There is a wealth of knowledge regarding health preservation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), primarily focusing on maintaining the harmony between the internal and external environments of the body and achieving a balance of yin and yang. As stated in the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), spring is the time to nourish the liver, summer for the spleen, autumn for the lungs, and winter for the kidneys. The philosophy of TCM health preservation includes preventing disease before it occurs (enhancing the body’s vital energy to prevent external pathogens), preventing disease progression (early treatment to prevent disease transformation), supporting the body’s vital energy and expelling pathogens, and preventing recurrence. Health preservation should align with the four seasons, maintain regular routines, have a balanced diet, engage in appropriate exercise, and can also be supported through practices such as acupuncture and qigong. The knowledge of health preservation includes the following aspects:
1. Dietary Health Preservation
TCM emphasizes that “three parts treatment and seven parts nourishment”, meaning that seven parts focus on health preservation and three parts on treating illness. Dietary health preservation is a crucial aspect of TCM, advocating for a balanced intake of grains and cereals, coarse and fine grains, and harmonizing flavors. Additionally, TCM pays attention to the properties of food, such as sweet, bland, salty, bitter, spicy, and sour, as each food has its own effects and can play different roles in regulation. Therefore, in dietary practices, it is advised to eat less greasy and stimulating foods, and to consume more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
2. Exercise for Health Preservation
TCM emphasizes that the body is a whole. As age increases, physical abilities gradually decline, so moderate exercise can maintain health and enhance the body’s immunity. TCM exercise for health preservation includes seasonal health practices, such as walking in spring, swimming in summer, running in autumn, and walking in winter. Additionally, TCM also emphasizes practicing qigong and tai chi, which are beneficial for physical and mental health.
3. Sleep Health Preservation
TCM believes that adequate sleep is crucial for health. Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality at night can lead to a decline in the body’s immunity and various health issues. TCM sleep health preservation emphasizes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, going to bed before 11 PM, and avoiding bad habits such as staying up late.
4. Psychological Health Preservation
TCM considers psychological health to be an important guarantee for physical health. TCM psychological health preservation emphasizes maintaining a pleasant and calm mindset, avoiding excessive emotional fluctuations that can lead to physical discomfort. Additionally, TCM also focuses on regulating the balance of yin and yang in the body to achieve a state of harmony between mind and body.
5. Herbal Health Preservation
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and herbal medicine represent a unique therapeutic approach that activates the body’s self-regulatory capabilities to achieve healing. The core of TCM herbal health preservation lies in prevention, which not only prevents the occurrence of diseases but also improves the body’s immunity. However, it is important to note that the use of herbal medicine should be guided by a qualified practitioner to avoid health risks due to improper use.
In summary, knowledge of health preservation in TCM encompasses various aspects, requiring a comprehensive consideration of diet, exercise, sleep, and psychological factors for holistic health preservation.
Mastering TCM Health Preservation Knowledge
Developing Good Living HabitsEffectively Improving Physical QualityProviding More Companionship for FamilyMaking Life More RelaxedSource: Subscription account of Anyang City Yindu District People’s Hospital