1. When the will is calm and desires are few, the heart is at peace and does not fear; the body may be weary but not fatigued, and the vital energy flows smoothly. Each person follows their desires and all can achieve their wishes.——Huangdi Neijing: On Ancient NaturalnessExplanation: A calm mind with few desires leads to inner peace without fear. The body may feel tired but not exhausted, thus the true qi (vital energy) is regulated, allowing everyone to fulfill their wishes.
2. Therefore, excessive desires cannot disturb the eyes, and immoral things cannot confuse the heart. Whether foolish or wise, virtuous or not, they are not afraid of external things, thus they align with the Dao.Thus, those who can live to a hundred years and remain vigorous do so because their virtue is complete and not endangered.——Huangdi Neijing: On Ancient NaturalnessExplanation: Any improper desire will not attract their attention, and immoral matters cannot confuse their minds. Regardless of whether one is foolish, wise, talented, or not, they can pursue inner stability without being obsessed with external gains or losses, thus aligning with the principles of health preservation. Therefore, those who live to a hundred years and remain vigorous do so because their health preservation principles are complete and unbiased.Extension: Restrain unnecessary desires and seek stability of body and mind to align with the principles of health preservation.
3. The sage does not treat the already ill, but prevents illness before it occurs; does not treat the already chaotic, but restores order before chaos.——Huangdi Neijing: Suwen: On the Regulation of QiExplanation: The sage does not wait until one is sick to treat them, but takes preventive measures before illness strikes.Extension: Exercise regularly and take good care of oneself; illness can strike suddenly, so do not wait until you are sick to take care of yourself.4. Yin and Yang are the principles of heaven and earth, the framework of all things, the parents of change, the source of life and death, and the abode of the spirit. To treat illness, one must seek the root.——Huangdi Neijing: On the Correspondence of Yin and YangExplanation: Yin and Yang are universal laws, the framework of all things, the origin of all changes, and the fundamental source of life and death, containing profound truths. In treating diseases, one must seek the root of the changes in the condition.Extension: As the saying goes, TCM treats the root cause. TCM is based on the theories of Yin, Yang, and the Five Elements, viewing the human body as a unity of qi, form, and spirit. Through herbal medicine, tui na (Chinese therapeutic massage), acupuncture, and other methods, the body can achieve harmony of Yin and Yang and recover.
5. Yang is born and Yin grows; Yang kills and Yin hides.——Huangdi Neijing: Suwen: On the Correspondence of Yin and YangExplanation: As Yang energy increases, Yin also flourishes. When Yang energy reaches a certain level, it will be concealed by Yin energy.Extension: Yin and Yang both restrain and generate each other. Sufficient Yang energy nourishes Yin fluids, sustaining the vitality of the five organs and six bowels.
6. Most diseases arise from the morning being clear and the day being calm, while the evening worsens and the night is the worst.——Huangdi Neijing: On the Division of Qi in a DayExplanation: Various diseases often see patients feeling refreshed in the morning, calm during the day, but worsening in the evening and most severe at night.Extension: Qibo said this is due to the seasonal qi. Spring is for birth, summer for growth, autumn for harvest, and winter for storage; this is the natural order. People should also follow this, dividing a day into four seasons: morning as spring, noon as summer, evening as autumn, and midnight as winter. In the morning, the body’s qi begins to grow, and the pathogenic qi declines, hence it is clear; at noon, the body’s qi is strong, overcoming pathogens, hence it is calm; in the evening, the body’s qi begins to decline, and pathogenic qi begins to rise, hence it worsens; at midnight, the body’s qi enters the organs, and pathogenic qi resides in the body, hence it is the worst.
7. To go against the root is to cut off the foundation and destroy the true essence.——Huangdi Neijing: On the Regulation of QiExplanation: Violating the fundamental principles of health preservation will damage the body’s essence and harm one’s health.Extension: The human body is a microcosm; within the macrocosm, it must follow the laws of the universe, as the saying goes, “work when the sun rises and rest when it sets.”
8. When the qi of host and guest harmonizes, there is health; when they do not harmonize, there is illness.——Huangdi Neijing: Suwen: On the Great Theory of the Five MovementsExplanation: When the qi of the host and guest harmonizes, it is peaceful; when they do not harmonize, illness arises.Extension: Only by balancing Yin and Yang in the body can one avoid illness.9. To go against the natural joy and have irregular living habits leads to decline by the age of fifty.——Huangdi Neijing: Suwen: On Ancient NaturalnessExplanation: Indulging in momentary pleasures and having no regularity in daily life leads to aging by the time one reaches fifty.Extension: Do not indulge in desires just because you are young, and do not stay up late. Maintaining regular daily habits is essential for health.
10. Nourish Yang in spring and summer, and nourish Yin in autumn and winter.——Huangdi Neijing: Suwen: On the Regulation of QiExplanation: Nourish Yang in spring and summer for its growth; nourish Yin in autumn and winter for its storage.Extension: Spring brings birth, summer brings growth, autumn brings harvest, and winter brings storage. The human body is a microcosm and should follow nature for health preservation.
11. Excessive joy harms the heart, fear overcomes joy; anger harms the liver, and sadness overcomes anger.——Huangdi Neijing: Suwen: On the Correspondence of Yin and YangExplanation: Joy can harm the heart, and fear can suppress joy; anger can harm the liver, and sadness can control anger.Extension: Excessive joy can damage the spirit. Modern medical research shows that anger can lead to arrhythmia, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and neurosis. Conversely, sadness can lower the breathing rate, stabilizing emotions. Thus, “sadness” can control “anger.”
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