🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Ming Dynasty renowned physician Chen Shiguang was not only a respected expert in surgery but also a longevity figure who practiced health preservation. In his famous work *Authentic Treatise on Surgery*, besides detailed discussions on surgical cases and treatments, he also offers many insightful remarks on health preservation.
Chen Shiguang believed that regardless of whether one is healthy or ill, proper regulation is essential—otherwise, good physical constitution cannot be achieved. He stated: “People without illness often fall sick due to poor regulation; how much more so after illness, if no further regulation is applied?” He emphasized: “Those who excel in health preservation regulate diet, adjust to cold and heat, control emotions, limit labor, thus protecting the spleen and stomach. Otherwise, spirit and qi will gradually deteriorate, organs and meridians will weaken, and muscle and body will gradually diminish—mismanagement leads to myriad diseases.”
In diet, he opposed arbitrary taboos. He pointed out: “Food sustains life; it must be consumed at appropriate times.” While paying attention to nutrition, one must moderate intake: “Never overeat. The main dangers are raw/cold foods damaging the spleen, hard-to-digest foods, and greasy/fatty foods.” He stressed eating light, easily digestible foods, warning against excessive consumption of grilled, fried, rich-tasting, or alcoholic foods, stating: “Gao liang refers to rich, oily, fragrant, and savory foods—commonly roasted over fire or cooked with oil and dry heat. Their taste is aromatic, dry, sweet, and tempting… people enjoy them for pleasure, ignoring their harm to yin and internal organs.”
Regarding seasonal climate changes, he advocated adapting to the alternation of cold and heat, proposing: “In winter, keep the room warm; in summer, keep the desk clean and windows open.” “In summer heat, avoid sitting or lying directly in the wind; do not place water near the bed.” “In winter cold, avoid careless habits; use gentle warmth.” He also noted that those who neglect health preservation often fall ill due to improper daily routines, such as “sleeping outdoors in summer and autumn, exposing themselves to wind for cooling, sitting or lying on damp ground—leading to invasion of wind, cold, and dampness into the meridians… affecting muscles, blood vessels, tendons, and bones. These illnesses originate from poor regulation.”
Moreover, he advised avoiding emotional extremes and moderating sexual activity. One must maintain stable emotions, avoid unnecessary disturbances that harm the body and shorten life. He encouraged people to cultivate simplicity and frugality to prolong life.