The Huangdi Neijing states: “All diseases arise from dryness and dampness, cold and heat, wind and rain, yin and yang, joy and anger, diet, and living environment.”
In one sentence, it summarizes the sources of all diseases, from which five key points can be derived.
1. Climate: Dryness and Dampness, Cold and Heat, Wind and Rain
In the past, climate changes and weather conditions were entirely in accordance with nature, and humans found it difficult to intervene.
Now it is different; humans have created air conditioning and heating. In winter, it can be very warm, and in summer, it can be quite cool. However, these things can also harm human health.
In summer, when one is sweating, the body needs to disperse, and the pores should open to expel the coldness along with the yang energy.
When the air conditioning is turned on, these elements cannot be expelled and instead return to the body, leading to disease.
The ancients said: “Autumn harvest, winter storage.” Excessive heating in winter actually contradicts the principles of health preservation.
If the indoor temperature is too high in winter, it can prevent the pores from closing, even causing sweating, which leads to the loss of yang energy. When spring arrives, the body will lack energy, and the limbs may easily become weak and cold.
Moreover, a significant temperature difference between indoors and outdoors can cause blood vessels to experience sudden changes in temperature, easily triggering cardiovascular diseases.
2. Yin and Yang: “The Way of Yin and Yang Begins with the Couple”
Man is yang, woman is yin.
If the relationship between husband and wife is harmonious, then yin and yang are in harmony.
Traditional Chinese Medicine states: “When yin is balanced and yang is secret, the spirit is treated; when yin and yang are separated, the essence and qi are lost.”
Some couples argue daily, either you complain about me or I complain about you, and the family is always in a state of tension.
Children growing up in such families will have their physical and mental health affected.
When couples argue, the children suffer. This is evident.
The relationships between in-laws, parents and children, and couples must prioritize the couple’s relationship.
Only when the couple’s relationship is in order, yin and yang are balanced, and the couple loves each other, can the whole family be healthy and happy.
3. Joy and Anger: Emotions are Key to Health
“Heaven has five elements to govern the five positions, giving rise to cold, heat, dryness, dampness, and wind; humans have five organs to transform the five emotions, giving rise to joy, anger, sadness, thought, and fear.”
Joy, anger, sadness, thought, and fear can all easily harm the body.
“The heart houses the spirit; joy harms the heart, and fear overcomes joy.” A person’s worries and troubles directly affect their qi and blood.
“The liver houses the soul; anger harms the liver, and sadness overcomes anger.” When emotions run high, anger can easily damage the liver.
“The kidneys house the will; fear harms the kidneys, and thought overcomes fear.” A timid and weak person cannot nourish their yang energy.
“The spleen houses intention; excessive thought harms the spleen, and anger overcomes thought.” People who overthink generally have poor spleen and stomach health.
“The lungs house the corporeal soul; worry harms the lungs, and joy overcomes worry.” People who are worried can harm their lungs, leading to premature graying of hair and wrinkling of skin.
Maintaining a peaceful mind, minimizing liver fire, avoiding excessive worry, and fostering optimism can help combat fear.
4. Diet: Cold Foods Harm Yang Energy
Eating meat or vegetables, cold or hot, too much or too little, smoking and drinking, all have an impact on the human body.
At all times, one should eat less cold food.
Cold food primarily harms the spleen and stomach, which are the foundation of postnatal health. Cold food can also damage yang energy, which is the foundation of prenatal health.
Older generations often say “eat while it’s hot,” which reflects the wisdom of ancient Chinese.
Eat less meat and more vegetables.
The human dentition, with few canine teeth, also proves that humans’ digestive systems are more suited for plant-based diets rather than meat.
When eating, being seven-tenths full is optimal. One should eat regularly at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Smoking and drinking are harmful with no benefits; it is best to avoid them.
5. Living Environment: Sleep is Vital for Life
Many people now enjoy staying up late; even at a young age, after a few years of this, they develop stomach issues, premature aging, hair loss, and various ailments.
Why? Because sleep nourishes the kidneys, which govern essence and bones.
The bones are responsible for the body’s blood production function; long-term sleep deprivation prevents the essence and blood from being guaranteed. Over time, the body deteriorates.
Avoid reversing day and night; ensure sufficient sleep.
Additionally, the orientation of the bedroom matters. Feng Shui refers to the environment in which one lives.
Good ventilation, sunlight, and a bedroom that is not too large are generally sufficient.
As the seasons change, do not go against the natural way. Air conditioning should not be too cold, and heating should not be too hot.
Between couples, there should be more understanding and care to maintain a harmonious and warm family.
Control emotions, appropriately relieve stress; eat more vegetables and less meat, and avoid cold foods.
Ensure sleep, go to bed early and rise early; have a sunlit, clean, and tidy living space.