There is a famous saying in Traditional Chinese Medicine: “When the righteous qi is within, evil cannot invade.” Only when the balance of Yin and Yang is achieved in our body can the righteous qi exist properly. So how can we ensure the balance of Yin and Yang in the body?Dr. Zou Mengying, attending physician at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of the Rocket Army Characteristic Medical Center shares eight aspects to pay attention to.
Follow Seasonal Changes
In daily life, one should adjust their routines according to the seasonal climate changes throughout the year. Following the principles of health preservation that align with spring growth, summer flourishing, autumn harvesting, and winter storage, one should regulate their daily activities, maintain a balanced diet, and sleep on time. By combining the 24-hour cycle of organ function with daily life, one can start from the smallest details to enhance their immunity.
Regulate Emotions
The mental state is an internal environmental factor of the body. A stable internal environment helps to retain the righteous qi within the body, naturally boosting immunity. The TCM concept of “tranquility and emptiness” emphasizes that people shouldmaintain a peaceful mindset, treat everything with equanimity, avoid being overly calculative, and not create difficulties for others or themselves, thus avoiding the influence of negative emotions such as anxiety and tension.
Moderate Diet
Many people have a misconception about health preservation: “What can I eat to strengthen my weak spleen and stomach?” In fact,maintaining a balanced and regular diet, avoiding both hunger and overeating, and not being picky with food is the best way to regulate the spleen and stomach. The principle of eating should emphasize the balance of Yin and Yang. Dietary choices should be meticulous, from cooking methods to ingredient selection, and should align with seasonal changes, possibly incorporating herbal dishes for better regulation.
Consistent Exercise
There are many forms of exercise; some people enjoy running and jumping rope, while others prefer yoga and dancing, and some men like to lift weights at the gym. Many may ask: Which type of exercise is more beneficial to health? In fact, your body will quietly tell you the answer. Any exercise that leaves you feeling relaxed and can be sustained over the long term is beneficial for health.
Ancient people referred to exercise as guiding movements,such as Ba Duan Jin (Eight Pieces of Brocade), Yi Jin Jing (Muscle-Tendon Change Classic), Wu Qin Xi (Five Animal Frolics), and Tai Chi, which are suitable for all ages. Set small exercise goals for yourself, and by consistently accumulating over the years, your body will be trained, and immunity will naturally improve. It is important to emphasize that the goal of TCM exercise is not merely weight loss to maintain body shape, but rather to pursue a balance of physical and mental joy. During exercise, attention should be paid to the connection between man and nature; for example, many exercises begin facing the rising sun in the east, symbolizing the start of life each day. While exercising, focus on breathing and relaxation, as the cultivation of vital energy and spirit is the most important.
Foot Soaking
Also known as foot baths, this method can be combined with corresponding herbal washes and is a commonly used health preservation method. It hasthe effects of invigorating blood circulation, dispelling dampness and toxins, and calming the heart and mind. It can promote blood circulation and metabolism, achieving health preservation effects.
Acupuncture Moxibustion
Moxibustion is one of the external treatment methods in TCM, commonly used to prevent and treat various pains caused by cold pathogens in the neck, shoulders, waist, and legs. Applying moxibustion to certain specific acupuncture points can achieveharmonizing qi and blood, regulating meridians, nourishing organs, and enhancing immunity. Moxibustion primarily relies on the warming stimulation of specific body areas, which can enhance local blood and lymph circulation. The temperature generated by moxibustion or the smoke from traditional moxibustion creates a specific stress state in the body, mobilizing and activating the body’s potential, thus enhancing the immune system and improving immunity.
The “Bian Que Heart Book” states: “When a person is free of disease, regularly moxibustion on Guan Yuan (CV4), Qi Hai (CV6), Ming Men (GV4), and Zhong Wan (CV12) can lead to longevity, even if one does not achieve immortality, they can still live over a hundred years.” Moxibustion not only has excellent health-preserving effects but is also easy to perform at home. Each session lasts 10-20 minutes, selecting one acupuncture point at a time, and changing to another point the next day. It is advisable to drink warm water before and after moxibustion, and it is not suitable to perform moxibustion directly after meals, intense exercise, or bathing. If treating diseases, it should be done under the guidance of a physician.
Self-Massage
Self-massage is also a great method of health preservation in TCM. Doing it for ten minutes daily and maintaining consistency can yield good results. Below are several effective acupuncture points for self-massage from the perspective of the organs:
① Nei Guan (PC6): Located on the palmar side of the forearm, on the line connecting Qu Ze (PC3) and Da Ling (PC7), 2 inches above the wrist crease, between the tendons of the palmaris longus and the radial flexor of the wrist. It is commonly used in modern times fortreating angina, myocarditis, arrhythmia, gastritis, and hysteria.
② Tai Xi (KD3): Located on the inner side of the foot, in the depression between the inner ankle and the Achilles tendon, that is, in the depression between the inner ankle and the heel tendon. It is commonly used forpreventing and treating toothache, sore throat, asthma, bronchitis, cold hands and feet, arthritis, and rheumatic pain.
③ Zu San Li (ST36): Located on the outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the knee. It is effective forgastrointestinal disorders, lower limb paralysis, mental disorders, surgical conditions, and various deficiency syndromes. It can be pressed with the thumb or a massage stick, and can also be combined with moxibustion. Since the calf muscles are thick, the pressure can be slightly stronger than the previous two points, paying attention to the sensation of soreness while coordinating with breathing.
④ He Gu (LI4): Located on the back of the hand, between the first and second metacarpal bones, at the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpal bone. It can be used foremergency pain relief for various pain conditions, and is also effective for symptoms like motion sickness and nausea.
⑤ Guan Yuan (CV4): Located in the lower abdomen, on the anterior midline, 3 inches below the navel. It is suitable forthe treatment and health preservation of reproductive system diseases. Moxibustion enhances the health-preserving effect.
⑥ Zhong Wan (CV12): The midpoint of the line connecting the lower end of the sternum and the navel is this point. It is effective for digestive system diseases, such as bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, borborygmus, acid reflux, vomiting, constipation, and jaundice. It is also effective for general stomach issues, loss of appetite, dizziness, tinnitus, acne, fatigue, and neurasthenia. Massaging this point half an hour after meals yields better results, and the pressure should not be too strong to avoid nausea or pain.
TCM Herbal Regulation
In addition to home regulation, one can seek professional treatment at a TCM hospital. Based on individual constitution and specific conditions, appropriate regulation plans can be chosen, which may include herbal decoctions, pills, pastes, granules, and prescription herbal dishes. One can also opt foracupuncture, cupping, gua sha, physiotherapy, and tui na as green physical therapies to enhance immunity and maintain a healthy body.