🌿 Folk Prescriptions

The "Huangdi Neijing" compiles the health preservation methods from various schools of thought during the pre-Qin period, exploring health and longevity from a medical perspective and creating numerous theories and practices.
View of Nature
"Harmony between Heaven and Humanity." The human body must conform to natural laws to maintain normal physiological activities. "If one goes against nature, disasters arise; if one follows it, illness will not occur—this is called attaining the Dao." According to seasonal changes, one should nourish life in spring, nurture growth in summer, cultivate harvest in autumn, and store energy in winter. Also, nourish yang in spring and summer, and nourish yin in autumn and winter. Thus, using the way of nature to nurture natural life achieves holistic unity between humans and nature.
Prevention Perspective
"The sage treats not already existing diseases but those yet to arise; does not rectify already chaotic situations but those yet to become so. Treating illness after it has formed or correcting disorder after it has arisen is like digging a well only when thirsty or forging weapons only when fighting—how late!" This emphasizes preventive care before disease onset. "Avoid harmful influences such as wind and evil qi at appropriate times; remain tranquil and free from desires, allowing true qi to flow freely; guard your spirit internally, and how could illness arise?" Avoid external pathogenic factors and internal emotional disturbances to achieve prevention before illness occurs.
Willpower Perspective
"Willpower gathers the soul and spirit, regulates cold and heat, and harmonizes joy and anger." Utilize willpower in conjunction with seasonal characteristics to regulate mental and spiritual states. "In the first three months of spring, this is called 'renewal,' enabling the emergence of intentions"; "In the first three months of summer, this is called 'luxuriant flourishing,' ensuring no anger in intention"; "In the first three months of autumn, this is called 'harmonious balance,' maintaining calmness of mind"; "In the first three months of winter, this is called 'closure and storage,' keeping the mind hidden and concealed." In general, mental and spiritual states should be expansive in spring, full in summer, stable in autumn, and reserved in winter, thus maintaining "no unusual pain, all things undisturbed, vital energy inexhaustible, spirit focused and pure, soul and spirit undispersed, no regret or anger, and the five zang organs immune from pathogenic invasion."
Essence and Qi Perspective
"Unlimited desires and endless worries lead to depletion of essence and qi, causing deterioration of vitality and loss of nourishment. Hence, the spirit departs, and illness cannot be cured." The abundance or deficiency of essence and qi determines the processes of growth, aging, and decline, and serves as the source of resistance to disease. Therefore, health preservation requires caution regarding sexual activity and accumulation of essence and spirit.
Movement and Stillness Perspective
"Being able to move and rest, one can attain longevity." Advocates nurturing both body and spirit. Adjust physical and mental cultivation according to seasonal changes. In spring: "Go to bed late and rise early, walking widely in the courtyard"; in summer: "Go to bed late and rise early, without resentment toward sunlight"; in autumn: "Go to bed early and rise early, rising with roosters"; in winter: "Go to bed early and rise late, waiting for sunlight."
Dietary Therapy Perspective<br"People depend on food as their foundation." Advocates eating with moderation to preserve the postnatal source of spleen and stomach. For example, "Overeating harms the spleen and stomach," which leads to insufficient nourishment and susceptibility to myriad diseases. Moreover, one must carefully balance the five flavors and avoid excessive preference. "Medicinal herbs treat pathogens; grains nourish; fruits assist; meats benefit; vegetables fill out. When combined appropriately, they supplement essence and qi." "Therefore, properly balancing the five flavors ensures straight bones, supple tendons, smooth blood and qi circulation, and tightly sealed pores. Thus, bone strength increases, following proper principles, one may live long."