🌿 Folk Prescriptions

In TCM, the brain is considered the foundation of spirit (shen), and strong spirit ensures longevity. Many valuable experiences have been accumulated regarding brain health, nourishment, and spirit cultivation. These can be summarized into the following methods:
1. Spirit Nourishment and Brain Health: Ancient health practitioners believed, "When spirit is calm, life extends; when spirit departs, the body decays—thus, careful nurturing is essential." How to nurture the spirit? First, "non-harm" is fundamental. Avoid all kinds of mental harm caused by excessive emotional stimuli—seven emotions (joy, anger, sorrow, worry, grief, fear, shock). Second, "keep the heart always tranquil." Here, tranquility does not mean complete stillness; rather, "stillness means stillness within motion, not absolute immobility." Sima Qian said: "Mental energy weakens if unused, tires quickly if overused; fatigue leads to deficiency, but use revitalizes, vitality brings life, and spirit becomes abundant." He also warned, "Excessive use exhausts." Rational use of the brain helps maintain brain health and enhances intelligence. Third, avoid mental stagnation and depression. As ancient wisdom states: "Spirit means expansion. The human spirit enjoys expansion but dislikes suppression; suppression harms the spirit and causes serious damage." Therefore, avoid mental tension, obsessiveness, and anxiety over gains and losses. Instead, cultivate broad-mindedness, inner peace, and a cheerful, composed attitude.
2. Regular Daily Routine: Famous physician Zhang Yinan pointed out: "Regular routines nourish the spirit." Meaning, maintaining a consistent daily schedule supports brain health. Achieve balance between work and rest, and follow regular sleep patterns. Lack of sleep undoubtedly affects mental clarity, but oversleeping is equally harmful. Health practitioners believe: "Sleeping just enough brings mental calm and vital energy, greatly beneficial." However, "excessive sleep makes the body weak and dulls willpower," which hinders brain health and harms overall well-being.
3. Moderation in Sexual Activity and Essence Conservation: The kidneys are closely related to the brain. Brain function relies on adequate kidney essence. Ming Dynasty physician Zhang Jingyue said: "Those who practice good health must treasure their essence; abundant essence strengthens qi, and strong qi ensures full spirit." This indicates that moderation in sexual activity preserves essence, which in turn supports brain health and delays brain aging. Conversely, "excessive desire clouds the mind," leading to early aging, frailty, and multiple illnesses. Thus, moderate control of sexual activity is crucial for brain and physical health.
4. Breathing Exercises for Health ("Tun-Ti"): Also known as "breath regulation," this involves exhaling stale air (carbon dioxide) through the mouth and inhaling fresh air (oxygen) through the nose. The *Huangdi Neijing* states: "Inhale celestial energy to connect with spiritual clarity," meaning the brain has close ties with respiration. Absorbing clean, fresh air supplies ample oxygen to the brain, promoting mental clarity, sharp thinking, and enhanced intelligence, thus achieving holistic brain and body health. When practicing, gradually increase breathing effort to naturally regulate breath.
5. Physical Exercise to Stimulate Spirit: The *Yinsheng Yanming Lu* says: "Stillness nurtures spirit, movement trains the body; combining both leads to longevity." This emphasizes the need for balance between stillness and movement. In fact, people have long habitually paced back and forth while pondering problems to promote blood circulation, enhance brain function, and improve cognitive ability. Some elderly individuals rotate two walnuts or iron balls in their hands, stimulating the Laogong acupoint on the palms, which connects with the heart’s role in governing spirit, thereby supporting brain and spirit health. Additionally, practicing Tai Chi, Wuqinxi (Five Animal Frolics), Ba Duan Jin (Eight Brocade), etc., can strengthen the mind and boost intelligence.
6. Nutritional Brain Support: "Diet nourishes the body." Nutrition plays an obvious role in enhancing brain function. Since Sun Simiao of the Tang Dynasty strongly advocated dietary therapy, later physicians accumulated vast experience in this area. *Laolao Hengyan* recommends combining brain-healthy foods with rice to make porridge. Examples include Longan Porridge, Jujube Porridge, Lotus Seed Porridge, etc.