The key to health lies in harmonizing the wǔ zàng (五脏, Five Organs) and aligning with the changing seasons, nurturing the body through natural means. One must learn to restrain desires, avoiding reckless behavior, to protect the essence of life. With harmony among the wǔ zàng, the qì (气, vital energy) and xuè (血, blood) can flow smoothly, allowing one to find inner peace amidst the chaos of the world, while maintaining a disciplined approach to desires in daily life. A healthy body and a calm mind enable one to embrace each new sunrise and cherish the passing years.
1: Tranquility Leads to Far-Reaching Goals, Harmonizing qì and xuèExplanation: Maintaining inner tranquility and peace allows for the pursuit of lofty goals; simultaneously, harmonizing the body’s qì and xuè ensures health. Insight: Zhuge Liang said, “Without tranquility, one cannot reach far.” Inner peace is the foundation for cultivating body and mind. When we are restless, our qì and xuè can easily become chaotic. For instance, Fan Zhongyan, despite being exiled, could remain “unmoved by external joys or sorrows,” maintaining inner tranquility and a harmonious flow of qì and xuè, thus preserving his vitality.
In daily life, learn to settle the mind amidst complexity through practices like meditation and yoga, allowing qì and xuè to stabilize, leading to harmonious actions and easier achievement of goals.
2: Align with Natural Cycles, Soothe the Liver and Regulate EmotionsExplanation: Living in accordance with the seasonal changes of nature allows for normal liver qì flow, promoting emotional well-being. Insight: The Huangdi Neijing states, “Follow the principles of yin and yang.” In spring, as yang energy rises, one should rise early and engage in outdoor activities to help the liver qì disperse. The liver governs emotions; stagnation can lead to feelings of depression or irritability. For example, Lin Daiyu’s excessive sensitivity was due to her liver qì not flowing freely, worsening her condition.
Adjusting our routines and diets with the seasons, consuming foods that soothe the liver in spring, and maintaining a positive mindset can help regulate liver qì and naturally uplift emotions.
3: Moderation in Diet, Strengthening the Spleen and Stomach’s Transformative FunctionsExplanation: Diet should follow certain moderation and regularity to enhance the digestive, absorptive, and transport functions of the spleen and stomach. Insight: Confucius said, “One should not be picky about fine food or delicate dishes,” emphasizing the importance of dietary quality. Overeating or consuming excessive cold and greasy foods can harm the spleen and stomach. Sun Simiao emphasized dietary moderation, living to a hundred years.
Regularly eating at set times and in appropriate amounts, while avoiding stimulating foods, allows the spleen and stomach to transform food into qì and xuè that nourish the body, providing the energy needed to face life’s challenges.
4: Nourish Yin and Moisten the Lungs, Defend Against External Pathogens for Smooth BreathingExplanation: Nourishing lung yin keeps the lungs moist, enhancing their function and defending against external pathogens, ensuring smooth breathing. Insight: The lungs are delicate organs, easily affected by dryness and cold. In autumn, it is crucial to consume foods that nourish yin and moisten the lungs, such as pears and lilies. Li Shizhen recorded many effective lung-nourishing recipes in the Bencao Gangmu. When the lungs are healthy and breathing is smooth, the body’s resistance increases, allowing for better adaptation to environmental changes and enjoyment of life’s beauty.
5: Strengthen the Foundation and Cultivate Vital Essence, Moderating Desires to Fortify the RootsExplanation: Consolidating the body’s fundamental vitality and moderating desires helps preserve kidney essence, thereby strengthening the foundation of life. Insight: Laozi advocated for “less selfishness and fewer desires.” Excessive desires deplete kidney essence, negatively impacting health. Those who indulge excessively often feel lethargic. Practicing moderation in desires, maintaining a reasonable routine, and engaging in appropriate exercise, such as Ba Duan Jin (Eight Pieces of Brocade), can help protect vital energy.
With abundant vital energy and a solid foundation, one can live and work energetically, enjoying the beauty of life.
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