🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Sun Simiao was a distinguished physician and health expert of the Tang Dynasty, revered posthumously as the “King of Medicine.” He lived to be 101 years old, dedicating his life to treating patients, collecting medical literature, and writing extensively based on his clinical experience. At age 71, he compiled the *Qianjin Yaofang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) in 30 volumes, containing over 4,500 prescriptions. At age 100, he remained robust and energetic, continuing to write and completing the *Qianjin Yifang* (Supplementary Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) in 30 volumes, including over 800 herbal entries, along with works such as *Shesheng Lun*, *Fulu Lun*, *Cun Shen Lianqi Ming*, and *Sheyang Zhenfang*, comprehensively outlining his health preservation philosophy. His contributions constitute outstanding heritage in Chinese medicine and health care, making immense contributions to the nation’s medical development. Sun Simiao’s longevity can be summarized in the following points:
Natural Flow
The human body follows its own natural developmental patterns. Health preservation must conform to nature to benefit health. Especially after entering old age, physiological, psychological, physical constitution, personality, temperament, interests, and behavior undergo changes. Only by adapting to these changes and avoiding resistance to natural processes can health remain intact. In *Qianjin Yifang*, Sun Simiao wrote: “After age fifty, yang energy declines daily, strength wanes, memory fades, daily routines become sluggish. Tasks seem overwhelming, senses become unstable… All matters fall apart, spirits grow listless, forgetfulness and irritability emerge, emotions shift, appetite diminishes, sleep becomes restless.” He warned descendants to fully understand these physiological and psychological traits of aging, not mistakenly believe “adults grow worse with age and cannot be corrected,” but rather adapt naturally: “Always prepare in advance,” “Do not let them suffer inner distress,” which would harm health. Because “extreme anger injures qi, excessive thinking harms spirit,” “when spirit is exhausted, the heart is easily worn out; when qi is weak, illness invades.” Thus, descendants must learn to adapt and regulate the elderly’s emotional fluctuations: “Avoid extreme sorrow or joy; maintain balanced diet; beware of drunkenness at night; first avoid anger.” This enables natural flow and maintains a peaceful mindset. This health philosophy, derived from his own practice and experience, is also the essence of his longevity.
Emphasis on Dietary Nourishment
Sun Simiao placed great emphasis on dietary nourishment, believing, “The foundation of calming the spirit lies in proper diet.” Only good eating habits can strengthen the body and prevent illness. He said: “In spring, for 72 days, reduce sour flavors and slightly increase sweetness to nourish the spleen; in summer, for 72 days, reduce bitterness and increase pungency to nourish the lungs; in autumn, for 72 days, reduce sourness and increase sweetness to nourish the liver; in winter, for 72 days, reduce saltiness and increase bitterness to nourish the heart; in each seasonal month, for about ten days, reduce sweetness and increase saltiness to nourish the kidneys.” He linked diet to seasonal changes, determining meal focus based on seasonal shifts and bodily needs, turning daily meals into tools for health and fitness, avoiding impulsive eating. Additionally, he strongly advocated a light diet, moderation, slow chewing, and avoiding overeating. Reflecting on his own eating habits, he wrote: “A bowl of porridge in the morning, don’t overeat at night. Avoid heavy drinking; illnesses will not arise. Walk a hundred steps after meals, constantly rubbing the abdomen.” To him, elderly digestion weakens, so food intake must be controlled—never overeat. Instead, eat small portions frequently: “When hungry, eat immediately; do not endure hunger.” He preferred light meals, ate little meat, and regularly consumed honey, lotus seeds, yam, sesame, and milk—all undoubtedly beneficial to his longevity.
Moderate Exercise
Sun Simiao said: “The way of health preservation is to seek slight exertion, but avoid exhaustion. Do not push beyond your limits. Just as flowing water stays clean and door hinges resist decay.” He never “ate full and lay down,” but instead “after meals, walk slowly and pace,” and “after every meal, rub your face and abdomen to promote fluid circulation,” aiding digestion and helping prevent illness. Sun Simiao not only excelled in physical movement but also emphasized mental stimulation and brain health. He knew the brain is the body’s command center, and aging first shows in brain deterioration. He kept his mind active, thought deeply, and continued reading until old age. His masterpiece, *Qianjin Yifang*, was completed at age 100. To write it, he tirelessly walked to collect folk remedies, personally testing and verifying them before inclusion. This combination of physical and mental activity formed the basis of his enhanced physique, delayed brain aging, and long life.
Maintain Balance
Sun Simiao left behind twelve secrets for health preservation and longevity: “Few thoughts, few worries, few tasks, few words, few laughs, few sorrows, few joys, few pleasures, few desires, few hatreds, few cravings, few anger.” He believed human emotions and desires are inevitable spiritual activities. Either indulgence or suppression harms the body. Thus, moderation is key—embodied in the word “few.” That is, practice restraint, avoid extremes, maintain balance, and steer clear of extremes—greatly beneficial for health and longevity.
While advocating the “Twelve Fews,” he also listed twelve taboos: “Too many thoughts exhaust the spirit; too many worries scatter the will; too many desires cloud the mind; too many tasks tire the body; too many words deplete qi; too many laughs damage internal organs; too much sorrow crushes the heart; too much joy overflows the spirit; too much happiness causes confusion; too much anger destabilizes the meridians; too much preference leads to obsession; too much hatred causes despair.” He regarded these “Twelve Muches” as the “root of death.” According to his philosophy, the “Twelve Fews” represent true health preservation, while the “Twelve Muches” are the root of destruction. Only by combining advocacy with avoidance can one truly achieve health preservation. He practiced this diligently, which is why, when average lifespans were barely over 40 in his time, he surpassed 100 years.