Health Preservation According to the "Tao Te Ching"
The *Tao Te Ching* is a major Daoist text from the pre-Qin period, revered as scripture by Daoists. It was written by Laozi, the great philosopher of the Spring and Autumn era. Laozi’s real name was Li Er, courtesy name Bo Yang, and posthumous title Dan. Born in Ku County, Chu State, he once taught Confucius about ritual propriety. During Zhou dynasty turmoil, he resigned and passed through Hangu Pass, where a guard named Xi requested him to teach. Thus, Laozi composed over 5,000 characters before vanishing without trace.
Laozi mastered health preservation. In the *Tao Te Ching*, he said: "Man follows the earth; the earth follows heaven; heaven follows the Tao; the Tao follows nature." "The common people say: 'We are natural.'" "The Tao is honored, virtue is valued. Heaven does not grant titles but always acts naturally." The essence is: humans must follow Earth’s laws to survive; Earth depends on celestial and climatic changes to generate life; celestial phenomena operate according to natural principles—the Tao itself is what exists inherently, i.e., nature. This reflects his understanding of cosmic change applied to human health preservation: advocate living in harmony with nature, adapting to its ways, achieving health without deliberate cultivation.
Laozi’s approach also emphasizes moral cultivation. He said: "Embrace simplicity, hold fast to innocence, reduce selfish desires." He also advised: "Avoid extremes, extravagance, and excess." "Misfortune lies in never being satisfied; blame stems from greed. Therefore, contentment brings lasting satisfaction." "Delight in your food, find beauty in your clothes, be at ease in your home, and enjoy your customs." He taught people to eliminate greed and delusions so that vital energy flows harmoniously, spirit remains inwardly guarded without depletion, yin and yang balance, aligning with nature—thus extending life and prolonging years.
He also said: "Concentrate your vital energy and become soft; guarding gentleness makes you stronger daily"—reminding people to maintain a gentle, vibrant true qi. A calm, natural spirit enhances internal energy flow and improves health.