🌿 Folk Prescriptions

The "Huangdi Neijing" compiles the health preservation methods from various schools of thought during the pre-Qin period, exploring health and longevity from a medical perspective and creating numerous theories and practices.
View of Nature
"Harmony between Heaven and Humanity." The human body must conform to natural laws to maintain normal physiological activities. "If one goes against nature, disasters arise; if one follows it, illness will not occur—this is called attaining the Dao." According to seasonal changes, one should nourish life in spring, nurture growth in summer, cultivate harvest in autumn, and store energy in winter. One should also nourish yang in spring and summer, and nourish yin in autumn and winter. Thus, by following the way of nature, one nurtures natural life, achieving holistic unity between humans and nature.
Prevention View
"The wise prevent disease before it occurs, and manage disorder before it arises. Treating illness after it has formed, or managing chaos after it has occurred, is like digging a well only after feeling thirsty, or forging weapons only after battle has begun—too late!" This emphasizes preventive care before illness manifests. "Avoid harmful external pathogens at appropriate times; remain tranquil and free from desire, so true qi flows freely; guard your spirit inwardly, and how could illness arise?" By avoiding external pathogenic factors such as the six climatic influences and internal emotional disturbances, one achieves prevention before disease appears.
Willpower View
"Willpower gathers the soul and spirit, regulates temperature, and harmonizes joy and anger." Utilize willpower in conjunction with seasonal characteristics to regulate mental and spiritual states. "In the first three months of spring, this is called 'renewal,' allowing the mind to flourish"; "In the first three months of summer, this is called 'luxuriant flourishing,' keeping the mind free from anger"; "In the first three months of autumn, this is called 'harmonious balance,' keeping the mind calm and peaceful"; "In the first three months of winter, this is called 'seclusion and storage,' keeping the mind hidden and reserved." In general, mental will should be expansive in spring, full in summer, stable in autumn, and concealed in winter, thus maintaining "no unusual pain, all things unimpaired, vital energy inexhaustible, focused spirit, undispersed soul and spirit, no regret or anger, and the five zang organs immune to pathogenic invasion."
Essence and Qi View
"Unlimited desires coupled with endless worries cause depletion of essence and qi, leading to deterioration of vitality and loss of nourishment. Thus, when spirit departs, illness cannot be cured." The abundance or deficiency of essence and qi determines the processes of growth, aging, and decline, and serves as the source of resistance to disease. Therefore, health preservation requires caution regarding sexual activity and accumulation of essence and spirit.
Movement and Stillness View
"Being able to move and rest appropriately leads to longevity." Advocates nurturing both body and spirit. Adjust physical and mental cultivation according to seasonal changes. In spring: "Go to bed late and rise early, walking widely in the courtyard"; in summer: "Go to bed late and rise early, without resenting the sun"; in autumn: "Go to bed early and rise early, rising with chickens"; in winter: "Go to bed early and rise late, waiting for sunlight."
Dietary Therapy View<br"Food is paramount for people." Advocates eating in moderation to preserve the postnatal source of the spleen and stomach. For example, "Overeating harms the spleen and stomach," which results in insufficient nourishment and susceptibility to various diseases. Moreover, one must carefully balance the five flavors and avoid excessive preferences. "Medicinal herbs treat pathogens; grains nourish; fruits assist; meats benefit; vegetables fill out. When combined properly, they supplement essence and qi." "Thus, careful harmony of the five flavors ensures straight bones, supple tendons, smooth blood and qi flow, and tightly sealed pores. In this way, bone strength increases, and adhering to proper principles leads to a long life."