Emperor Qianlong, born Hongli of the Aisin-Gioro clan, was one of the most renowned rulers in Chinese history, known for his longevity and lengthy reign. Born in 1711, he became the sixth emperor of the Qing dynasty and ruled for 60 years until his death at the age of 89. According to historical researchers, the secret to Emperor Qianlong’s long life largely lay in a unique method called the “10:2” rule, encompassing ten “dos” and two “don’ts” – a regimen beneficial to one’s health and longevity.
Per sources from Sohu, the ten “dos” in this method include the following habits: teeth clacking, swallowing saliva, ear massage, nose rubbing, eye rolling, facial massage, hair combing, anal contraction, foot rubbing, and abdominal massage. Each of these simple actions boasts distinct health benefits, contributing to Emperor Qianlong’s robust health and longevity.
Teeth Clacking: This action strengthens the periodontal ligaments, keeps teeth firm, reduces the risk of tooth loss, and stimulates the facial muscles and blood flow to the brain, potentially enhancing memory and concentration.
Swallowing Saliva: In traditional Chinese medicine, saliva is deemed a “golden liquid,” valuable for preventing and treating various ailments. Regularly swallowing saliva purifies the body, maintains fresh breath, and boosts the immune system.
Ear Massage: Massaging the ears helps maintain good hearing, prevents age-related hearing loss, and stimulates important acupoints in the ears, thus balancing the body’s energy.
Nose Rubbing: Rubbing the nose by warming the palms and gently stroking the sides of the nostrils can help prevent colds, nasal inflammation, and improve respiration.
Eye Rolling: The habit of rolling the eyes strengthens eyesight, prevents eye strain and blurred vision, and maintains long-term eye health.
Facial Massage: Massaging the face improves blood circulation beneath the skin, minimizes wrinkles, and maintains a youthful and radiant complexion. It also helps reduce stress and relaxes facial muscles.
Hair Combing: Regular hair combing stimulates the scalp, improves blood circulation, and promotes healthy hair growth. It also helps reduce stress and induces a sense of relaxation.
Anal Contraction: This practice is beneficial for maintaining pelvic health, preventing prostate inflammation, and chronic digestive issues, especially in the elderly.
Foot Rubbing: Rubbing the feet before bed is an effective health regimen, relaxing the muscles, improving blood circulation, and stimulating vital acupoints. This can help reduce stress, enhance sleep quality, and boost overall health.
Abdominal Massage: This is a well-known healthcare method in traditional medicine, regulating digestive functions and alleviating symptoms like indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, and related issues.
Alongside the ten “dos,” Emperor Qianlong adhered to two “don’ts” to maintain his health and prolong his life:
Not Talking While Eating: This rule aids better digestion and absorption of food, preventing issues like choking or blockage caused by improperly chewed or swallowed food.
Not Talking While Lying Down: Talking while reclining can harm the lungs and stimulate nerves, affecting sleep quality. This is particularly crucial for maintaining lung and respiratory health.
Emperor Qianlong’s “10:2” method wasn’t just a simple health regimen but a philosophy that guided his life, enabling him to maintain his health and mental acuity throughout his reign. His dedication to these habits helped him overcome the challenges of aging, sustain good health, and achieve a remarkable longevity that is admired even today.