Health Preservation: Follow Nature's Rhythm
Nowadays, the concept of the "1+0 Project" is widely circulated globally. The "1" represents health, while the "0" stands for career, wealth, talent, friendship, family, love, etc. Only when the "1" exists do the "0"s hold value. "1" plus "0" equals ten, then hundred, thousand, million... If the "1" disappears, everything left is "0." The underlying message warns us to preserve this foundational "1"—health is everything.
Currently, there is a negative trend in health preservation behavior that deserves attention. Consider this anecdote: A man seeking longevity asked a doctor for a secret remedy. The doctor asked, "Do you like working?" He replied, "No!" Then, "Do you enjoy sports, singing, dancing, chess, fishing, hiking, gardening, traveling, socializing, household chores?" He shook his head again: "No!" The doctor smiled and said, "Then why would you want longevity?" Thus, we conclude: Longevity without quality of life is meaningless—and even painful.
Some pursue silence and emptiness by shutting themselves away daily, meditating in isolation. Others chase "life lies in motion" by climbing mountains nonstop. Still others seek "elderly happiness" by playing chess or mahjong night after night. If one adheres solely to any single method of health preservation, it won’t lead to longevity—it may instead harm health and shorten life.
How should one preserve health? In TCM, health preservation activities are called "Dao" (the Way) or "Shu" (the Technique). "Dao" refers to principles and rules; "Shu" denotes specific methods and means. These are embedded in everyday behaviors: eating, drinking, defecating, urinating, walking, moving, sitting, lying down—all involve health preservation. Traditional Chinese longevity practices are known as "Weisheng" (protecting life), "Yangsheng" (nurturing life), "Housheng" (treating life well), or "Daosheng" (following the way of life). "Weisheng" means protecting life; "Yangsheng" means nurturing life; "Housheng" means treating life with care; "Daosheng" requires adherence to proper standards. The *Dao De Jing* says: "Man follows Earth, Earth follows Heaven, Heaven follows Dao, Dao follows Nature." This teaches us that health preservation must follow natural laws.
TCM's health preservation philosophy requires aligning with natural rhythms. Thus, one must follow nature in all health-related activities.