Basic Concepts of Health Preservation in the Huangdi Neijing
The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon) is a classic text of ancient Chinese medicine, containing rich theories and practical methods for health preservation. It emphasizes that health preservation should align with the natural laws, including the changes of the four seasons and the day-night cycle, as well as maintaining health through proper diet, moderate exercise, and emotional regulation. The wisdom of health preservation in the Huangdi Neijing posits that health is not merely the absence of disease, but a harmonious and balanced state of body and mind.
Core Principles of Health Preservation in the Huangdi Neijing
1. Seasonal Health Preservation: Adjusting lifestyle and dietary habits according to the characteristics of each season to adapt to the yin-yang changes in nature.
2. Emotional Regulation: Maintaining a calm mindset and avoiding excessive emotional fluctuations to prevent negative impacts on organ function and health.
3. Dietary Regulation: Choosing appropriate foods and paying attention to dietary diversity and moderation to nourish the body.
4. Balance of Activity and Rest: Moderate physical activity helps with the circulation of qi (vital energy) and blood, but excessive fatigue should be avoided.
5. Meridian Health Preservation: Regulating the meridians through methods such as massage and acupuncture to prevent and treat diseases.
Practical Methods of Health Preservation in the Huangdi Neijing
1. Seasonal Health Practices: Focus on nourishing the liver in spring, the heart in summer, the lungs in autumn, and the kidneys in winter.
2. Dietary Regulation: Adjusting dietary structure according to seasonal changes, such as consuming pungent and sweet foods in spring to disperse liver qi, and light foods in summer to clear heat and detoxify.
3. Emotional Adjustment: Using methods such as meditation and music therapy to regulate emotions and reduce the impact of negative feelings on the body.
4. Meridian Massage: Regularly performing meridian massage to promote the circulation of qi and blood and relieve muscle tension.
Modern Applications of Health Preservation in the Huangdi Neijing
In modern society, the health preservation concepts from the Huangdi Neijing still hold significant guiding value. By learning and practicing these ancient health preservation wisdoms, individuals can better understand and apply natural laws, adopt scientifically sound health lifestyles, thereby improving quality of life and preventing diseases.
Editor: Dong Yingping
Contributed by: Acupuncture Department
Reviewed by: Wu Chunying
