Yan Zhi’s "Yan Family Instructions" on Health Preservation
The "Yan Family Instructions," authored by Yan Zhitui during the Northern Qi Dynasty of the Southern and Northern Dynasties, includes a dedicated chapter titled "The Fifteenth Chapter on Health Preservation," which reflects his core philosophy and methods regarding physical well-being.
The health preservation content in the "Yan Family Instructions" primarily emphasizes: practicality and authenticity in health practices, combined with consistent learning and exercise.
Yan Zhitui believed that life is full of attachments and responsibilities. In youth, one must diligently care for parents; upon adulthood, the burden of raising spouse and children adds further strain. Additionally, there are expenses related to clothing, food, official duties, and personal affairs. Amid such complex matters, attempting to escape worldly concerns entirely and retreat into mountains and forests for health preservation is unrealistic. He stated that after thoroughly studying Daoist scriptures, “even if one attains immortality, death remains inevitable,” thus one cannot truly transcend human constraints. Therefore, he did not advocate dedicating oneself fully to mastering the art of health preservation.
Regarding methods of health preservation, Yan emphasized practical daily habits, consistent practice, and moderation. For example, one should cherish and nurture mental energy, regulate breathing, maintain regular routines, avoid overeating, and dress appropriately for temperature changes. Based on individual constitution, one might benefit from taking tonics or herbal remedies such as Sophora fruit, apricot kernels, wolfberry, polygonum, white atractylodes, and plantain seeds—these can provide significant health benefits. When teeth loosen in old age, one should gently tap the teeth 300 times each morning; long-term practice yields lasting rewards.
Health preservation should avoid harm and safeguard life.
Yan pointed out that those who preserve health must first prioritize avoiding dangers and protecting their lives. Only with life intact can health maintenance have a foundation. Ancient Lu State had a man named Shan Bao, skilled in self-care, yet died unexpectedly due to unforeseen disaster. Another man, Zhang Yi of Lu, adept at avoiding misfortune, died from internal heat caused by anxiety. Ji Kang of the Jin Dynasty wrote a lengthy treatise titled "On Health Preservation," but was executed due to arrogance and disrespect. Shi Chong of the Jin Dynasty frequently took longevity-promoting herbs but was punished for accumulating wealth through corruption. These examples serve as warnings for past sages regarding health preservation.