Scientific Guidance: Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital
To improve the health literacy of citizens regarding Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) health preservation, and to popularize the basic concepts, knowledge, and skills of TCM health preservation, thereby enhancing public health levels, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the National Health and Family Planning Commission organized experts to formulate the “Guidelines for the Health Preservation Literacy of Chinese Citizens in TCM”.
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As stated in the “Tao Te Ching”, “Man follows the Earth, the Earth follows Heaven, Heaven follows the Dao, and the Dao follows Nature,” indicating that all things in the universe must align with nature. Here, “nature” refers to the process, laws, and state that occur naturally.
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The “Huangdi Neijing” states: “In Heaven, it is Qi; on Earth, it takes form. The interaction of form and Qi gives rise to all things,” meaning that humans and all things share a common origin and coexist. The phenomena of life are the result of the interaction between material elements (form) on Earth and the climatic Qi (energy) from the sky, evolving naturally. The “biological transformation” of humans is a natural process of birth, growth, maturity, aging, and death, which is unchangeable.
The term “to harmonize”
has two meanings
namely passive “to comply” and active “to respond”
On one hand, the natural process of human life cannot be altered by human will; it can only be faced with a calm mindset, which is known as “going with the flow of nature”.
On the other hand, an individual’s health or decline, longevity or premature death, depends not only on innate factors but also on the changes in the environment and climate, as well as the level of self-care. It requires proactive measures to seek safety and avoid harm, improve lifestyle behaviors, maintain health, and adjust mindset. This way, one can compensate for innate deficiencies through acquired nurturing, effectively respond to environmental and climatic changes, and prevent premature aging and death, thus achieving the goal of longevity.
To achieve longevity
one must not only harmonize with nature
but also achieve a balance of Yin and Yang
In the theoretical system of TCM, Yin and Yang is a broad and relative concept, both opposing and unified, mutually fundamental and inseparable. As stated in the “Huangdi Neijing”, “The essence of life is based on Yin and Yang.” However, if for some reason the mutual relationship between Yin and Yang is disrupted, it can lead to “isolated Yin cannot give birth, and solitary Yang cannot grow,” and even “Yin and Yang separate, and essence and Qi are lost,” demonstrating the importance of Yin and Yang balance.
Little Ai
How can one harmonize with nature and achieve a balance of Yin and Yang?
For different groups of people, the approach may vary.
Doctors
TCM believes that each person’s constitution is different, and the environment in which they grow is also different. Therefore, the methods of health preservation will inevitably differ for each individual. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to health preservation, emphasizing the need for individualized care. Only by understanding one’s constitution and tailoring methods accordingly can one achieve the goals of disease prevention and health maintenance.
In the next issue, we will share
the Four Cornerstones of TCM Health Preservation
