The human body is a balance mechanism, with the bending and stretching of bones; the exhalation and inhalation of the lungs; the contraction and relaxation of the heart; the synthesis and decomposition of the liver… Only when these organs are in mutual balance and coordination can the functions of the human body be unified, maintaining the existence of life.
The Huangdi Neijing states that when discussing “Yin Ping Yang Mi,” it clearly points out: “The essence of Yin and Yang is that Yang must be dense and solid. If the two are not harmonious, it is like spring without autumn, or winter without summer; thus, harmony is called the sacred measure.”
This means: “The key to the harmony of Yin and Yang lies in the fact that Yang Qi must be densely and firmly guarded outside, forming a good physiological state of ‘Zheng Qi Cun Nei, Xie Bu Ke Gan’ (Upright Qi resides within, evil cannot invade), which is disease-free.”
Once the balance of Yin and Yang is disrupted, the natural environment’s seasonal chaos and the disorder of cold, heat, and warmth will inevitably affect the body’s Yin and Yang, leading to poor circulation of Qi and blood, dysfunction of the organs and meridians, and a multitude of diseases.
Therefore, “Life lies in balance”; imbalance leads to illness. Among the many methods created by people to promote the body’s self-healing power, balance is the best choice. We must focus on balancing Yin and Yang Qi and blood within the body from four aspects: environment, activity and rest, diet, and psychology.
1. Environmental Balance
The Neijing states: “To dwell in harmony with heaven and earth, follow the principles from all directions.”
This means that humans must live peacefully within the Yin and Yang of nature, and must arrange their daily activities, diet, rest, and exercise according to the seasonal, climatic, and weather changes of the natural world. This is akin to “adding clothes in the cold and eating when hungry”; it is a life principle that cannot be ignored and must be followed.
2. Balance of Activity and Rest
The Neijing states: “One should labor without fatigue.” This means that people should engage in labor and exercise, but need to grasp a suitable “degree” based on individual circumstances. This is a scientific dialectical point of “suitability for each person.”
Labor or exercise can strengthen muscles and bones, but excessive and unrestricted labor can lead to physical exhaustion, causing pain and harming health. Therefore, it is essential to achieve a balance between work and rest, which is what TCM refers to as “the balance of activity and rest,” to benefit health.
3. Dietary Balance
The Neijing states: “Diet should be moderate, and the five flavors should be harmonized; Qi and blood should flow, and the pores should be dense; follow the path as prescribed, and longevity will follow.” This means: diet should be regular, and adjustments should be made according to individual needs, seasonal changes, and health conditions.
Additionally, one should achieve harmony among the five flavors and avoid picky eating to ensure smooth Qi and blood flow, solid defense against pathogens, and a healthy and happy life every day. If one can consistently adhere to these dietary and nutritional health principles, they can naturally hope to enjoy the gift of longevity!
4. Psychological Balance
The Neijing states: “Avoid the winds of evil and the void at the right time; tranquility and emptiness lead to true Qi; guard the spirit within, and where does illness come from?” This means: when there are climatic changes that violate seasonal rules, one must avoid them in a timely manner. In terms of emotions, one should maintain a calm, clean, and tranquil state, avoiding excessive thoughts, greed, comparison, and envy.
This suggests that, in addition to preventing external causes of disease, one should also prevent internal causes. Maintaining good mental health is also an important health principle.
The balance of all things in nature sustains life; with this principle of balance, heaven lasts long, and earth endures. Human health is also governed by balance; the unity of body and spirit, guarding the spirit within, and achieving harmony and balance leads to health, happiness, and longevity.
⊙ The content of this article is for clinical thought reference only; non-TCM professionals should not attempt to self-medicate.
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