The Seven “Less” Principles of Health Preservation
1. Less Anger. Anger is the strongest of the seven emotions. "Uncontrolled anger disrupts vital energy." Anger causes stagnation and reversal of qi, potentially triggering cardiovascular diseases. Thus, longevity experts universally avoid anger.
Main methods to control anger: self-restraint. Those prone to anger should restrain themselves when faced with frustration. Or consciously shift focus, balance emotions rationally, use intellect to control feelings, or change the environment to calm down.
2. Less Desire. Health preservation hinges on mental well-being, which depends on spiritual cultivation. Humans need material and spiritual fulfillment, but these pursuits must be realistic, avoiding unrealistic fantasies that lead to disappointment, sorrow, and illness.
Thus, wise people reduce personal desires and minimize attachment to fame and profit.
3. Less Indulgence in Sex. "Reducing sexual desire preserves essence." Preserving essence means protecting organ function. Excessive indulgence leads to sexual dysfunction, exhaustion, hormonal imbalance, and various diseases.
4. Less Talking. Less talking does not mean silence—it means avoiding constant chatter, shouting, or frequent arguments. Continuous loud speech depletes vital energy, harms respiratory function, and harms health.
5. Less Food. Avoid overeating. Eating too much at each meal causes blood to concentrate in the gastrointestinal tract, depriving other organs of blood and leaving them suppressed, resulting in drowsiness. It may also trigger gallbladder disease, diabetes, obesity, and premature aging, shortening lifespan.
6. Less Lying Down. Seniors tend to lie down more, but moderation is key. Prolonged bed rest damages yang energy, impairs digestion, reduces physical activity, and increases susceptibility to illness. Winter colds and summer heatstroke are both consequences of "prolonged lying down harming qi."
7. Less Sitting. "Prolonged sitting harms muscles." Some seniors are obsessed with TV or mahjong, preferring cars over walking. Sitting for long periods causes blood stasis, poor circulation, leading to muscle atrophy, swelling, vascular spasms, cyanosis, and walking difficulties—known medically as lower limb venous thrombosis. Thus, seniors should move their limbs, walk more, engage in moderate recreational and sports activities, and avoid becoming physically frail before their minds deteriorate.