In recent years, many people have asked me: What is the most important aspect of health preservation? My answer is four words: Yin-Yang balance.
All things in the world can ultimately be divided into two categories: one is Yin, and the other is Yang. Yin and Yang are two opposing energies; one is positive and the other negative, one is left and the other right, one is up and the other down, one is front and the other back, mutually restraining and interdependent. It is precisely because Yin and Yang are opposing and interdependent that there are heavens and earth, sun and moon, and male and female.
Although the human body is complex, it fundamentally consists of only two types of energy: one is Yin, and the other is Yang. The continuous changes of these two energies give rise to human life, aging, illness, and death.
The Huangdi Neijing states: “Yin and Yang are the principles of heaven and earth, the framework of all things, the parents of change, the source of life and death, and the abode of spirit. To treat illness, one must seek the root.” This extensive text of the Huangdi Neijing, which spans over a hundred thousand words, is essentially about Yin and Yang.
A person’s life is inseparable from birth, aging, illness, and death. What is birth? Birth is the temporary unification of Yin and Yang energies within the body. What is aging? Aging is the continuous change and decline of Yin and Yang within the body. What is illness? Illness is the imbalance of Yin and Yang energies within the body. What is death? Death is the disintegration of this unity of Yin and Yang.
What is life? Life is a balanced entity composed of these two contradictory energies of Yin and Yang, where the positive pole is Yang and the negative pole is Yin. Only with Yin-Yang balance can a person exist. The Huangdi Neijing states, “The root of life is based on Yin and Yang.” In the world, heaven above represents Yang, earth below represents Yin, and humans in between pursue Yin-Yang balance. Therefore, life is a state of neither high nor low, a balance of Yin and Yang. If this balance is completely disrupted, life will end. What happens after life ends? It is the separation of Yin and Yang. At the crematorium, one can observe this phenomenon of Yin and Yang separation: the Yang energy transforms into wisps of blue smoke drifting into the sky, while the Yin energy becomes ashes buried underground. A person, with their head under the blue sky and feet on the yellow earth, thus disappears from the world.
Life is a state of internal stability, and this stability depends on the balance of Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang are like the two weights on a balance scale; only when they are equal does the scale remain stable. Once Yin and Yang are imbalanced, the scale tilts to one side, breaking the balance, and the person becomes ill. Therefore, to achieve long-term health, one must always maintain the balance of Yin and Yang. What is health preservation? It is the nurturing of Yin and Yang; only with harmonious Yin and Yang can we live a life free from illness.
1. Sixteen Methods of Nourishing Qi in Daoist Medicine
1. Chinese Herbal Medicine for Qi Nourishment: Huang Qi (Astragalus), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Tai Zi Shen (Pseudostellaria), Huang Jing (Polygonatum), Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), etc.
2. Patent Medicines for Qi Nourishment: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Pill), Shi Quan Da Bu Gao (All-Inclusive Great Tonifying Ointment), Gui Pi Wan (Restore the Spleen Pill), Shen Ling Bai Zhu Wan (Ginseng and Atractylodes Pill), etc.
3. Moxibustion for Qi Nourishment: Zu San Li (Stomach 36), Shen Que (Ren 8), Guan Yuan (Ren 4), Pi Shu (Bladder 20), Qi Hai (Ren 6), Bai Hui (Du 20), Fei Shu (Bladder 13), etc.
4. Acupuncture for Qi Nourishment: Zu San Li (Stomach 36), Bai Hui (Du 20), San Yin Jiao (Spleen 6), Qi Hai (Ren 6), Guan Yuan (Ren 4), Pi Shu (Bladder 20), Fei Shu (Bladder 13), etc.
5. Injection for Qi Nourishment: Huang Qi injection at Zu San Li (Stomach 36). Placenta injection at San Yin Jiao (Spleen 6), etc.
6. Infusion for Qi Nourishment: Huang Qi injection, Ren Mai injection, Dan Shen injection, etc.
7. Herbal Tea for Qi Nourishment: Ren Shen Ling Zhi Tea (Ginseng and Reishi Tea), Huang Qi Goji Tea (Astragalus and Goji Tea), Xi Yang Shen Mai Dong Tea (American Ginseng and Ophiopogon Tea), etc.
8. Medicinal Cuisine for Qi Nourishment: Huang Qi Xin Fei Soup (Astragalus and Lung Soup), Ren Shen Stewed Chicken (Ginseng Stewed Chicken), Dang Shen Stewed Pork Ribs (Codonopsis Stewed Pork Ribs), etc.
9. Medicinal Wine for Qi Nourishment: Huang Qi, Ren Shen, Ling Zhi, Mai Dong, Goji, etc. soaked in wine.
10. Dietary Qi Nourishment: Sea cucumber, eggs, red dates, sheep and cow placenta, Qian Shi (Euryale), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Lian Zi (Lotus Seed), etc.
11. Exercise for Qi Nourishment: Qigong, Tai Chi, Dao Yin, martial arts, fitness exercises, appropriate activities, etc.
12. Lifestyle for Qi Nourishment: Regular daily routine, balance work and rest, maintain a balanced mindset, etc.
13. Massage for Qi Nourishment: Massage Zu San Li (Stomach 36), Guan Yuan (Ren 4), abdominal massage, spine kneading, etc.
14. Disease Treatment for Qi Nourishment: Treat diseases early and thoroughly, do not delay, prevent chronic illness from depleting Qi.
15. Post-Illness Qi Nourishment: After major illnesses or surgeries, timely adjustment is necessary to prevent Qi deficiency.
16. Techniques for Qi Nourishment: Breathing exercises, focus on the Dantian, moderate hunger and cold, maintain moderation in all things, etc.
2. Sixteen Methods of Nourishing Blood in Daoist Medicine
1. Herbal Medicine for Blood Nourishment: Dang Gui (Angelica), He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti), E Jiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin), Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia), Goji, Huang Qi (Astragalus), etc.
2. Patent Medicines for Blood Nourishment: Shi Quan Da Bu Gao (All-Inclusive Great Tonifying Ointment), Gui Pi Wan (Restore the Spleen Pill), Fu Fang E Jiao Jiang (Compound E Jiao Syrup), Dang Gui Bu Xue Gao (Angelica Blood Nourishing Ointment), etc.
3. Dietary Blood Nourishment: Longan, old hen, red dates, egg yolk, pig liver, lean meat, fish, etc.
4. Lifestyle Blood Nourishment: Regular lifestyle, balance work and rest, balanced nutrition, cooking with iron pots, avoid strong tea.
5. Conservation for Blood Nourishment: Avoid prolonged viewing which harms blood, excessive thinking which depletes blood, overwork which damages blood, external injuries causing bleeding, etc.
6. Disease Treatment for Blood Nourishment: Prevent and treat bleeding, kidney failure, aplastic anemia, excessive menstruation, and other diseases.
7. Western Medicine for Blood Nourishment: Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, ferrous fumarate, etc.
8. Infusion for Blood Nourishment: Plasma, whole blood, Ren Mai injection, etc.
9. Post-Surgery Blood Nourishment: After major and minor surgeries, childbirth, and abortion, one should nourish Qi and blood.
10. Medicinal Wine for Blood Nourishment: Huang Qi, Dang Gui, Ren Shen, He Shou Wu, Goji, etc. soaked in wine.
11. Medicinal Tea for Blood Nourishment: Dang Gui Longan Tea, Goji Black Sesame Tea, Suan Zao Ren Tea, etc.
12. Medicinal Cuisine for Blood Nourishment: Huang Qi Dang Gui Stewed Old Hen, Dang Gui Lamb Soup, etc.
13. Acupuncture for Blood Nourishment: Zu San Li (Stomach 36), San Yin Jiao (Spleen 6), Pi Shu (Bladder 20), Xue Hai (Spleen 10), Ge Shu (Bladder 17), etc.
14. Moxibustion for Blood Nourishment: Zu San Li (Stomach 36), San Yin Jiao (Spleen 6), Shen Que (Ren 8), Zhong Wan (Ren 12), Xue Hai (Spleen 10), etc.
15. Thread Embedding for Blood Nourishment: Zu San Li (Stomach 36), Shen Shu (Bladder 23), Pi Shu (Bladder 20), Gan Shu (Liver 18), etc.
16. Injection for Blood Nourishment: Placenta, Dang Gui, Huang Qi, B12 injections at Zu San Li (Stomach 36), San Yin Jiao (Spleen 6), etc.
3. Sixteen Methods of Nourishing Yin in Daoist Medicine
1. Herbal Medicine for Yin Nourishment: Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Sha Shen (Adenophora), Shi Hu (Dendrobium), Yu Zhu (Polygonatum), Tian Dong (Asparagus), Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus), etc.
2. Patent Medicines for Yin Nourishment: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill), Mai Wei Di Huang Wan (Ophiopogon Rehmannia Pill), Yang Yin Qing Fei Wan (Nourish Yin and Clear Lung Pill), etc.
3. Acupuncture for Yin Nourishment: Tai Xi (Kidney 3), Zhao Hai (Kidney 6), San Yin Jiao (Spleen 6), Shen Shu (Bladder 23), etc.
4. Moxibustion for Yin Nourishment: San Yin Jiao (Spleen 6), Shen Shu (Bladder 23), Gan Shu (Liver 18), etc.
5. Dietary Yin Nourishment: Autumn pears, honey, vegetables and fruits, lily bulbs, white fungus, etc.
6. Lifestyle Yin Nourishment: Chewing teeth and swallowing saliva, rubbing the Yong Quan (Kidney 1), keeping warm, using air conditioning, and drinking more.
7. Damage Control for Yin Nourishment: Reduce sunflower seed consumption, limit exposure to wind and sun, quit smoking, and moderate sexual activity.
8. Humidity for Yin Nourishment: Wet towels or clothes hung indoors, placing water basins indoors, using humidifiers, etc.
9. Medicinal Wine for Yin Nourishment: Mai Dong, Bai He (Lily Bulb), Shi Hu, Shu Di Huang, Shan Zhu Yu, etc. soaked in wine.
10. Medicinal Tea for Yin Nourishment: Bai He, Mai Dong, Tian Dong, Sha Shen, Yu Zhu, etc. brewed as tea.
11. Medicinal Cuisine for Yin Nourishment: White fungus and lily soup, black sesame oil, etc.
12. Disease Treatment for Yin Nourishment: Diabetes, hyperthyroidism, recurrent heat, menopausal syndrome, etc. require Yin nourishment.
13. Regional Yin Nourishment: The dryness of the northwest easily harms Yin, while the humidity of the southeast can reduce moisture evaporation and protect Yin.
14. Autumn and Winter Yin Nourishment: The dry climate in autumn and winter leads to excessive moisture evaporation; thus, Yin should be nourished and protected.
15. Fluid Supplementation for Yin Nourishment: In acute illnesses with dehydration, dry mouth, and reduced urination, infusion can quickly improve conditions.
16. Urgent Yin Preservation: In TCM treatment of warm diseases, using laxatives to reduce fever protects Yin and prevents true Yin deficiency.
4. Sixteen Methods of Nourishing Yang in Daoist Medicine
1. Herbal Medicine for Yang Nourishment: Ren Shen (Ginseng), Fu Zi (Aconite), Rou Gui (Cinnamon), Ba Jiao (Morinda), Cong Rong (Cistanche), Lu Rong (Deer Antler), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), etc.
2. Patent Medicines for Yang Nourishment: Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill), Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan (Aconite and Ginseng Pill), Ai Fu Nuan Gong Wan (Mugwort and Aconite Warming the Uterus Pill), etc.
3. Acupuncture for Yang Nourishment: Qi Hai (Ren 6), Guan Yuan (Ren 4), Zu San Li (Stomach 36), Bai Hui (Du 20), Ming Men (Ren 4), etc.
4. Moxibustion for Yang Nourishment: Shen Que (Ren 8), Guan Yuan (Ren 4), Qi Hai (Ren 6), Da Zhui (Du 14), Ming Men (Ren 4), Yong Quan (Kidney 1), etc.
5. Dietary Yang Nourishment: Lamb, scallions, ginger, longan, deer meat, leeks, etc.
6. Exercise for Yang Nourishment: Qigong, Tai Chi, labor exercises, athletics, martial arts, etc. to generate Yang.
7. Bathing for Yang Nourishment: Use Chuan Cao Wu (Aconite), Bu Guo Zhi (Psoralea), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Fu Zi (Aconite), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), etc. for bathing.
8. Disease Prevention for Yang Nourishment: Prevent and treat dysmenorrhea, chronic bronchitis, hypothyroidism, rheumatism, chronic diarrhea, and other cold diseases.
9. Cold Prevention for Yang Nourishment: Avoid excessive cold exposure, personal protection, keep warm, and reduce Yang energy loss.
10. Fire Kang for Yang Nourishment: Sleeping on a heated kang (a traditional Chinese heated bed) is beneficial for those with cold deficiency and the elderly.
11. Medicinal Wine for Yang Nourishment: Ren Shen, Rou Cong Rong, Ba Jiao, Lu Rong, etc. soaked in wine can nourish Yang.
12. Medicinal Cuisine for Yang Nourishment: Ren Shen Dang Gui Huang Qi Stewed Old Hen, Dang Gui Fu Zi Lamb Soup, etc.
13. Medicinal Tea for Yang Nourishment: Ren Shen Tea, Ginger Red Tea, Goji Tea, Cong Rong Tea, etc.
14. Acupoint Pasting for Yang Nourishment: San Jiao (Triple Burner), Fei Shu (Bladder 13), Ming Men (Ren 4), etc. for paste application.
15. Cupping for Yang Nourishment: Da Zhui (Du 14), Shen Que (Ren 8), Ming Men (Ren 4), Fei Shu (Bladder 13), etc. for cupping to eliminate cold and protect Yang.
16. Spring and Summer Yang Protection: In spring and summer, Yang is on the surface of the body, while internal organs may lack Yang; thus, one must prevent cold from harming Yang.
