Brief Discussion on the Four Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Preservation
Prevent Illness Before It Occurs, Nurture Health Before Aging
TCM health preservation aims to prevent disease and promote longevity. For example, in regulating daily routines, *The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon* stresses avoiding “wind, rain, cold, and heat” pathogens at appropriate times. In dietary hygiene, Zhang Zhongjing’s *Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases* includes a dedicated section on preventing food poisoning. Sun Simiao recorded using animal liver to prevent night blindness and using sheep thyroid and kelp to prevent endemic goiter. *The Inner Canon* also advocates acupuncture for disease prevention and longevity. Thus, the guiding principle of TCM health preservation should be “prevent before aging.”
Daily Regulation, Living with Discipline
Emphasizing regularity in life—diet, sleep, work, and mental well-being—is crucial for delaying aging. Through long-term practice, TCM has developed effective methods: mental health preservation, sleep regulation, dietary therapy, daily routine maintenance, and seasonal health preservation.
Self-Exercise, Consistent Practice
TCM self-exercise includes qigong, daoyin (guiding and pulling), and massage. Modern qigong originates from ancient daoyin and breathing techniques. The key lies in regulating body, mind, and breath. These practices help eliminate internal and external disturbances, achieving a state of unity between form and spirit—enabling self-regulation throughout life, stimulating and activating internal potential, preventing illness, and prolonging life.
Combine Medicines and Food, Pair Acupuncture with Herbal Therapy
Ancient TCM texts frequently record herbs and formulas with “tonifying qi, lightening the body,” and “longevity” effects—falling under medicinal nourishment. Food therapy is another gem in the TCM health preservation treasure chest. Food and medicine complement each other, jointly strengthening the body and extending life. Additionally, there are many effective, simple, and practical methods such as acupuncture for health, moxibustion, umbilical therapy, and medicinal pillows.