Environmental Health Preservation
Environmental Health Preservation
Environment includes geographical, climatic, social, and personal living environments. Numerous factors in the environment constantly affect the human body. These factors are complex and ever-changing; individual health largely depends on one’s living environment.
Environmental factors have long been valued. The *Huangdi Neijing* clearly records: "In different regions, life spans vary—why? Qibo replied: High altitudes are governed by yin, low-lying areas by yang. Yang predominance leads to earlier birth, yin dominance to later birth. This is the natural law of geography, the path of life and transformation... Those living in high, clean, cold areas tend to live longer; those in low, polluted, hot areas tend to die younger." Clearly, the local climate and terrain profoundly influence health and longevity.
Not only natural environments but also social environments are closely linked to physical well-being. The *Huangdi Neijing* states: "When diagnosing illness, always ask about diet and living conditions, sudden joy or suffering, initial happiness or hardship—all harm vital energy. When vital energy collapses, the body deteriorates." This clearly highlights the impact of psychosocial factors in illness. Legend holds that during Emperor Yao’s time, people began digging wells for water. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, communities established hygiene regulations for drinking water, enforced by law. Archaeological findings confirm that cities from that era already had underground clay pipe sewers, showing concern not only for drinking water safety but also for environmental hygiene.
Environment is a complex, dialectical natural composite. All living beings must adapt to survive. Humans must not only adapt to the environment but also utilize, control, and transform it.