Health Preservation
Text
Health Preservation
Introduction Health preservation in traditional chinese medicine is an important part of chinese national excellent culture ,and it is also a resplendent precious stone of the TCM treasury.There is a long history and a great development within it .Chinese people have always been emphasizing health preservation and longevity ,and they have acumulated specialist and religion theorist have established health preservation of TCM which not only has systematic theories ,various schools,and many methods ,but also has national characteristic ,which contributes a lot to the Chinese health care and Chinese national prosperity . The concept of Health Preservation According to the rule of life development ,health preservation is an acitivity of enhancing the health and increasing the longevity ,by adopting the methods which can maintain body and mind ,reduce diseases ,promote health ,and prolong the life . Health preservation is also called health cultivation,or health method.Preservation,namely maintenance,nursing,cultivating,recruiting and protecting;Life,namely living,exercise and growth. Health preservation is a type of subjective and objective behavior of people’s taking care of life consciously through varoious means and methods,which is the reappearance of their deep understanding f the rule of the life developments .It is also a health protection acitivity achieved through material and spiritual unification .The acitivities of health preservation run through the whole of human life,from birth,growth,aging to death .It is the synthetic activity to enhance the health and increase the longevity by various methods,such as spirit keeping ,diet adjusting,body building,sexual life moderating and climate adaptation . Health preservation science is a method under the guidance of the TCM theories,to investigate the theories of the human health .study chinese orthodox method to support the mind and body,strengthen somatic substnaces ,prevent disease and lengthen the life ,it is also a practical subject ,which can make use of this kind of the theories and methods to guide people to care health . The term of health preservation was first recorder in Zhuang Zi, the meaning of health preservation then was bot the same as nowadays.Till the time of Huangdi Nei Jing,the scientific theory system of health preservation had been establishen ,and people called the theories and methods of health preservation as “The way of health preservation “.For example ,Suwen said :”people of the ancient time who knew how to cultivate health,regulate yin and yang ,conform to the ways of health preservation ,control feed and drinks,live regularity and not to work absurdly,is thus in the state of somatic and spiritual harmony,and cloud fulfil their natural span of life of 100years.”the way mentioned here refers to the methods of keeping good health ,namely the law of health reservation has to be abided .The fulfilment of health longevity not only depends on the knowledge of the method of health perservation .,but also on the proper application of this method to the daily life and making it one part of life.Because of the different practise and understanding,different health preservation vary a lot ,laying particular emphasis and their own unique on different aspectssuch as keepingspiritquiet,moving the body securingsemem ,regulating qi,dietaryregimen and medication.As far as the academic schools are concerned ,they can be divided into Taoist,confucianism,medical specialist,buddhist and martial arts specialist.They explained the theory and method and method of health preservation from different aspects,enriching the contents of health preservation’s science . Essentials of TCM Health Preservation Thousands of years ‘history of TCM reflects abundant pratices of people ‘s fighting against diseases,and records the exploration of countless ancestors and their academic as theory combining with pratises by many experts,doctors and chinese people in past dynasties,health preservation of TCM gradually improved and formed as a unique medicine subject ,which divided into several history stages as below . The Basic Concepts about TCM Health Preservation Pratices for health preservation should be guided by basic academic concept,so that predictive efficacy will be reciived.Under the guidance of TCM,with long period of practice and summary ,health preservation sience has formed some public public-admitted basic overviews.Generally it manifests as below . The Basic Theories and Principles of Health Preservation in TCM As early as two thousand years ago,the science of health preservation of TCM in its long process of development already obtained fairly rich experiences and theoretial knowledge and constantly absorbed essences of different schools.And the theories of health preservation are being perfected day by day.These theories and principles are still efficacious in guiding modern health care and medical pracice . Health-preservation based on the ausation differentiation . Being one of the scientific health preservation’s guiding principles,the concept of synthetically regulating one’s health to maintain healthy qi mainly shows people the importance of holistic concept during health preservation.The preservation of healthy qi should be fulfilled well in daily life ,and all the methods should concentrate on it.In on method,but should be practiced with all kinds of methodssuch as shape-regulating,mind development,motion method,quiescence method,diet and medication.The fully embodies features of principle and flexibility in TCM summarizes this priceiple as “mastering common sense in order to adapt oneself to changed conditions .”
Chinese Traditional Concept of Health Preserving
Health preserving is a concept in Chinese traditional medicine to enhance physical fitness, prevent diseases, postpone aging and prolong the life by spiritual toning, therapeutic diets and medicated diet, healthy exercises and other methods. Such concept takes the natural point of view in ancient China as the theoretical basis, such as Five Elements Theory, Yin-yang Theory, Pneumatism and Connecting with Macrocosm. The ancients believe that all things in the world are generated from the five substances: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. This Five Element Theory also can be applied to explain the uniformity of mutual connection between human viscera and tissues as well as between human body and the external environment. The ancients also believe that, all things in the world can be divided by Yin and Yang. If apply to medicine, this Yin-yang Theory will define such substances and functions that driving, warming and exciting the human body as Yang, while such substances and functions that condensing, moisturizing and inhibiting the human body as Yin. Yin and Yang rise and fall by restricting each other to achieve dynamic balance. If this balance is damaged, disease will produce. The ancients also believe that the Qi is the source of changes of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements; they believe that man and nature communicate and correspond to each other. The theory of Pneuma and Man-Heaven Correspondence has been also applied to the understanding of human life activities, as well as the explanation for the mutual restraint and effect of man and nature. The concept of health preserving is the product of such natural views. It is in light of this concept that people established the rich and effective methods of health preserving, such as spiritual toning, guiding and breathing, health care in four seasons, food and medicine diets for health preserving , thus forming a miracle of the traditional Chinese medicine - Health Preserving Theory.
Three Simple Principles of Health Preservation
The preservation of health and prevention of disease is one of the most important guiding principles of traditional Chinese medicine. Health preservation is a branch of Chinese medicine that teaches practical ways of preventing illness and maintaining good health throughout one’s life. This pursuit of health and longevity has especially influenced the lifestyles of traditional Chinese and Asian cultures for over 2,000 years. “In the old days the sages treated disease by preventing illness before it began, just as a good government or emperor was able to take the necessary steps to avert war. Treating an illness after it has begun is like suppressing revolt after it has broken out. If someone digs a well only when thirsty, or forges weapons only after becoming engaged in battle, one cannot help but ask: Aren’t these actions too late?” – Huang Di Nei Jing (475-221 BC) Here are three simple but indispensable principles of traditional Chinese medicine health preservation that we would like to share with you: 1. Being in harmony with nature and our environment “Holism” in Chinese medicine regards that humans belong to and are a part of nature. It recognises that our health is closely influenced by changes in our natural environment. We are influenced by the changing seasons, the cycle of day and night, and all of the nature that surrounds us. Walking in natureWhen a person can recognise and adjust their lifestyle to the daily changes in their environment, then they can maintain harmony with nature and avoid many common causes of illness. This includes regulating our mental and physical activities, wake and sleep times, clothing and diet to be harmonious with seasonal changes. Sometimes, we may need to adjust our homes, offices and the built environment we live in too when they are not in harmony with nature or supportive of our health. Remember also to spend time in nature: the warmth of sunshine, the smell of fresh air, the sound of the ocean and the incredible beauty we can find everywhere in nature are naturally good for our health. 2. Preservation of the body and spirit Preservation of the body means the protection and nourishment of the physical body. In Chinese medicine, this includes the health of the internal organs, the body’s essence, Qi and blood, the muscles and tendons, the mind and senses. The physical body is the residence of our spirit (our Shen), only if the body is healthy can the spirit also be healthy. Proper diet, work and rest balance, moderate living, avoidance of extreme environments (hot and cold), physical activity and training all contribute to the preservation of the body. In particular, we should pay attention to the preservation of the Heart, which houses our spirit and governs the health of all the organs. “Imagine the Heart as a pool of water. When the surface is calm it clearly reflects perceptions from the outside world. When the surface is stirred by the wind-like movement of the seven emotions, then the reflection becomes muddled and a person will have difficulty perceiving the real nature of a situation.” – Dr Wang Ju-Yi Preservation of the spirit means achieving a balance among our many emotions. If our spirit or emotions are excessive or remain imbalanced for too long, then the smooth flow of Qi in our body may become affected. We should not let ourselves become very angry, sad, afraid or even happy for too long. Nor should we hold a grudge or keep our feelings bottled up inside. Surround yourself with positive people in your life and avoid certain people who put you down. Likewise, be aware that our behaviour towards others can greatly affect their emotions and their health. This is why bullying and emotional abuse causes many physical health problems. From the point of view of Chinese medicine, our emotions are an important cause of many physical diseases. Likewise, certain internal organ diseases can greatly affect our personality, mood and experience of daily life. Health preservation therefore emphasises that in order to avoid injuring the body, it is also necessary to keep the mind calm, reduce emotional stress and avoid extreme excesses of emotions as much as possible. Looking after the body can help the spirit when it is injured, and preserving the clarity and calmness of the spirit can safeguard the body from harm. Like Yin and Yang, the body and spirit complement each other and should never be regarded as separate things. 3. Balancing activity and quiescence As nature has its seasons, and there is day and night, the body also needs to be active and calm. As the Chinese saying goes, “one’s body needs to be active and one’s spirit needs to be calm”. Only when activity and quiescence is appropriately balanced can the goal of preserving health and preventing illness be achieved. Activity includes a person’s work and physical exercise. If the body (which also includes the mind) is not active, the Qi and blood will stagnate and lead to illness. Persevering with regular exercises such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong, can strengthen the body’s resistance to illness and prevent premature ageing. Quiescence is the opposite of activity. It includes serenity of the mind and quietness of the body. To preserve health, we should also keep a serene mind, be free from stress and restrain from strong emotions and desires. Tai Chi Both activity and quiescence must be carried out in moderation. An imbalance in either over the long term will harm one’s health and lead to illness. Everyone should exercise regularly, but not to the point of physical fatigue. Every person should use their mind diligently, but not to the point of mental fatigue. The goal is to be active without exhaustion and quiescent without fatigue. Tai Chi and Qi Gong practice are great examples of physical training that don’t require extreme movements, while cultivating good postures, breathing techniques and meditation to train oneself in the preservation of the body and spirit. Of course, you can choose your own favourite sport or physical activity too. “In the past, people practiced the Tao, the Way of Life. They understood the principle of balance as represented by the transformations of the energies of the universe. They formulated exercises to promote energy flow to harmonize themselves with the universe. They ate a balanced diet at regular times, arose and retired at regular hours, avoided overstressing their bodies and minds, and refrained from overindulgence of all kinds. They maintained well-being of body and mind; thus, it is not surprising that they lived over one hundred years.” – Huang Di Nei Jing We hope this article can give you many ideas to improve and maintain your health. Please share and discuss it with your family and friends!
Knowledge Graph
Examples
1 According to the theories of Chinese medicines, health preservation means preserving body condition to maintain good health prevent diseases and prolong life.
2 The key concept of health preservation in Chinese medicine is "preventing disease before its occurrence".
3 Health preservation is an ancient concern of the traditional Chinese medicine, that recommends protecting health through massage and healthy diet, sports, scheduled work, rest and psychological cultivation.