🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Ming Dynasty renowned physician Chen Shigong was not only a respected expert in surgery but also a long-lived practitioner of health preservation. His famous work *Authentic Treatise on Surgery* details precise diagnoses and treatments for surgical conditions, along with insightful discussions on health preservation.
Chen Shigong believed that regardless of health or illness, proper regulation is essential—otherwise, good physical constitution cannot be achieved. He stated: “People without illness, if they neglect regulation, will inevitably develop various ailments; how much more so after illness, if no further regulation is applied?” He emphasized: “Those who truly preserve health regulate diet, adjust to temperature extremes, control emotions, and moderate labor—thus protecting the spleen and stomach. Otherwise, spirit and qi will gradually diminish, organs and meridians deteriorate, and muscle and body will weaken. Hence, one misstep in regulation leads to myriad diseases.”
In diet, he opposed arbitrary taboos. He pointed out: “Food sustains life; it must be consumed timely.” While emphasizing nutrition, he advocated moderation: “Never overeat—avoid what harms the spleen: raw, cold, hard-to-digest, greasy, and slippery foods.” He stressed eating light, easily digestible foods and warned against indulging in grilled, fried, rich, or alcoholic foods, noting: “Gao liang refers to rich, fatty, roasted, and savory delicacies. People today often cook them over fire or with oil and seasoning—tasting fragrant, dry, sweet, and delicious—seeking instant satisfaction, ignoring their damage to yin and internal organs.”
Regarding seasonal climate changes, he advised adapting to cold and heat: “In winter, keep beds warm; in summer, keep rooms clean and well-ventilated.” “In summer heat, avoid sitting or lying directly in drafts; do not place water near the bed.” “In winter cold, avoid irregular routines; use warm bedding constantly.” He also noted that poor health habits often lead to illness from external factors: “Sleeping outdoors in summer or autumn, exposing oneself to wind for coolness, sitting or lying on damp ground—wind, cold, and dampness invade the meridians… affecting muscles, blood vessels, tendons, and bones. Such illnesses originate from poor regulation.”
Furthermore, he urged people to avoid emotional extremes, moderate sexual activity, and maintain stable emotions—preventing unnecessary disturbances that harm the body and shorten life. He encouraged simplicity and frugality to prolong life.