🌿 Folk Prescriptions

In TCM, the brain is considered the foundation of spirit (Shen). A strong spirit ensures longevity. Many valuable experiences have been accumulated regarding brain health, nourishment, and spirit cultivation. These can be summarized into the following methods:
1. Spirit Nourishment and Brain Health: Ancient health practitioners believed, “When spirit is calm, longevity follows; when spirit departs, the body decays—thus, careful nurturing is essential.” How to nurture spirit? First, “non-harm” is fundamental. Avoid all forms of mental harm, especially excessive stimulation from the seven emotions (joy, anger, sorrow, worry, grief, fear, and shock). Second, “keep the heart always tranquil.” Here, tranquility does not mean absolute stillness—it means “stillness within motion, not complete immobility.” Sima Qian said: “Spirit unused becomes weak; overused becomes exhausted; exhaustion leads to deficiency; use brings vitality; vitality brings fullness; fullness brings spirit.” He also warned, “Excessive use leads to depletion.” Rational use of the brain helps maintain brain health and enhances intelligence.
Third, avoid mental stagnation and depression. Ancient wisdom states: “Spirit is meant to expand, not to be confined. Confinement harms spirit and causes serious damage.” We should avoid mental tension, petty concerns, and anxiety over gains and losses. Instead, cultivate broad-mindedness, inner peace, and optimism.
2. Regular Daily Routine: Famous physician Zhang Yinan pointed out: “A regular routine nurtures spirit.” Meaning, maintaining a consistent daily schedule supports brain health. Achieve balance between work and rest, and adhere to proper sleep schedules. Lack of sleep clearly affects brain function, but oversleeping is equally harmful. Health practitioners believe: “Sleeping just enough brings mental calm and abundant Qi—greatly beneficial.” Conversely, “excessive sleep makes the body weak and dulls the will,” which harms brain health and overall well-being.
3. Moderation in Sexual Activity: The kidneys are closely related to the brain. Brain function depends on adequate kidney essence. Ming dynasty physician Zhang Jingyue said: “Those who practice good health must treasure their essence. When essence is abundant, Qi is strong; when Qi is strong, spirit is complete.” This indicates that moderation in sexual activity preserves essence, which in turn strengthens the brain and spirit, delaying brain aging. On the contrary, “excessive desire clouds the mind,” leading to premature aging, weakness, and multiple illnesses. Thus, moderating sexual activity is crucial for brain and physical health.
4. Breath Regulation (Tao Yin): “Breath regulation” refers to inhaling pure Qi and exhaling impure air. “Exhale” means expelling stale air (carbon dioxide) through the mouth; “inhale” means drawing in fresh air (oxygen) through the nose. The *Inner Canon* states: “Absorbing celestial Qi brings clarity of spirit.” This implies a close relationship between the brain and respiration. Breathing in clean, fresh air provides ample oxygen to the brain, enhancing mental clarity, sharp thinking, and intellectual growth—achieving holistic brain health. During practice, gradually increase breathing effort to naturally regulate breath.
5. Physical Exercise to Stimulate Spirit: The *Manual of Life Extension and Longevity* states: “Stillness nourishes spirit; movement strengthens the body. A combination of stillness and movement leads to longevity.” This emphasizes the importance of balancing stillness and activity. In fact, people have long walked back and forth while pondering problems to promote blood circulation, enhance brain function, and improve cognitive ability. Some elderly individuals rotate two walnuts or iron balls in their palms, stimulating the Laogong acupoint (on the palm), linked to the heart’s role in governing spirit—thereby supporting brain and spirit health. Additionally, practicing Tai Chi, Wuqinxi (Five Animal Frolics), Ba Duan Jin (Eight Pieces of Brocade), etc., can strengthen the spirit and enhance intelligence.
6. Nutritional Food Therapy for Brain Health: “Diet nourishes the body.” Nutrition plays an obvious role in improving brain function. Since Sun Simiao of the Tang Dynasty strongly advocated dietary therapy, later physicians accumulated vast experience. *The Constant Words of the Elderly* recommends combining brain-healthy foods with rice to make porridge. Examples include longan porridge, jujube porridge, lotus seed porridge, etc.