin Xi (Five Animal Frolics), and Tai Chi are suitable for all ages. Set small exercise goals for yourself and accumulate consistency over the years; this will enhance your physical fitness and naturally boost immunity. It is important to note that the goal of TCM exercise is not merely weight loss but rather the pursuit of a harmonious balance of body and mind. During exercise, focus on the connection between yourself and nature, such as starting movements facing the rising sun in the east, symbolizing the beginning of life each day. Pay attention to breathing and relaxation during exercise, as cultivating vitality and spirit is paramount.
Foot Soaking
Also known as foot baths, this method can be combined with appropriate herbal washes and is a commonly used health preservation technique. It promotes blood circulation, dispels dampness and toxins, calms the heart and mind, and enhances overall health.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is one of the external treatment methods in TCM, commonly used to prevent and treat various pains caused by cold pathogens in the neck, shoulders, waist, and legs. Applying moxa to specific acupuncture points can harmonize qi and blood, regulate meridians, nourish organs, and enhance immunity. Moxibustion primarily relies on the warming stimulation of specific body areas, enhancing local blood and lymph circulation. The heat generated or the smoke from traditional moxibustion creates a specific stress response in the body, activating the immune system and thereby improving immunity.
As stated in the “Heart Book of Bian Que”: “When a person is free of disease, regularly moxibustion on Guan Yuan (CV4), Qi Hai (CV6), Ming Men (GV4), and Zhong Wan (CV12) can lead to longevity, even if one does not achieve immortality.” Moxibustion not only has excellent health benefits but is also easy to perform at home. Each session should last 10-20 minutes, focusing on one acupuncture point at a time, and switching to another point the next day. It is advisable to drink warm water before and after moxibustion, and avoid performing it immediately after heavy sweating, bathing, or eating. For disease treatment, it should be conducted under a doctor’s guidance.
Self-Massage
Self-massage is also an excellent TCM health preservation method. Spending ten minutes daily and maintaining this practice over time can yield significant results. Below are several effective self-massage points from the perspective of the organs.
Neiguan (PC6): Located on the palm side of the forearm, on the line connecting Quze (PC3) and Daling (PC7), 2 inches above the wrist crease, between the tendons of the palmaris longus and the radial flexor of the wrist. It is commonly used to treat angina, myocarditis, arrhythmia, gastritis, and hysteria.
Taixi (KD3): Located on the inner side of the foot, in the depression between the inner ankle and the Achilles tendon. It is commonly used to prevent and treat toothaches, sore throat, asthma, bronchitis, cold hands and feet, arthritis, and rheumatic pain.
Zusanli (ST36): Located on the outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the knee. It is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, lower limb paralysis, mental disorders, surgical conditions, and deficiency syndromes. It can be pressed with the thumb or a massage stick, and can also be combined with moxibustion. Due to the thick muscles in the lower leg, more pressure can be applied compared to the previous two points, but be mindful of the sensation of soreness and coordinate with breathing.
Hegu (LI4): Located on the back of the hand, between the first and second metacarpal bones, at the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpal bone. It can be used for emergency pain relief for various pain conditions, as well as for symptoms like motion sickness and nausea.
Guan Yuan (CV4): Located in the lower abdomen, on the anterior midline, 3 inches below the navel. It is suitable for the treatment and health preservation of reproductive system diseases. Combining it with moxibustion enhances its health benefits.
Zhong Wan (CV12): The midpoint of the line connecting the lower end of the sternum and the navel. This point is primarily used for digestive system diseases, such as bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, borborygmus, acid reflux, vomiting, constipation, and jaundice. It is also effective for general stomach issues, loss of appetite, dizziness, tinnitus, acne, fatigue, and neurasthenia. Massaging this point half an hour after meals is more effective, and the pressure should not be too strong to avoid nausea or pain.
TCM Herbal Regulation
In addition to home-based regulation, one can seek professional treatment at a TCM hospital. Based on individual constitution and specific conditions, appropriate treatment plans can be selected, including herbal decoctions, pills, pastes, granules, and prescription dietary therapy. Acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, physiotherapy, and tui na (Chinese therapeutic massage) can also be employed to enhance immunity and maintain a healthy body.