Lu You’s Approach to Health Preservation: Emphasizing the Two Ends
Lu You was a famous patriotic poet of the Song Dynasty and also highly valued health preservation. Amid war and turmoil, he lived to 86, remaining upright, steady-legged, sharp-eared, keen-eyed, physically robust, and capable of carrying firewood uphill. His remarkable longevity was inseparable from his wise health practices. Lu You always paid close attention to hygiene and health in diet and daily routines, especially valuing combing his hair and soaking his feet—evident from his surviving poems.
"Awakening suddenly, I see the sky bright through the window; my short hair, thinning, rises as I comb it myself." Combing hair upon waking was his daily ritual. "Guests few, doors often shut; mind quiet, hair combed again"—even when alone and secluded, he cherished hair-combing for health.
Regular hair-combing improves cerebral cortex excitation and inhibition balance, regulates head nerves, promotes blood circulation and sebum secretion, and stimulates hair growth. By persistently combing his hair, Lu You saw new black hairs sprout among his sparse white ones in old age—clear proof that hair-combing indeed enhances vitality and health.
At age 82, Lu You wrote a poem about soaking feet before bed: "Old man no longer tends to farming; counting chickens and pigs still not forgotten. Soaking feet and climbing into bed—true bliss. My young grandchild already knows how to prepare hot water for foot baths." Clearly, soaking feet before bed was a great pleasure for him, even his grandchildren knew the benefits.
Foot problems are common among the elderly. Due to varying degrees of arterial hardening, metabolic disorders, elevated lipids, or endocrine diseases like diabetes, vascular lesions worsen, peripheral circulation deteriorates, nerve sensation dulls, and immunity declines. Foot health reflects overall bodily condition. To prevent foot ailments, soak feet in hot water before bed and wear spacious, soft shoes and socks to ensure good foot circulation.
Combing hair and soaking feet are increasingly recognized today—simple gestures with great benefit. Learning from Lu You’s example and prioritizing care for the head and feet is undoubtedly essential for health preservation. (Xiaowei)