On Health Preservation: Speak of Three, Discuss Four
Ancient people regarded self-cultivation and health preservation as inseparable, integrating them organically. Many insights remain valuable today.
First, “Speak of Three”: the “Three Abstinences” doctrine. Confucius said: “In youth, when blood and qi are unstable, abstain from lust; in maturity, when blood and qi are vigorous, abstain from fighting; in old age, when blood and qi decline, abstain from greed.” Among these, “abstain from greed in old age” deserves deep reflection by seniors. “Greed” means seeking and possessing benefits. Seniors, having experienced life’s hardships, understand “nothing comes with us at birth, nothing leaves with us at death—life is a process.” They should cherish health above all.
Second, “Discuss Four”: First, refers to ancient physicians’ method of strengthening the body by imitating the movements of tigers, deer, bears, and apes—primitive forms of physical exercise, the origin of today’s martial arts and gymnastics. Hua Tuo said: “When the body moves, food qi is digested, blood flows smoothly, and disease cannot arise—like a central mechanism that never decays.” He placed exercise at the forefront of health preservation.
Second, refers to TCM’s “Four Debilities”: “Liver debility from mental strain, spleen debility from dietary excess, lung debility from breathing strain, kidney debility from sexual exhaustion.” This warns people to live harmoniously, with rhythm and balance. Also, diet should be scientific and reasonable, with proper work-rest balance—only then can one achieve self-cultivation, health, and longevity.